The Dirty Thirties Resonator Banjo is an excellent starter instrument. Featuring a bell brass cast tone ring, one-piece banjo flange, and dual coordinator rods – more features than most entry-level banjos at this price range!
This banjo uses an excellent 24-hook pickup system which makes tuning much simpler.
Sound
Resonator banjos are beloved instruments due to their distinctive sound. The resonator adds volume when played with a pick and gives an authentic tone when strumming with fingers alone.
Resonators are circular pieces of wood attached to the banjo’s rim and head that provide sound reflection. Made from rock maple or other types of woods, their different sound qualities can significantly impact its tone.
Remove the Resonator to Create an Open-Back Banjo: Though possible, taking out the resonator from a banjo to recreate an open-back sound may not be easy or effective; doing so could also significantly dampen its tone. There are screws (more like bolts) connecting it to its flange that require professional assistance to disassemble; being fairly heavy also makes carrying it uncomfortable or transportable and may make dorm room living unadvisable if there’s someone nearby looking.
Construction
Banjos are complex instruments with distinct tones depending on how they’re made. Resonator banjos will often sound louder due to having a sound chamber known as the pot or resonator that amplifies sounds produced when strings are plucked.
Resonator banjos also feature a metal tone ring to improve their sound by eliminating dead spots that may develop around its head, creating brighter and more consistent tones from their soundboard.
To play a resonator banjo, start by tuning the instrument to match your chosen song and strumming with a pick. Once you’ve become proficient at simple melodies, progress on to more challenging chords. To keep your resonator banjo in good condition, be sure to regularly inspect its neck, fingerboard and bridge for wear; tune the instrument as necessary and lubricate its tuning pegs, bridge and head to maintain sound quality.
Styles
Resonator banjos feature a hard, circular back called a resonator that projects sound from plucked strings when plucked, making them incredibly popular with bluegrass musicians who require louder instruments.
However, if you don’t play bluegrass and are less concerned with being heard at jam sessions, removing the resonator may result in a more open and mellow sound resembling that of an open back banjo; though keep in mind resonator models tend to be heavier.
The Goodtime stands out from its competition by featuring planetary tuners instead of guitar tuners that are typically found on department store banjos. While this might make or break your decision-making, it should certainly be taken into consideration as any banjo buyer. Furthermore, it’s one of only few banjos within its price range with a geared fifth string tuner to help maintain tuning stability.
Value
Many of the same companies that produce high-end banjos also produce less costly models aimed at beginner players, which tend to be well crafted and provide exceptional value for beginners. One such instrument is the Recording King RK-R35 which boasts all of the hallmarks of great banjos with enough high end cut to produce crisp sound even at very loud volumes. While initial setup can give beginners an incorrect impression of quality, once adjusted properly it can rival far more expensive banjos in terms of sound production and playability.
To determine the maximum value of a banjo, check Craigs List and Ebay for similar instruments in your area that are listed for sale. Be sure to consider both condition of instrument as well as whether or not a guitar-style tuner exists on it – these tend to indicate higher quality instruments than older wood threaded coordinator rod instruments with wood threaded coordinator rods.