FAQs on Open-Back Banjos vs. Resonator Banjos

Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2004 10:32:55 -0600

I would like to purchase a banjo but have never played before. I see open
back and ones with a resonator.I am wondering if people only play clawhammer
and frailing on an open back? If I purchased an open back could I use the
three finger with picks method or is that not done????

Greetings Glenn,

Yes, the open-back and the resonator model banjos are two different instruments entirely...

The open-back traditionally has almost always been played in the frailing style and sometimes in the two-finger style...the resonator model is almost always played in the 3-finger style...

Now, structurally, the open-back is designed for the more strum approach offered by frailing...the sound does not bounce around in a resonator assembly...so frailing sound more harmonious on an open-back. The resonator models are designed for the definition offered by 3-finger approaches...when frailing on a resonator model, the sound becomes somewhat muddy.

Many students, learning both frailing and 3-finger styles, will start with an open-back...since, the open-back will not impeded your progress as a 3-finger stylist...only, if and when playing bluegrass within a band context, it's more accepted to have a resonator model for the projection especially.

There are some beginner level banjos that allow you to convert from reosnator to open-back conveniently...these banjos do not have flanges...for example, check out the Gold Tone BG-250...

Be sure to check out some of our open-back video samplers...I use a three-finger approach on them more than I frail...
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page319.htm

Please get back with me if you have further questions...Mickey

Regards,
Glenn Hickman
Assistant IT Manager

Date: Fri, 06 Sep 2002 14:40:16 -0500

what does sawmill gDGCD mean?

This is a Modal tuning, also called "Mountain Minor"...Great for certain songs that have that modal feel...very popular in frailing styles...captures that Appalachian "sound"...

which banjo would give me a Gillian Wech sound

I'm not sure...I must apologize for not ever hearing this person play.

Canyou pleay any resonator banjo without it for openback sound or just
the GoldTones (250) models

There are other resonator banjos that have removable backs for open-back styles:

Deering makes a pop-off resonator model for their Sierra models...it's very difficult to find one banjo that covers every style...this would come the closest. I would recommend having an open-back for traditional frailing and a resonator model for other genres. If you can only afford one banjo, try to buy the best one you can for the money...and determine what style of banjo playing appeals to you the most. Upon deciding this, let this dictate your purchase choice between open-backs or resonator models.

your web site is the best for someone who knew nothing to start with.

Thanks for the kind words...Mickey