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Openback Banjos

Openback banjos (versus resonator banjos) are preferred by Old-timey and clawhammer players for the mellower, plunky tone. Open back banjos are also lighter and can be less expensive than a resonator banjo. They usually have a different setup than a resonator banjo, often with a higher string action (string action refers to how high the strings are positioned above the fingerboard). We have a great selection of openback banjos from which to choose, from our beginner models to the highly sought after Vega Old Time banjos.

Items [12]
Rocky Top RT-BO1-OP
Rocky Top RT-BO1-OP
The Rocky Top open back banjo is an inexpensive open back style making it suitable for clawhammer or frailing styles of playing, while the increased brightness and volume is a wonderful surprise to players who play in the more traditional bluegrass style of play.
Product# RT-B01-OP
More info on Rocky Top RT-BO1-OPBuy Rocky Top RT-BO1-OP Now!List Price: US $199.95Our Price: US $159.95

Savannah SB-070 Open Back Banjo
Savannah SB-070 Open Back Banjo
Savannah is dedicated to bringing classic acoustic instruments of the American folk tradition to players of all levels. With outstanding features and unbeatable values, Savannah instruments are a great way to explore popular acoustic instruments at a reasonable price without sacrificing quality. With a variety of models to suit every style and level of player, Savannah instruments are the perfect match for a sunny afternoon jam, an open mic, or anywhere in between. Maple Rim Rosewood Fretboard Geared 5th Peg 14:1 Covered Tuners 18 Brackets Remo Fiberskyn Head 2 Year Warranty
Product# SB-070
More info on Savannah SB-070 Open Back BanjoBuy Savannah SB-070 Open Back Banjo Now!List Price: US $333.99Our Price: US $249.99

Rover RB-20 Open Back Banjo
Rover RB-20 Open Back Banjo
This newly-upgraded RB-20 is the IDEAL first banjo! Every detail has been carefully thought out to bring you an attractive, great sounding banjo with a host of professional features at a price anyone can easily afford! The new peghead design is reminiscent of the Classic Art Deco peg heads of the 1930s while the super-strong, lightweight composite rim utilizes the most modern technology to give each banjo a warm, yet articulate tone that really cuts through the mix in any live situation. The beginning player will appreciate the smooth, easy action of the tuning machines as well as the accuracy of the geared fifth-string peg. The fast playing mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard has also been upgraded to include a slightly wider nut width than other banjos in the category; giving both beginner and advanced player all the room they need to hit all the right licks! Add to that an adjustable truss rod to keep the neck in perfect alignment at all times, and the new Rover RB-20 is truly a professionally featured banjo with standard specifications that is not just serviceable, but will also last a life-time.
Product# RB-20
More info on Rover RB-20 Open Back BanjoBuy Rover RB-20 Open Back Banjo Now!List Price: US $450.00Our Price: US $337.49

Rover RB-20P Student Plectrum Banjo
Rover RB-20P Student Plectrum Banjo
here's a banjo band in the Pizza Parlor near you--go on down and see how much fun it is to play the four-string banjo! If you're new to the joys of the four-string, there's no better place to start than a Rover RB-20P Plectrum banjo. The RB-20P is an open-back banjo with a modern composite rim--light and easy to carry--and a professionally styled neck designed for fast and easy playing. The long, 26 3/8-inch scale in the Plectrum tuning makes close harmony chords a breeze. Learning the banjo has never been so fun--or affordable!
Product# RB-20P
More info on Rover RB-20P Student Plectrum BanjoBuy Rover RB-20P Student Plectrum Banjo Now!List Price: US $450.00Our Price: US $337.49

Gold Tone CC-50 Open Back Banjo with Bag
Gold Tone CC-50 Open Back Banjo with Bag
For an economy 5-string, the CC-50 outshines the competition. Our 12 point set-up ensures accurate intonation, easy fingering, and good tone. Optional resonator may be added later. Includes Padded Gig Bag
Product# CC-50
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More info on Gold Tone CC-50 Open Back Banjo with BagBuy Gold Tone CC-50 Open Back Banjo with Bag Now!List Price: US $508.00Our Price: US $381.00

Gold Tone CC-100 Cripple Creek Open Back Banjo with Bag
Gold Tone CC-100 Cripple Creek Open Back Banjo with Bag
More than 35,000 Cripple Creek banjos have been sold during the last 20 years! They are by far the best student banjo for the tone and playability in their price range. Made from hard rock maple, they are durable, sound terrific, have low string action, and are a pleasure to play.
Product# CC100
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More info on Gold Tone CC-100 Cripple Creek Open Back Banjo with BagBuy Gold Tone CC-100 Cripple Creek Open Back Banjo with Bag Now!List Price: US $799.99Our Price: US $599.99

