Purchasing an open back banjo can be the perfect accompaniment to bluegrass music or old-time clawhammer styles, providing louder sounds for solo performance or smaller to medium crowds that require louder volumes of sound.
However, if you prefer playing with other people then a resonator banjo may be more suitable.
Choosing a Banjo
As a beginner banjo player, an open back banjo may be your best choice. These models tend to be cheaper than their resonator counterparts while still producing great sound. Open back banjos are ideal for bluegrass music and other genres that involve extensive fingerpicking.
Open-back banjos tend to be easier for novice players to pick up than their counterparts with resonators, plus you can upgrade later by installing one or both components.
Quality open-back banjo models can be purchased for around $200, and these models are comparable to more costly options. Therefore, if you’re uncertain whether banjo playing will become your passion or hobby, investing in something like the Gold Tone AC-1 or Recording King Dirty Thirties may be wise as these come complete with gig bags and are reliable options if that’s all that’s important to you right now. For serious players though a quality teacher, method book, and ample practice time may be more suitable options for those serious about learning this instrument – for this you need quality instruction, great banjo method book as well as time to practice.
Open Back Banjos vs. Resonator Banjos
Resonators make a major difference when selecting 5-string banjos. Open back banjos do not feature resonators and therefore produce softer and quieter tones that make them an excellent choice for clawhammer style music and other traditional genres that prefer subdued sounds.
Resonator banjos are louder and brighter, making them suitable for bluegrass music genres. Beginners might start off with an open back banjo which is cheaper and simpler to play, allowing them to become familiar with playing before spending too much money on expensive equipment.
People often advise buying the best banjo within their budget, but starting off with something affordable yet decent (such as a GoldTone CC50 or Recording King Dirty Thirties) could be wiser until you know which type suits your personal taste best. Be wary not to go too low as that might end up leaving you frustrated by playing banjo! Just don’t go too low or else it will become something you detest playing banjo altogether.
The Sound of an Open Back Banjo
Your choice between open back or resonator banjo will depend upon which style fits best with your musical genre preferences. For bluegrass players, opting for a resonator will amplify your sound more efficiently during jam sessions, amplifying its sound more effectively so it can be heard by others playing along.
If you play traditional or folk music, an open-back banjo will provide a smoother and softer sound than its resonator counterpart, plus it may weigh less and be cheaper overall.
Keep in mind that open-back banjos allow for the addition of resonators as well, so if you aren’t sure which to purchase, if unsure, consider purchasing one with one built in. Most models feature 3-4 screws (more like bolts) you can take off and on easily to alter its sound; doing this process typically only takes minutes but could make a huge impactful statement about your instrument!
The Sound of a Resonator Banjo
Many banjo newcomers don’t realize there are two distinct kinds of five-string banjos or that their tonal characteristics differ between open-back and resonator models; others mistakenly believe they must select either old time or bluegrass styles of banjo to play music effectively.
Resonator banjos are ideal for bluegrass music, as their loud sound stands out as an lead instrument. Resonator banjos feature a bowl-shaped part (known as the “resonator”) attached to the back of their drum which emits their distinct sound; different wood species such as rock maple, ash, mahogany or walnut affect this tone; drums may also be made out of these materials while tone rings that rest just underneath their heads also have an influence over its tone and sound of this instrument.