Open back would be a perfect fit for small room intimate acoustic shows and recording. Resonator is ideal for cutting through a band of instruments. Both are ideal for home noodles and lessons
I don't play banjo (yet, but I'm only 60--give me time!), but I've always thought the brighter sound of the resonator back made those units better in a bluegrass band setting while that lonesome darker tone of the open back was better for folk singers in small duos and trios.
After having seen many of Tony's guitar reviews over the years, this is the first time I've seen him play the banjo. Right on. Tony: stringed instrument beast.
I personally like the open back it’s much more chill vibe and that’s what I like the banjo for just the idea of sitting on the porch or some shit playing a little mellow tune To the burbs
Love the mellow sound of the open back. The resonator sounds more sharp which and not so attractive to my ears. The open back is able to sound the notes with a better seperate distinction, the resonator's notes cut over each other. Open back gets my vote.
@@Kerm88 Yes the open back is better for singing. The resonator will drown out most if not all singers. Unless of course you are using a mic. Also the resonator banjo is wayyy heavier, so for camp fire singing etc go for the open back. If you need to play in a band then putting a pic up onto an open back is very easy. But i have two resonator banjos lol
I have a Gibson (circa 1964) long-neck open back banjo and a Deering (circa 1985) standard-neck banjo with a resonator. Even with my tin ear, there is a very big difference in they way they can project sound. The Gibson is great for playing more classic, folksy tunes and the Deering is perfect for staying in the mix for bluegrass. It's all a matter of your style of music. Get your hands on both types and you are covered.
I love resonator banjos. If you like the open back, you might like clawhammer (flailing style) better. I recommend playing banjo. Ive been playing 2 years now. I love it!
Wow! Didn't figure you for a banjo player, let alone being able to play claw hammer style. I'm a 16 yr veteran of the 3 finger Scruggs style banjo picking and I'll say I was impressed to see how well you did 3 finger and claw hammer style!
Ole Joe Clark there at the end. Love that old song. Both are great, but it would depend on how it will be used. If on stage without a mic, then pic the one with the resonator. If playing at home, or jamming in small rooms, pick the open back. I have jammed so many times where all of the banjos have resonators, and the banjo is the only instrument you can hear, aside from the occasional mandolin. Yes the one with the resonator sounds best, but they are soooo loud in so many of the wrong situations. I play guitar, and most of the time get drowned out by even one banjo. A good banjo player should have one of each. Wish I learned to play one, but never could.
i love my open back goodtime, I'm considering getting the resonator kit though for a bit of extra volume... Don't suppose you ever did this? I'd be interested mainly in how much volume is gained.
Great demo! I like the open-back better, although I'm pretty sure that if you have a resonator one, you can get it "hacked" to project less tone forward (maybe a cloth ring or something) and enjoy both kind of tonalities.
Well... There is always the option to separate the reso from the head... kinda like my kids are zipping off a small bag from the bigger one when they have a school day with minimum gear :) ruclips.net/video/xoycDvxgrQ0/видео.html
I've purchased 2 closed back banjos in my time and with both I end up removing the backing as I find it really makes the banjo quite heavy AND I find the sound a bit too harsh and tin like for my liking. Next banjo I get will definatley be open back.
Im thinking about getting my first banjo. I would like to play not so loudly somehow since i have others in the house i'd like to pester as little as possible. Sounds like i should grab the open back but i feel like the open back wont ring as long. I also have no plans on playing with a group. All signs point to open back but it almost seems like a waste to not grab the resonator.
Never fails to fool the poor unsuspecting 'schlepper', who picks it up in it's case, only to realize their mistake in judging the heft to be lighter than an acoustic guitar in a larger case.
From Leo: Good comparison. The volume advantage of the resonator banjo would be more pronounced if the microphone was in the middle of the room instead of up by the banjo head.
I´m looking forward on buying a banjo, but I need to amplify it live, and I´m not into mic'ing it, I use a little clip on pickup for my mandolin, but I guess that´s not possible with banjos, any advice?
