Resonator Banjos feature a curved back that amplifies and projects their sound forward, making them popular among bluegrass musicians but they can also be used for other genres.
Resonators not only increase volume but also alter its tone. Their effect can be likened to that of a guitar with a tone ring.
Bluegrass
Though most commonly associated with bluegrass music, resonator banjo is also widely played across other genres like country and jazz. Learning the banjo is relatively straightforward: tuning the strings, then strumming simple melodies. Over time you may build up to playing more complex chords or harmonies.
Early bluegrass pioneers often relied on resonator banjos. Ralph Stanley’s clawhammer style made the instrument especially well suited to him, although he also employed Gibson RB5 and Neat Stanleytone archtop banjos.
Hybrid instruments that combine the body of a banjo with another instrument’s neck such as guitar or mandolin have long been popular, as they allow musicians to learn both styles at the same time while providing excellent acoustic sound quality. Maintenance must also be regularly performed on these hybrid instruments to avoid damage and wear and tear.
Country
Banjos have long been used as an integral component of country music, adding an edge of southern charm. But their application goes well beyond country. The 5-string banjo can also add flair and ambiance in various other musical styles.
Banjo music spans many genres, from bluegrass to folk. The banjo’s roots lie in West Africa; it was brought over to America via enslaved Africans who brought it over as slaves. Early banjos featured gourd bodies covered with animal skin or animal hide as the “pot”. Nowadays most pot banjos are typically constructed out of wood with metal “tone ring” assemblies designed to clarify and project their sound more efficiently.
Some banjos feature resonators to increase volume, making them better suited to genres that demand louder instruments such as bluegrass. Other banjos may feature open backs for softer and quieter sound quality. Resonator choice depends on an artist’s aesthetic preferences as well as desired tonal characteristics – some are mounted flange-mounted while others can be integrated directly into their body.
Jazz
Banjos are versatile instruments that can be utilized across numerous genres of music. Their characteristic, twangy sound adds a distinct character to any arrangement, while jazz often relies upon banjos to produce complex and intricate rhythmic progressions that define this genre of music.
Resonator banjos are specialized banjos with metal resonators in the back pot that help amplify and project their sound, making them particularly well suited to bluegrass and country music. Resonator banjos can also be found popularly used in jazz.
To keep your banjo in top condition, it is essential that it is regularly inspected and cleaned. Be sure to inspect tuning pegs, bridge, and tone ring for wear and tear; as well as lubricate fretboard regularly with fretboard lube; replace strings as necessary and store in a dry area away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
Rock
While 5-string banjos were once the go-to instrument of bluegrass music, their use declined as guitarist strumming became more widely practiced during the 1950s due to being more portable and versatile than its counterpart. Many musicians turned instead towards using guitar strumming as their chosen musical instrument of expression.
To overcome this hurdle, a special banjo was developed with a metal resonator that amplified and projected the instrument’s sound more loudly than its open-back counterpart, while also increasing tone quality and creating a fuller and richer tone quality overall.
Resonator banjos have become an integral part of music from country and jazz to bluegrass and beyond, adding their signature sound to any musical arrangement. From learning bluegrass to adding originality to your sound, resonator banjos offer musicians of any genre an attractive option that is suitable for them! Plus, with so many styles and sizes to choose from, there is sure to be one suitable for anyone!