Bluegrass Resonator Banjos
Bluegrass banjos are designed for bluegrass music but are sometimes used for other types of music as well. The resonator on the back re-directs sound toward the front of the banjo, making it significantly louder. Resonators also help to create a tone that is deeper and more complex, a characteristic of bluegrass banjos.
Five-string banjos that lack a resonator are referred to as “open back” banjos, frequently played in “clawhammer” style, while finger picks are normally used to play bluegrass banjos.
Deciding between open-back and resonator? Our open-back vs resonator banjo guide explains the difference.
New to the bluegrass sound? Read our guide to the best bluegrass banjos.
The Gold Tone CC-100R is the best beginner banjo at this price. Maple neck and rim, rolled brass tone ring, two-way adjustable truss rod, and a convertible resonator/openback design. Professionally set up at Banjo Warehouse in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Gig bag included.
A 1988 Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard from the sought-after Greg Rich era. Serial number 1209, among the first hundred of the new model, and signed by Greg Rich on the head and inside the rim. Curly maple neck and resonator, AFP Kulesh tone ring, Gibson Keith tuners, in very good condition from a collector. Set up by our banjo tech Tara and shipped with its original Gibson USA case and a custom Greg Rich pickguard.
The Deering Goodtime Two adds a resonator to the beloved Goodtime platform for more volume and projection. 3-ply violin grade maple rim paired with a 3-ply maple resonator produces a rich, golden bluegrass tone. Art Deco inspired hardwood inlays. US Bronze powder finished flange and hardware. Handcrafted in Spring Valley, California. $849 with free shipping and professional setup by our banjo tech Tara. Made in the USA.
This vintage 1980s Fender Leo banjo was made in Japan to Gibson specs and features a full-size tone ring, 10-ply maple shell, and pro setup. A semi-pro banjo at a beginner price.
The Gold Tone OB-150 is the most affordable professional-grade bluegrass banjo we carry. 20-hole flat top bell brass tone ring, 3-ply Canadian maple rim, one-piece cast flange, dual coordinator rods, GT planetary tuners, vintage brown satin finish. 11.5 lbs. Professionally set up at Banjo Warehouse in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Hardshell case included.
1970s/1980s Vintage Japanese Aria Pro II Banjo with hard-shell case. These phenomenal instruments were built during the Golden Age of Japanese banjo building.
The double-cut headstock, combined with the Hearts-and-Flowers inlay pattern, says it all. The OB-Standard respects the GOAT Bluegrass banjoist, Earl Scruggs, who played this banjo style for many years.
The Gold Tone AC-5 is the lightest resonator banjo we carry at $499.99. Composite rim and resonator deliver full bluegrass volume at just 5.5 lbs. Maple neck, ZeroGlide nut, two-way adjustable truss rod, Terminator tailpiece, Remo head. Professionally set up at Banjo Warehouse in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Includes gig bag.
A Madison-series resonator banjo with the same 3-ply steam-bent maple rim as the best-selling RK-ELITE-75, plus a pre-war-style bell brass cast tone ring and one-piece flange.
Rare 1987 Stelling One-Bird Virginian from the original Philadelphia owner. Gold-plated and heavily hand-engraved with the proprietary Stelling tone ring, mother-of-pearl Cardinal peghead inlay, and walnut neck and resonator. Gold plating refreshed in April 2026 by Huber Banjos. Serial 3149. Original case and paperwork included.
A 1992 Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard Golden Deluxe from the Greg Rich era, serial 92-06 and the sixth of the model built. Curly maple in a deep sunburst, gold engraved hardware, full hearts and flowers inlay, a 20-hole Kulesh tone ring, and Gibson Keith D-tuners. Honest used condition with the original case. Professionally set up before it ships, with free US shipping and our 7-day guarantee.
Crafters of Tennessee banjos were built one at a time by Mark Taylor, son of Tut Taylor, in a small Tennessee shop that closed around 2012. This one is a flathead in curly maple, made in America, and it holds its own against instruments costing far more. It is in excellent condition for its age, all original except the tailpiece, and our banjo tech Tara has it set up and ready to play. It comes with a hardshell case and ships free anywhere in the United States.