Recording King RK- OT25 Madison Old-Time Open Back Banjo
Recording King RK- OT25 Madison Old-Time Open Back Banjo
The all-new RK-OT25 is an old-time picking machine, with a steam-bent maple rim, 24-bracket tension hoop, and the clean look of all of our Madison banjos. We've built this banjo specifically for old-time players, with features like our scooped fretboard, Presto tailpiece and old-style Remo FiberSkyn head.
Product# RK-OT25
More info on Recording King RK- OT25 Madison Old-Time Open Back BanjoBuy Recording King RK- OT25 Madison Old-Time Open Back Banjo Now!List Price: US $866.99Our Price: US $649.99

CC-Carlin12: Cripple Creek Bob Carlin Banjo
CC-Carlin12: Cripple Creek Bob Carlin Banjo
Gold Tone has added a 12″ old time banjo to their popular cripple creek line. As on all Carlin models, Gold Tone uses a 12″ rim and a fingerboard scoop. Other features include a 1 3/8″ nut width, Double action truss rod, chrome plating, and renaissance head.

Includes Padded Gig Bag

Product# CC-Carlin
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More info on CC-Carlin12: Cripple Creek Bob Carlin BanjoBuy CC-Carlin12: Cripple Creek Bob Carlin Banjo Now!List Price: US $1,066.65Our Price: US $799.99

Gold Tone CB-100 Openback Banjo with Bag
Gold Tone CB-100 Openback Banjo with Bag
Entry-level price with features of a high-end banjo. A scooped fingerboard, rolled brass rod tone ring, and vintage design makes this banjo a great value. It’s also lightweight and great for traveling or practicing. The CB-100 features an innovative Gold Tone dowel stick/coordinator rod. The metal rod is inserted inside the dowel stick, which provides superior neck support and allows neck angle adjustments.
Product# CB-100
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More info on Gold Tone CB-100 Openback Banjo with BagBuy Gold Tone CB-100 Openback Banjo with Bag Now!List Price: US $1,199.99Our Price: US $899.99

Gold Tone MM-150 Maple Mountain Openback Banjo with Case
Gold Tone MM-150 Maple Mountain Openback Banjo with Case
A professional and affordable model, which includes a frailing scoop, traditional heel cut, no-knot tailpiece and Vega-style armrest. The White Ladye tone ring provides a loud, plunky tone preferred by old time players. Long neck version is tuned in the key of E
Product# MM-150
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More info on Gold Tone MM-150 Maple Mountain Openback Banjo with CaseBuy Gold Tone MM-150 Maple Mountain Openback Banjo with Case Now!List Price: US $1,466.65Our Price: US $1,099.99

Mastertone™ WL-250: White Ladye Banjo with Case
Mastertone™ WL-250: White Ladye Banjo with Case
Our most popular openback ever! The design provides a plunky but punchy tone well-suited for old time and folk music. A White Ladye three-part tone ring is coupled with a 1/2” rim. Most competitors use a 3/4” bluegrass rim, but our 1/2” rim allows more air chamber volume. Other features include ebony fingerboard, vintage heel shape, no-knot tailpiece, and double adjusting truss rod. Includes a fingerboard scoop.
Product# WL-250
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More info on Mastertone™ WL-250: White Ladye Banjo with CaseBuy Mastertone™ WL-250: White Ladye Banjo with Case Now!List Price: US $1,599.99Our Price: US $1,199.99

BC-350: Bob Carlin Banjon with Case
BC-350: Bob Carlin Banjon with Case
Similar specs to the BC-350, the Bob Carlin Signature Series BC-350+ is a gorgeous work of art. This model is an upgraded version featuring a vintage brown mahogany finish offset with triple plated gold hardware, an exquisite vintage inlay style highly acclaimed during the heyday of the banjo, and a beautifully inlayed elaborate headstock design. Other features similar to the standard BC-350 model include a 12″ pot assembly, scooped ebony fingerboard, specific neck profile dimensions and a nut width of 1-3/8”, a rolled brass tone ring, and a No Knot tailpiece. Gold Tone pays special attention during final assembly and setup at the Gold Tone Factory in Florida to Bob’s unique set up procedure for optimal tone. For only a few dollars more than the original BC-350, you can own an eye catching collectors banjo! Bob Carlin is most well known in the banjo world for his incredible tone. The Gold Tone BC Series featuring the 12” body provides Bob with more mid-range and bass response than the standard 11” designs. Whether you are new to openback banjo or want to add a new sound to your banjo arsenal, the BC-350+ is an excellent choice!
Product# BC-350
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More info on BC-350: Bob Carlin Banjon with CaseBuy BC-350: Bob Carlin Banjon with Case Now!List Price: US $1,733.32Our Price: US $1,299.99

Openback, Clawhammer, Old Time Banjos

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