Banjo Question?

Question:What sounds better? An open backed banjo or a closed back one? What is the difference? I'm interested in buying one (I play guitar and would like to broaden my instrumental skills) but I don't know much about the banjo's structural-related sounds and so on.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: What sounds better? An open backed banjo or a closed back one? What is the difference? I'm interested in buying one (I play guitar and would like to broaden my instrumental skills) but I don't know much about the banjo's structural-related sounds and so on.

The resonator on a "closed" banjo increases the volume. It only has a small effect on the tone. A 5 string with a resonator is standard in Bluegrass because the single notes have to be heard over the guitar chords. In softer music, like folk songs, an open back blends in better. They are usually played differently also - a resonator banjo is usually played 3-finger style with finger picks, an open back is usually played "clawhammer" style, giving it a more "old-timey" sound. On some you can easily take the resonator on and off - like the Deering John Hartford model.
There are also 4 string banjos like the "plectrum" used in Dixieland Jazz and the Irish Tenor that plays melodies like a mandolin. They usually have a resonator - but not always.
A good on-line source is www.elderly.com.

closed is better. the open back has a tinny sound

The resonance in a banjo, violin, guitar, or any type of instrument like that happens in the body. Without a back, the resonance can't happen. I'd really recommend a closed-back banjo unless you're interested mostly in the electric sound.

Actually a wolverine mauling a cat sounds better than both of those.

Closed....that's just my opinion....your the one who has to decide which one sounds better to your ear, have you played both ???? That what counts....your the one who has to like it, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks...your going for the sound that you like !!!!!!!!!!