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Post by banjosam on Jan 25, 2009 19:27:58 GMT
Why do claw hammer players favour Open backed Banjos and Bluegrass players use Banjos with resonators? Also I have got a Banjo with a resonator and lately I have been trying to play a bit of claw hammer on it will that effect the overall sound of my playing? Any help on this will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks, BanjoSam |
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Post by Danny on Jan 25, 2009 22:42:38 GMT
Hi Sam
I'm by no means certain, but I THINK it goes summat like this.
Frailing (or clawhammer if you prefer) is an older style, and started out on older style (i.e. open back) banjos.
As Bluegrass came along, it got popular, people started playing it at bigger venues and events to more people, and wanted to get a./ heard (remember that microphones, if you had any at all would probably have been used exclusively for singing into) and b./ noticed. The resonator projected the sound outwoulds, and it made you look fancier, especially when it's (along with the rest of the banjo) has been decorated with fancy inlays, gold hardeware etc.
Basically it was a quest for volume combined with showing off.
Just my 2 cents anyhow
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Post by banjosam on Jan 26, 2009 17:34:29 GMT
Hi Danny.
I thought it was to do with sound but I wasn't sure. Thanks for your help.
;D
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Post by Danny on Jan 26, 2009 18:25:59 GMT
No problem mate, I'm probably not 100% correct, but that should cover most of it
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Post by patrick on Jan 29, 2009 14:11:41 GMT
The whole open-back thing is actually pretty new. Grandpa Jones, Streanbean, Uncle Dave and most of the frailing banjo players between the 20's and 70's used resonator banjos.
-Patrick
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Post by Danny on Jan 29, 2009 16:57:27 GMT
Open backs look better to me, my 1st banjo had a resonator and that got ripped off within about 10 minutes
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Post by georgiaguy on Feb 2, 2009 16:35:53 GMT
Open backs look better to me, my 1st banjo had a resonator and that got ripped off within about 10 minutes I like the open backs better as well. My current banjo has a resonator on it, but that will be solved once the S-1 gets here. My current banjo will go to my girlfriend, who is learning to play, and she can decide whether to keep it on there or not. |
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Post by Danny on Feb 2, 2009 17:44:24 GMT
You've got a girl who likes banjo?  ?? KEEP HOLD OF THAT ONE! |
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Post by georgiaguy on Feb 2, 2009 19:46:49 GMT
You've got a girl who likes banjo? ?? KEEP HOLD OF THAT ONE! I hear ya.  |
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Post by Danny on Feb 2, 2009 20:14:51 GMT
Does she have a sister?
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Post by georgiaguy on Feb 2, 2009 23:24:33 GMT
Yep, and in a great state, Kentucky. But I don't think her husband would be too keen on her dating. |
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Post by patrick on Feb 3, 2009 15:57:28 GMT
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Post by georgiaguy on Feb 3, 2009 23:44:06 GMT
That was just too funny, Patrick. I'm afraid I must report that we both seem to have the same sense of humor. |
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Post by thatbanjoplayer on Feb 22, 2009 18:58:18 GMT
All of my banjos are open back, but I bought a Deering John Hartford banjo a year and a half ago with the pop-off resonator with the express purpose of having a banjo that could be heard while playing in large jam session. My 12" pot open back Chuck Lee banjo does put some sound out while playing with a pick on, but it's nice not have to to put so much energy into playing in a large group. Plus I can take the resonator off when I want to :-)
Jody
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nat
New Member
Posts: 24 
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Post by nat on Jun 18, 2009 23:38:35 GMT
My banjo came with a resonator, which I promptly removed. Although I have to confess it was partly just to reduce the bulk. I'm a tad on the petite side (read: short) so taking off the resonator made my life a bit easier!
I also just prefer how it sounds as an open back.
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?? KEEP HOLD OF THAT ONE!
