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.
Free US shipping7-day guaranteeSelling banjos since 1977
Bluegrass Resonator Banjos (102)
In stock1988 Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard 5-String Banjo, Greg Rich Era (Serial 1209)
In stockGold Tone Mastertone™ OB-Standard: Orange Blossom Standard Resonator Banjo with Case
In stock1962 Gibson RB-250 Bowtie Archtop Five-String Resonator Banjo, All Original
In stock2008 Nechville Custom Five-String Resonator Banjo, Nextar Pot, Walnut Phantom Neck
In stockClancy Mullins Prewar Gibson Style 1 Conversion Copy Five-String Resonator Banjo, Mid-2000s
In stockDeering Tenbrooks Saratoga Star 5-String Banjo, Radiused Fingerboard, Kruger Tone Ring
In stockGold Tone AC-5/L Acoustic Composite 5-String Banjo Left-Handed with Gig Bag
In stockGold Tone BG-150F 2026 Bluegrass Banjo with Presto Tailpiece, Maple Resonator and Bag
In stockGold Tone CC-50RP/L Left-Handed Cripple Creek Resonator Banjo with Planetary Tuners and Gig Bag
In stockGold Tone Mastertone OB-2 Bowtie Banjo with Hard Case - Professional Bluegrass 19-Hole Tone Ring
In stockGold Tone Mastertone™ OB-3: Orange Blossom "Twanger" Pre-War Style Resonator Banjo with Case
In stockGold Tone OB-150+: Orange Blossom Banjo with upgraded JLS Tone Ring and Hardshell Case
In stockGold Tone OB-2 JM Joe Mullins Signature Mastertone Bowtie Banjo with Case - Professional Bluegrass Banjo with Rolled Brass Tone Ring
In stockGold Tone OB-250+ Block Orange Blossom Banjo with JLS Tone Ring, Companion Block Rim & Case
In stockGold Tone OB-250+ Block/L Orange Blossom Left-Handed Banjo with JLS Tone Ring, Companion Block Rim & Case
In stockGold Tone OB-250+/L Orange Blossom Left-Handed Banjo with JLS #12 Tone Ring and Case
In stockGold Tone OB-300/L Orange Blossom Banjo Left-Handed "The Gold-Plated Beauty" with Case
In stockGold Tone OB-3CJ Carl Jackson Ruby Pearl Signature Mastertone Banjo (Presale)
In stockGold Tone OB-3EF Mastertone Orange Blossom Twanger Pre-War Resonator Banjo with Case
In stockGold Tone OB-3RF/L Mastertone Orange Blossom Twanger Pre-War Resonator Banjo with Case (Left-Handed)
Nothing here in that range. Try another filter.
How to choose a bluegrass resonator banjo
A resonator banjo has a wooden back, the resonator, that throws the sound forward. That makes it louder and brighter than an open-back banjo, and it is why the resonator banjo is the standard in bluegrass, where the banjo has to cut through fiddle, guitar and mandolin. Most bluegrass players use three-finger picking with metal finger picks and a plastic thumb pick.
What shapes the sound
Tone ring. The tone ring sits on the rim under the head and shapes most of the tone. Starter resonator banjos use a light ring or none, while pro models use a heavy cast bell-brass ring.
Flathead or archtop. A flathead ring gives the classic bluegrass sound Earl Scruggs made famous. An archtop ring is brighter and more cutting.
Woods. Maple necks and resonators tend to sound brighter. Mahogany and walnut tend to sound warmer.
Weight. A heavy tone ring adds punch and sustain, and pro resonator banjos can weigh 10 pounds or more. A strap helps.
New, used and vintage
This page has everything from first resonator banjos to pro models and one-of-a-kind used and vintage banjos. New Gold Tone banjos ship with a professional setup from the Gold Tone factory, and every used, vintage and showroom banjo gets a complete in-house setup before it ships. Shipping is free anywhere in the US.