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.
1932 Gibson TB-3 Mastertone (#115-8) with original one-piece flange and raised-head tone ring. Converted to 5-string by Frank Neat with mahogany neck featuring flying eagle inlays. Spikes at 7, 8, 9, 10. All original hardware and resonator—93 years of character.
1940 Gibson TB-11 tenor banjo converted to 5-string flathead by Frank Neat. Features Tennessee 20 tone ring, original green pearloid resonator, and documented shipping ledger provenance—shipped December 10, 1940 and in one family for 73 years.
1960s Fender Artist banjo in excellent unplayed condition. Walnut neck and resonator, no-hole flathead tone ring, one-piece flange, pearl bowtie inlays. The same model played by Vic Jordan, Eddie Adcock, and Bill Emerson.
2005 Gibson RB-18 Top Tension Mastertone with 20-hole Kulesh tone ring, Art Deco inlays, dished flamed maple resonator, and gold hardware. Serial 90507-18. Excellent condition. Includes original case, head-tightening key, and warranty paper.
Professional-level Gibson Master Tone with rare wreath inlay pattern. Excellent condition with virtually no fret wear. Includes original hardshell case.
Brand new Shelby Blackhawk banjo handcrafted in Wedowee, Alabama. Features 20-hole Shelby tone ring, mahogany neck and resonator, rosewood fingerboard with pearl inlays, and nickel hardware. Includes fiberglass case.
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 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. Matte black hardware. Handcrafted in Spring Valley, California. $1,589 with free shipping and professional setup by our banjo tech Tara. Made in the USA.
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.
PRE-ORDER: Flying Eagle inlays and Mastertone styling for under $1,000. The BG-175F features a rolled brass tone ring, mahogany construction, and weighs just 8.5 lbs. Greg Rich design. First 3 pre-orders receive a signed Greg Rich banjo head. Ships when available.
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.