For bluegrass music, resonator banjos are ideal. Being louder and better suited to group picking styles associated with bluegrass genre, these instruments can deliver on all fronts.
However, for clawhammer or other old time styles of music, an open back banjo will suffice just as effectively. Simply loosen and remove its thumbscrews for an resonator banjo to create this type of instrument.
Variations in the Body
There are various elements that contribute to the tone of an open back banjo, with size of head and tone ring being of paramount importance. Banjos come equipped with various rings ranging from steel to brass and aluminum that can alter its sound; also, type of rim/tone ring can have an impactful impact.
Hardware choices also play an integral part. Some banjos utilize a nut that allows for tuning changes while others utilize dual coordinator rods to easily adjust neck angles – these modern innovations make adjustments far simpler than earlier single truss rods which required taking apart and refitting necks to make changes.
Another factor is whether or not your banjo features a resonator. If your aim is to play bluegrass music, having one will help your instrument sound louder in jam sessions alongside other musicians; however, an open back banjo might be better suited to you if your style requires three finger picks instead of louder resonatorsed banjo.
Variations in the Neck
The neck is where players place their fingers to play the strings on a banjo, and can vary greatly in terms of length and shape depending on which banjo they prefer (such as Goodtime II with an additional fret on its fifth string peg allowing for more keys like Bb and C) while others favor shorter neck banjos such as Goodtime I with no fret for fifth string playing in keys like Bb and C). Neck size and shape also impact how easily one moves fingers across fingerboard and how comfortable the instrument feels in hand.
While any type of banjo can be used to play any style, open back banjos tend to be preferred when performing clawhammer and traditional music genres where a more subdued sound is desired. Their lack of resonator also makes it lighter and easier for traveling musicians. To find your ideal banjo model, visit your local music store and try a few models before making a decision.
Variations in the Sound
An open back banjo’s sound depends on the type of wood used. Harder varieties produce brighter tones while softer varieties create deeper tones. Furthermore, its overall volume can fluctuate based on which clothing and body parts absorb some of its sound production.
These variations do not have a huge effect on the sound of an open-back banjo; rather, they tend to produce more muted and lightweight tones that lend themselves more naturally for clawhammer or frailing styles of play.
Resonator banjos tend to be less costly, making them ideal for beginners or musicians with tight budgets. Furthermore, their lightweight nature makes them great for travel or musicians looking for an easier banjo experience when travelling or playing concerts on-stage. Reputable brands and vendors such as Oscar Schmidt, Deering, Gold Tone Washburn Recording King offer wide selections of open-back banjos that accommodate various five string playing styles.
Variations in the Price
Open back banjos tend to be less costly than their resonator counterparts, making them ideal for beginner players on a budget. But that does not equate to any compromise in sound quality: many of these instruments still deliver warm and mellow tones ideal for genres such as folk or clawhammer music.
A banjo player who specializes in bluegrass may prefer a resonator model as its sound tends to be louder and twangier than that produced by an open back banjo; however, those interested in traditional or mountain music styles might find an open back version to be just as versatile due to its more nuanced and delicate sound quality.
No matter which banjo type they select, players should visit local music stores to try a range of instruments prior to making a decision. This will enable them to quickly determine which instruments feel the most natural in their hands and which produce sounds they prefer.