I have the open back Goodtime Artisian Special with a open back and installed a Gold Tone Sliding magnetic pickup - very easy , PS its light nor a pain in the back & well made with a light wooden tone ring .
Hi, may I ask - in your opinion is the Recording King Dirty 30s 5 string banjo as good as or better than the Deering Goodtime 2? I only have limited funds. I have borrowed a Goodtime 2 and it sounds good to me.
i tried to install a fishman pickup to my resonator banjo and then I or the kids lost the back. I ripped the house apart looking. Does it sound like an open back without the backplate or is there more variables? I play guitar and can't afford to put anymore cash into a banjo I can't play well but I did like the sound better with the back
I’m considering playing banjo actually it would be the first stringed instrument I would play but it seems to me based on other comments being that the resonator is removable it’s worth the extra $ because if I purchase the classic and Down the road want a resonator I would then need to buy one from you for $250
I see some people sometimes putting what appears to be a rolled up rag or towel behind the banjo head. Any idea what this does? or could do some comparisons? Steel Strings vs Nylgut Strings Regular Head vs Skin Head Towel vs No Towel Loose head vs tight head
As nobody replied, hopefully you have found out the answer after 8 months, but maybe it helps others. I personally have a cloth in to dampen the sounds. Banjo's created a LOT of sound, much more so than a guitar. This takes the edge off and makes it sound more muffled. I'm not sure it's why the actual good banjo players do it, but that's why I do it
Maybe a stupid question: Is It possible to 'unscrew' the resonaror so a bluegrass banjo becomes an old time banjo? Or are they build in a different way (except the resonator, of corse..)
Makes you think why would anyone even buy an open backed one if you can just buy s resonator and take it off at least then you have a resonator if you ever fancy putting it on
If you are older, remember if you have a resonator it will be a lot heavier. I’m thinking of getting a Deering open back for banjo lessons so it won’t kill my back! 😢😢😢
Can you buy an attachable resonator for less than around $200? Looking at picking up banjo, and the big concern right now is coat. I've been a guitarist for 15 years, and am ready to move on to something new, but the cost is definitely scary
@@andrewmichaelsmith9713 you can rig one with a small clamp and a tin lid, but I imagine you'd need to go to a specialty music shop or online to find one because it's very uncommon. If you rig it, it would cost about 10 dollars.
@@andrewmichaelsmith9713 actually, you need 2 clamps, just realized. how to rig: MATERIALS - open-back banjo - 2 small clamps - 1 tin lid of slightly larger circumference than banjo base INSTRUCTIONS with care not to clamp unevenly too hard, clamp 2 opposite sides of the tin lid to the left and right inner walls of the banjo base.
Is the fifth string's tuner meant to be loose? I noticed mine being very loose and also the screw is kinda loose. Plus, if I play the fifth string, it's always scratchy. Don't exactly know how I can fix it by myself. Any ideas folks?
jsj297 Never mind. :) I already have had someone solve my issue. Basically what was the problem was that the first fret for the shorter string was too high and it got hammered down (with the string being loosened out of it before that) to level it even.
jsj297 Only issue I have now is that the fret next to the holder of the fifth string is loose. *Sigh*, gotta go back to the instrument maker to fix that. :/
I noticed you did not show the backs of the instruments. Is there such a thing as a detachable resonator? I live in an apartment, so practicing w/o, but playing otherwise with the resonator.
