Subject: Banjo
Date: Sun, 12 Sep 2004 00:39:36 -0400

Hello:

Greetings,

I'm glad to assist:

I'm a multi-instrumentalist looking to add banjo to my repertoire. However, I'm having problems deciding whether or not to buy an open-back or one with a resonator.

This can be a dilemma...no doubt, the style of music pursued would be the main deciding factor...

Here's the basis for my dilemma, there's aren't any consistent characteristics amongst my current abilities. I play instruments with a dull, mellow sounds (such as classical guitar) and instruments with a bright sound (such as violin/fiddle). Also, I play many styles including classical, folk, country, and various types of rock. I've heard that going without a resonator is good for folk or classical, but which is good for country and also acceptable for classical. What would you, someone that knows banjos, recommend?

Now, I would sum it up simply: I've found a higher end open-back will far surpass a resonator banjo in many ways if applying to a variety of styles such as you've listed above. If you will be playing in a band context, with drums and bass, and will be using a pick-up system...it seems that the open-back has far less feedback issues...and, it's quite easy to stuff a t-shirt between the coordinator rod and the head and ensure less feedback...without having to remove a resonator beforehand...while, the open-back seems to be more adaptive to classical and folk music too. In my opinion, the main reason to have a resonator banjo would be to play in a bluegrass setting where projection becomes critical...and, of course, where the resonator banjo is the accepted standard. I've still found the resonator banjo to be somewhat versatile...ragtime and classical sounds good on them too. Only, these styles sound exceptional on an open-back.

I have a Wildwood Heirloom that I use for most all styles of music except bluegrass...now, this includes using the 3-finger approach not just frailing...as many expect the open-back to be approached in a frailing/clawhammer approach. Yes, the open-back is the standard for this approach; however, I'd have to say, with enthused emphasis, that the open-back also works well with a traditional classical fingerstyle approach...or the 3-finger approach utilizing fingerpicks and a thumbpick.

P.S. And have a nice day, unless you don't want to; whatever you decide is fine by me. I suggest a nice day, but I'm not going to sit here and demand you have a nice day.

Thanks, yes, I've had a very fine day...thanks for the suggestion...and keep on pickin', Mickey