As the name suggests, ‘resonator’ banjos resonate more than open back banjos and therefore produce a louder sound. Open back banjos are quieter and more subdued tonally as some of the sound escapes through the back towards the player. The design of resonator banjos means the sound is captured in the enclosed chamber (‘pot’) and propelled forwards out of the front of the banjo – making them naturally louder and brighter.

For those of you who have experienced playing an open back and resonator banjo side by side, you’ll have immediately noticed a marked difference in their tonal character and volume.