@@musicvilladotcom hello, can you play a Resenator Banjo with nylon strings, and play claw hammer sir. I would like to see what that sounds like. Thankyou
I have a question. I’m 61, I’ve never played a instrument in my life. I want to learn the banjo is it to late to learn? Someone also suggest getting the neck scalloped. What would be a decent banjo for a beginner
The best time to learn an instrument was yesterday, the second best time is today. It's never too late, especially for banjo, lots of folks start "late" to learn. In term of instruments, it really depends what style you want to play and how you want to play it. If you are an old time fan and want to get into frailling (clawhammer) get an open back, the sound will be mellower and if you want to get into bluegrass get a resonator. I would personally stay away from Deering Goodtimes as when you get more advanced you will want to change pretty quickly. Rekording king makes great instruments for the price. Go check banjohangout.com you will find the answers you need. Happy pickin'
@@Stelmaria38 thank you. I guess I’ll order mine tomorrow and start learning . I’m going to order Washburn with that resonator. Hopefully I’ll get some enjoyment. Any recommendations you have will be appreciated
@@billcoley8520 I have heard good and bad things on Washburn, never played one myself but almost bought a B9 when I started. The issues with banjo is that you really get the quality you pay for. It's a lot of different components and if one is cheap the whole thing will sound bad. I would really recommend you to do some research on the model you are thinking to buy first. Of course trying first would be ideal, but it's not as easy those days. That being said I've heard good things on the B17. Good luck!
I could be wrong but one looks like a maple neck and the other looks like a Rosewood fretboard, that is quite a big difference and not an accurate comparison
Danny F dude go for it I just started I’m 21 years old you have so much time man. Even if your 70 years old you got time to have fun and enjoy music. I picked up the diatonic harmonica cause I love blues and western music. It’s so much fun and you learn more and more everyday. Practice around 30 minutes a day or more If you want and in a year you will make insane progress.
The banjo isn't too hard. At least bluegrass style. Once you get down the finger picking pattern style for Scruggs style, and learn how to use the fingerpicks, you can get down how to play properly, and it's a whhhooollee lot of fun. I highly recommend playing. I've been playing for 2 years now and I love it :) I don't know about clawhammer but some people say it's easier. I tried it and I can't get it down.
I've been playing for a month I'm 12 and it's fun get an hour of practice a day and you will have it down in no time I personally recommend Epiphone MB 100 open back.
Кино
Open back would be a perfect fit for small room intimate acoustic shows and recording. Resonator is ideal for cutting through a band of instruments. Both are ideal for home noodles and lessons
I don't play banjo (yet, but I'm only 60--give me time!), but I've always thought the brighter sound of the resonator back made those units better in a bluegrass band setting while that lonesome darker tone of the open back was better for folk singers in small duos and trios.
Will Hackett For sure!
After having seen many of Tony's guitar reviews over the years, this is the first time I've seen him play the banjo. Right on. Tony: stringed instrument beast.
Skip to 2:00 for the video to start.
I personally like the open back it’s much more chill vibe and that’s what I like the banjo for just the idea of sitting on the porch or some shit playing a little mellow tune To the burbs
Never kwew that RASPUTIN could play banjo lol
Funny I clicked on this video thinking, Well I guess we'll see what Rasputin has to teach us about banjos lol
Learn to fucking spell, you fucking muppet
LOL
I've always preferred the blonde finish on open backs. Idk why.
Love the mellow sound of the open back. The resonator sounds more sharp which and not so attractive to my ears. The open back is able to sound the notes with a better seperate distinction, the resonator's notes cut over each other. Open back gets my vote.
Yeah these type of comparisons with explanations are extremely useful, especially to beginners and such. TY
Thank you for the comparison
As a general rule, if you're jamming with other instruments, get the resonator every time for both claw and BG. Otherwise either will do.
What about if you’d like to sing over the top of your banjo? An open back would be better for that right?
hadnt slept if go with whatever you want, both can be micked up or both can be unplugged and sang over
@@Kerm88 Yes the open back is better for singing. The resonator will drown out most if not all singers. Unless of course you are using a mic. Also the resonator banjo is wayyy heavier, so for camp fire singing etc go for the open back.
