Most banjo beginners begin on an open back model as these models tend to weigh less and be less costly – making them ideal for starting off. Resonator models may later become necessary.
These banjos feature a more subdued tone. Some players may opt to remove the resonator, which can significantly lessen its sound output.
Easy to play
Banjos may initially seem similar to guitars, with slightly more twang. However, banjos offer much greater structural variety and technical challenges for creative expression than their guitar counterparts. If you’re serious about old-time banjo, an open back model should be your choice for maximum clawhammer ability; although many accomplished clawhammer players like Ralph Stanley and Stringbean were adept with using resonator models (resembling Ralph Stanley) it can make learning this delicate style simpler.
An open back banjo offers easy transportation, making it perfect for playing at home or with friends without breaking the bank. Beginners on a budget may also find these instruments beneficial – some models even come equipped with gig bags!
Easier to transport
When traveling with a banjo, it’s essential to plan how it will be packed and shipped. A proper shipping method will protect against damage during transport; ensure you use sturdy boxes, packing materials, signature confirmation or insurance to give yourself peace of mind.
An open back banjo doesn’t feature a back, making it lighter than its resonator counterparts. However, keep in mind that open back models typically produce quieter and less powerful sounds due to lack of wooden bowl. Resonator models feature this attachment which projects their sound into an audience for listening enjoyment.
This open-back banjo is perfect for old-timey clawhammer style playing and features a great sound and easy playing action, making it an excellent option for beginners or children. Plus, it comes complete with its own gig bag, tuner, capo, and set of strings!
Less expensive
Beginners often opt for open back banjos due to their lower cost than resonator models – making them an excellent choice if money is tight and they don’t want to invest too much into an instrument right off the bat.
There are also plenty of affordable options that offer decent quality for their price, such as the Gold Tone CC50 or Recording King Dirty Thirties banjo, both designed to give beginners an enjoyable playing experience and are lightweight enough for travel. These banjos deliver sound with ease while being lightweight enough for beginners.
Not everyone finds them suitable. For instance, if your ideal banjo should have loud and full-bodied tones then an open back banjo may not be suitable as its body typically uses soft materials like plastic and wood laminate that don’t resonate well, making them less versatile than metal instruments.
More versatile
For versatile use in various situations, an open back banjo may be the optimal choice. These versatile instruments can be utilized from bluegrass to country music genres and even amplified for use within bands.
Banjos with open backs can also be more versatile. If you want to learn clawhammer or old-time music, an open-back banjo may be better suited than its counterpart, while for bluegrass or more modern genres a resonator might be more suitable.
Open back banjos offer several distinct advantages over their resonator counterparts in terms of adaptability. Electronic components, like pickups and miniature microphones can easily be added without permanently altering the instrument, making them suitable for large audiences or studio recording without compromising tone quality or tuning issues that would arise with other types of banjos such as resonators which can often prove tricky to tune and sound muddy.