Open back

[Jim Patton]

Hi to everyone. I would like to hear from any players who have an opinion of open back tenors. I make open backs, based roughly on the Weymann. I have tried to maintain volume and tone with a very light weight instrument. Can you please give me your opinions on what you look for in an instrument. All feed back will be greatly appreciated.

Jim

[Quentin Page]

Hello Jim
I gave up using resonator banjos 13years ago after acquiring an open back because an open back I found sits closer to ones body so is more comfortable to play for long periods,also my music is played indoors at practice sessions for band work,and resonator banjos are too loud for that,and in a band of other strings like fiddles and guitars one needs to compliment the others and not drown out the singer. The classic resonator banjos that people use for Irish music were really designed for Jazz music in the outdoors , or a dance hall where volume was important before P A systems were what they are now,and needed to be heard alongside trumpets trombones and suchlike instruments,it is not without reason that the majority of tenor banjos sold for Irish music are open backed,and good ones with a quality tone ring are powerful if one uses a plectrum that is stiff enough,anyhow that's my penny worth into the hat,so good luck with your banjo making,I understand why you do it,banjos are wonderful instruments,keep it up dear sir,I build banjos myself,and renovate or restore very old ones,all open backed of course.

[Quentin Page]

Further to last message ie what do I look for in an open back banjo. I look for a short scale of 17 or better,18 frets, a slim neck,nut width of 1 1/8th inch or 1 1/16th inch which has a strong cross section to take really heavy strings,a pot that is as thick as a weyman,with a proper tone ring and lots of tension hooks,and high quality planetary tuners with easily adjustable friction or stiffness ie.big knurled screws that I can work without a screwdriver,but possibly a coin. Fancy inlays and marquetry are not important,but a little on the peg head is pleasant. I hope that this is the kind of feedback that you are looking for.

[Jim Patton]

Hi Quentin

Thanks for your reply and advice. Most of the players that have tried my banjos have been suprised how loud they are while being so light. Also like yourself the ability to hold the banjo closer seems to give them more control. The open back also helps with the younger learners. I am off to the All Ireland Fleadh this weekend, so i am sure to get a lot music.

Cheers again!!

Jim