Any comments/ideas appreciated.Andy. As mentioned above, if you intend to play bluegrass music, you’re probably best selecting a resonator banjo, for the louder, twangier sound most … I like Bill Rickard having the two-layer, (don't know the term) flange.The people above are right about the rez. There aren''t any." You might also want to look at the Banjo Hangout Classified section. Deering makes some banjos with bracket shoes and some with solid flanges. Simply remove the resonator thumb screws, and remove the hook nuts that attach the brackets and you’re done! That's the beauty of the two piece flange. The main difference is that a resonator banjo has a wooden “bowl” mounted to the back of the sound chamber (the “pot”), which projects the sound toward an audience. One size does not fit all. Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/152878, http://www.banjohangout.org/forum/t...IC_ID=150307, 'What banjo today comes close to the Scruggs mastertone sound? All Forums The next size up is 11/16ths, although that might not be available at your local music store. Just my 2 cents....Some resonator banjos (many are setup to play with picks/bluegrass) will have a lower bridge which will make clawhammer more challenging for a beginner. Whether or not you remove your resonator (IMHO) should be determined by your own preferences, not the stylistic choices of others. With the extra wood on the back, the resonator banjo weighs a little more. I hope I'm not making a mistake by not going with the Deering as I have heard many suggest. But even taking up open-back banjo seems like less of a leap when there are hours of additional free time to get over the new hurdles. Now I would likely use a different bracket for mounting a resonator on your banjo, but those are difficult to buy after market. You just don't seem to have understood the first two answers, which basically said what i just said in my first paragraph. I simply unscrewed the four screws holding on the resonator. You certainly couldn't just stick some random resonator on there. Tone has to do with many things. Loud and bright! I think my wife will appreciate the Gold Tone a lot and hhopefully it will inspire her to play and stick with it. Heavier strings are a good starting place. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Copyright 2020 Banjo Hangout. DVD-quality lessons (including tabs/sheet music) available for immediate viewing on any device. On most "entry level" banjos, the resonator is attached with small brackets, independent of the tension hooks, and can be removed easily. If you really feel the need to have a "higher" action for clawing you can always buy a taller bridge. Take your playing to the next level with the help of a local or online banjo teacher. I think it makes sense to either play with the resonator, or get an open back. Best to allow inexperienced players to experiment as to what makes the most sense for them. The next thing you need to focus on is the type of banjos. oldwoodchuckb - Posted - 06/25/2014:  02:22:49. Some resonators are easier to remove than others.  Other Banjo-Related Topics Weekly newsletter includes free lessons, favorite member content, banjo news and more. Yes, you can add a resonator to any Goodtime openback banjo with an 11" rim. I set my banjo strings down on two pillows to help keep all the hooks in place as I unscrewed them. Does your wife have a particular reason for wanting to play a banjo w/o resonator? Type of Banjo. I learned on an open back instrument set up for bluegrass practice - no problem, because I was as new to clawhammer as any beginning clawer. Most cheap banjos are open back, which is great for folk and old-time, but less so for bluegrass. Do what YOU think sounds good. DVD-quality lessons (including tabs/sheet music) available for immediate viewing on any device. Be sure to get a taller bridge if it's not already on the banjo you choose. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/152878, Chammer - Posted - 07/15/2009:  11:21:42, I have a Deering Sierra and am considering converting it, if possible/practical, to an open-back, as I am getting more interested old-time vs. BG. Click to browse current inventory! My question is whether an open back is specifically designed for it's purpose or can a resonator banjo with the resonator removed serve the same purpose for clawhammer open back style?I'm probably not phrasing the question very well.Thanks for the answer. Dale Morris - Posted - 06/23/2014:  07:28:57. Not if you learn on a banjo with fairly low action. '. (_)====''===::}, Edited by - Helix on 07/16/2009 03:27:15, rexhunt - Posted - 07/16/2009:  04:07:27, Are the bracket bands a drop-in replacement for a Gibson style one piece flange? Culloden - Posted - 06/23/2014:  15:56:08, For all those who have posted about playing clawhammer style on a resonator banjo, you have made a good point. We were all free to choose what we liked. My wife prefers the more modest sound too in a small house.http://missionmeanderings.wordpress.com/. He shook his head and said something to the effect of "Loudest Whyte Laydie I ever heard." She probably plays on her lap, or to the side, the rez clips can be sharp edged.The RK25 is a tube and plate, and a tube only openback is my favorite. It sounds like you may want to play the banjo while sitting, am I correct. 3 hrs. But the decision between open back or resonator banjo is made easier if the type of music to be played is taken into consideration.