Open Back Banjos
Open-back banjos harken back to the roots of this iconic stringed instrument. You’ll hear echoes of the past in the tones, with the rustic sounds of folk songs and tunes from a bygone age. Open-back banjos deliver smooth and mellow tones so admired by clawhammer players.
Open-back banjos produce a much softer sound than a resonator banjo because the sound is absorbed by the body and clothing of the player. Because these banjos have no back, they are also considerably lighter than those with a back panel. Each instrument in our collection features quality materials and precision construction.
Whether you’re new to banjo playing or have years of experience and prefer the mellow tone and lightweight banjo playing experience, you’ll find a suitable model among our open ack banjos for sale.
The Deering Artisan Goodtime Openback is the vintage-inspired upgrade to the classic Goodtime. Dark red mahogany stain, midnight maple fingerboard with vintage artisan pearloid inlays, planetary tuners, and spikes at 7, 9, and 10. Nickel hardware. At only 4.5 lbs, it is lightweight enough to travel with and comfortable enough for hours of practice. Handcrafted in Spring Valley, California. $949 with free shipping and professional setup by our banjo tech Tara. Made in the USA.
The most recommended banjo by banjo teachers. 3-ply violin grade maple rim, Art Deco hardwood inlays, only 4.5 lbs. Handcrafted in Spring Valley, California. $599 with free shipping and professional setup by our banjo tech Tara. Made in the USA. 7-day guarantee.
The Deering Goodtime Six is a 6-string, steel-string banjo that tunes like a guitar. Handcrafted in Spring Valley, California. Maple fingerboard, 3-ply violin grade maple rim, comfortable guitar-style neck. $899 with free shipping and professional setup by our banjo tech Tara. Made in the USA.
The Gold Tone AC-1 won "Best in Show" at NAMM for good reason - it's the lightest full-size banjo you'll find at under 4 pounds. Perfect for beginners, travelers, and kids, this composite rim banjo delivers surprisingly good tone with a slim, comfortable neck and Zero Glide nut. Professionally set up with a 3-year transferable warranty. At $299.99, it's the smart way to start playing banjo.
The Gold Tone CC-50 Cripple Creek is a 5-string open-back banjo built for old-time and folk playing. Multi-ply maple rim, rolled brass tone ring, two-way adjustable truss rod, and Terminator tailpiece. Lightweight at 5.5 lbs. Professionally set up at Banjo Warehouse in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Includes gig bag. $474.99.
The Gold Tone OT-800/L is a left-handed old time tubaphone-style open back banjo. 32-hole tubaphone tone ring, 1/2-inch maple rim with bracket band, ebony fingerboard with scoop, no-knot tailpiece, Remo Renaissance head, GT Master planetary tuners, dual coordinator rods. 8 lbs. Professionally set up at Banjo Warehouse in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Hardshell case included.
Left-handed Gold Tone BC-350 Bob Carlin signature openback banjo. 12" maple pot, rolled brass tone ring, scooped ebony fretboard, planetary tuners. Hardshell case included. Professionally set up before shipping.
This longneck openback RB-175 Gibson banjo is from the late 1960s or early 1970s. It has three extra frets which allow banjoists and singers to play in open E.