Deering’s most popular resonator banjo features a bell brass cast tone ring and one-piece banjo flange with dual coordinator rods for optimal playback.
Though not offering as much punch and volume, this instrument makes for a great starting point. Additionally, it comes equipped with a geared fifth tuner – perfect for beginner musicians!
The Resonator
There can be much confusion regarding the difference between resonator banjos and open-back ones, particularly among new banjo players who do not yet understand what resonators are or why some banjos contain one while others don’t; even among those who know more, much misinformation circulates that can add further confusion to this subject matter.
Resonator banjos feature a hollow chamber on the back that helps make them louder, making them suitable for bluegrass music which uses finger picks and demands that each instrument can be heard over one another. An open-back banjo may be more suitable for clawhammer style playing which relies on all instruments playing together rather than one being loud leader; open-backs also make great choices for college students wanting to practice in dorm rooms without disturbing other residents; it may even be possible to remove its resonator to further dampen sound levels considerably!
The Neck
At first, newcomers to banjo can be bewildered as to why some banjos come equipped with “resonators”, while others don’t, nor what exactly the purpose of said “resonator” is. Furthermore, some novice players make the mistaken assumption that selecting either an open-back banjo or one with a resonator ties them down to two specific styles of 5-string playing – thus further confusing matters!
The neck is the long wooden piece connecting the head and body, used for playing banjo. Necks come in various shapes and sizes made of maple of various grain hardness or mahogany or walnut woods; additionally, bridge attachment is attached via this neck. Furthermore, cracks (particularly near its connection point to the rest of the banjo), large gaps or unusual angles should be checked regularly as these could indicate cracked parts that should be replaced immediately.
The Bridge
Resonator Banjos feature a curved bowl attached to the back of their instrument that helps project and amplify their sound, making resonator banjos especially popular among bluegrass and country music performers.
Resonator banjo bridges also play an essential role in shaping its tone and feel. Many professional players opt for taller bridges than the standard Deering 5 string bridge (commonly referred to as ‘biscuits’) to produce more volume from their strings.
Another factor affecting brightness and tone is how closely the bridge contacts the banjo head, which has an impactful influence on brightness and tone of strings. Thinner, lighter bridges have less contact with it for brighter snappier sound; however, too thin of a bridge could lead to mechanical sag under string tension leading to fret buzz and buzzing sounds.
The Strings
Banjo strings can make a noticeable difference to its sound, so it is wise to experiment with various gauges of strings before selecting one that sounds and feels best for your banjo. Keep in mind that even strings from different manufacturers with similar nominal gauge can sound different due to variances in alloy content and manufacturing processes.
Consider also the quality of materials and craftsmanship used in building your resonator banjo of choice to determine its resonance, comfort of playing, durability over time and overall durability. This will determine its overall success.
Resonator banjos are ideal for bluegrass and old time music since these styles often employ unaccompanied or minimal accompaniment by other instruments. An open back banjo may sound equally impressive for folk, classical, acoustic indie banjo styles; open back banjos can even be equipped with an effective mutes on their bridge to lessen sound considerably.