Best Deal on 5-String Openback Banjos, Specializing in American-made Banjos
5-String Openback Banjos are typically played in the clawhammer style. Clawhammer (also called traditional or folk) style banjo playing is much more mellow than bluegrass. Players pick with only two fingers, usually the thumb and index finger. Clawhammer is most often played on an openback banjo. The sound is absorbed by clothing, which produces a softer sound (compared to a bluegrass banjo with a resonator). Banjo.com carries a wide selection of open-back banjo models in stock, every day.
Our best-selling openback banjo is easily the Deering Goodtime Openback followed by the 12” rim Deering Goodtime Americana. These are well built, American-made banjos, that won’t break the bank. If you are looking to upgrade from the Goodtime series, be sure to check out our selection of Vega banjos. The Vega Little Wonder and Vega Old Tyme Wonder are extremely popular banjos with a classic look and exceptional sound. Within the Deering professional line up, the Deering Sierra Openback and Deering Eagle 2 Openback are really popular. Owner Barry Waldrep is particularly fond of the Deering Clawgrass – wow, what a banjo! Other banjo models that stand out, the Nechville Atlas and the Bishline Oakie. This might be a hard choice!
Made in USA
We probably wouldn't recommend this banjo for the player who has just taken up the banjo - but for those players who want an authentic old time banjo sound and understand the idea of a fretless instrument, this one is for you.
Lightweight enough to travel with, convenient enough to keep by your easy chair at home, the Goodtime Artisan is great for hours of practice with a neck that is both comfortable to play and accurate to fret.
Made in USAThe Pisgah Dobson is perfect for those looking for a lighter-weight banjo with good sustain and projection.
Made in USA
Take the weight of the world off your shoulders. The Atlas is ultra light (around six pounds), sounds great and is a joy to play. Its design was a Nechville-Sagmoen collaboration and echos the Ashborn Banjos of the 1860s. Modern Nechville innovations make the Atlas the most advanced traditional openback to date.
Banjo.com carries one of the largest selections of open-back banjos anywhere. We are banjo players and can answer any banjo buying questions. Once you find the perfect open-back banjo, head over to our parts & accessories section of our store and stock up on banjo picks and banjos strings. Protect your new open-back banjo with a banjo case or bag. We also carry banjo tools and other banjo care and maintenance items. Have questions about open-back banjos? Call us at 678-488-BANJO or use our contact form.