Banjo Buying Guide Openback vs Resonator

The first question every new banjo player asks is the same one: openback or resonator? The answer depends on the music you want to play.

What a resonator does

A resonator is the wooden bowl on the back of the banjo. It throws the sound forward, so the banjo is louder and brighter. That is the sound of bluegrass, played with fingerpicks in the three-finger style.

What an openback is

An openback banjo has no resonator. It is lighter, a little quieter and warmer. It is the traditional choice for old-time music and clawhammer playing, and plenty of folk players prefer it.

Which one first

If you know you want to play bluegrass in a group, start with a resonator. If you are not sure yet, an openback is lighter on the lap and easier on the budget, and you can learn either style on it.

The Deering Goodtime openback is made in California and is a common first banjo. The Goodtime Two is the same idea with a resonator. The Gold Tone AC-1 is a lighter-priced way in.

Do not skip the setup

A banjo has more adjustable parts than a guitar: head tension, bridge position, tailpiece and neck angle all change how it sounds and plays. We set up every banjo on our bench in Athens before it ships.

See all of our banjos.