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.
A rare raised head Stelling Sunflower from 1983, the archtop version you had to trade a flathead ring to get. Figured maple in sunburst, the ornate Stelling cut flange, and the truss rod cover engraved "Marty" by its original owner. Set up and ready to play by our banjo tech Tara.
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 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.
A 1989 Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard from the sought-after Greg Rich era. Curly maple neck and resonator, a Kulesh tone ring, and an ebony fingerboard with hearts and flowers inlay. It is a used vintage banjo that looks and sounds great, with honest finish crackling on the resonator and some flange tarnish, and the frets have been redressed. Set up by our banjo tech Tara and shipped with its original brown case with pink lining.
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.
A professional Nechville Zeus in flamed curly maple, built around Tom Nechville's patented Heli-Mount frame and light Timber-Tronic wood tone ring. Excellent condition, with the original case and a complete setup by our banjo tech Tara.
A brand-new Deering Sierra in the maple configuration, Deering's most popular professional banjo for over thirty years. Quartersawn maple neck, A-grade ebony fingerboard, and the Deering -06 bell bronze tone ring for a bright, cutting bluegrass tone. Made in the USA with a lifetime warranty, professionally set up by our banjo tech Tara, and shipped in a hardshell case with free US shipping.
The Deering Artisan Goodtime Special combines vintage aesthetics with the brighter, richer tone of the Goodtime Special steel tone ring. Dark red mahogany stain, midnight maple fingerboard with vintage artisan pearloid inlays. Planetary tuners, spikes installed, nickel hardware. Clearly louder than the Goodtime Two — great for playing in a band. Handcrafted in Spring Valley, California. $1,599 with free shipping and professional setup by our banjo tech Tara. Made in the USA.
The Deering Golden Era is a maple, prewar-style bluegrass banjo featuring the Deering -06- 20-hole bell bronze tone ring, hearts and flowers mother of pearl inlays on A grade ebony, and a deeper tapered resonator for powerful projection. Modeled after an original prewar Gibson flathead 5-string once owned by Banjo Warehouse owner Geoff Hohwald. Brand new, in stock, professionally set up by our banjo tech Tara, with custom spike installation and free shipping. Authorized Deering dealer.
The Deering Goodtime Blackgrass is the darkest banjo in the Deering lineup. All-black matte finish, black head, matte black hardware. 3-ply violin grade maple rim with resonator. Midnight maple fingerboard with vintage artisan inlays. Planetary tuners, spikes at 7, 9, and 10. Handcrafted in Spring Valley, California. $1,389 with free shipping and professional setup by our banjo tech Tara. Made in the USA.
The Deering Blackgrass Special takes the all-black Blackgrass and adds a Goodtime Special steel tone ring for a brighter, richer tone with more sustain and volume. Midnight maple fingerboard with vintage artisan pearloid inlays. Planetary tuners, spikes at 7, 9, and 10.
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.