If you need to play in a band then putting a pic up onto an open back is very easy. But i have two resonator banjos lol
I have a Gibson (circa 1964) long-neck open back banjo and a Deering (circa 1985) standard-neck banjo with a resonator. Even with my tin ear, there is a very big difference in they way they can project sound. The Gibson is great for playing more classic, folksy tunes and the Deering is perfect for staying in the mix for bluegrass. It's all a matter of your style of music. Get your hands on both types and you are covered.
Omg I could listen to you all day long. Amazing. But I still can't decide which one to buy. 😊
Thank you! Just learning and bluegrass style is my favorite so I think I’ll go with the resonating banjo from deering. Much appreciated
i dont know anything about banjo but the open back sounds better to me
I love resonator banjos. If you like the open back, you might like clawhammer (flailing style) better. I recommend playing banjo. Ive been playing 2 years now. I love it!
jeppep95 same
Same :)
Same
I'd agree the open back sounds more pure.... The resonator sounds more ringy....
I love my open back BANJO
Thank you, extremely helpful video for someone just getting into banjo playing and looking for a banjo to buy.
Cool video . Thanks . Looking for my first banjo . Helped me make up my mind.
Open Back FTW baby. Always.
Love everything you do !!!!! 😀
Wow! Didn't figure you for a banjo player, let alone being able to play claw hammer style. I'm a 16 yr veteran of the 3 finger Scruggs style banjo picking and I'll say I was impressed to see how well you did 3 finger and claw hammer style!
I got a Gretch broadkaster special! For Christmas and I ..... LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!
Your videos are very helpful!
Ole Joe Clark there at the end. Love that old song. Both are great, but it would depend on how it will be used. If on stage without a mic, then pic the one with the resonator. If playing at home, or jamming in small rooms, pick the open back. I have jammed so many times where all of the banjos have resonators, and the banjo is the only instrument you can hear, aside from the occasional mandolin. Yes the one with the resonator sounds best, but they are soooo loud in so many of the wrong situations. I play guitar, and most of the time get drowned out by even one banjo. A good banjo player should have one of each. Wish I learned to play one, but never could.
Good observations. Thanks.
best comment on here
Open back tone I prefer.
I have a resonator on mine though. I need it to keep up with the guitars.
I really like playing bluegrass on the openback.
Why? I'm looking at both so curious.
Thanks for the comparison !
You can always add a resonator to the classic. Deering has one for just that purpose. I have the open back and love it.
i love my open back goodtime, I'm considering getting the resonator kit though for a bit of extra volume... Don't suppose you ever did this? I'd be interested mainly in how much volume is gained.
awesome beard!
Great demo! I like the open-back better, although I'm pretty sure that if you have a resonator one, you can get it "hacked" to project less tone forward (maybe a cloth ring or something) and enjoy both kind of tonalities.
Well... There is always the option to separate the reso from the head... kinda like my kids are zipping off a small bag from the bigger one when they have a school day with minimum gear :)
ruclips.net/video/xoycDvxgrQ0/видео.html
simple truth is: resonator sounds better in scruggs style, and open back sounds better on clawhammer style
Yeah, that's probably true.
You sound like you're *Addicted to Bluegrass*
Is one easier to play? The style that is?
I disagree
I am guessing that Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn would agree with you since they respectively play on those types of banjos.
as backwards from the norm as this may be, I prefer the resonator for clawhammer, and the open back for finger picking.
I've purchased 2 closed back banjos in my time and with both I end up removing the backing as I find it really makes the banjo quite heavy AND I find the sound a bit too harsh and tin like for my liking. Next banjo I get will definatley be open back.
Talented musician 🌟😊👍🏆💯
To me I really love both of the sounds but the resonator has always been more appealing although there's nothing wrong with open back banjos
What is the name of the last tune you play at the end of the video???? I love it! I want to hear the whole song!
Aj Hoyt Old Joe Clark is the name of the song.
Thanks!
Good video. Got my subscription.
Im thinking about getting my first banjo. I would like to play not so loudly somehow since i have others in the house i'd like to pester as little as possible. Sounds like i should grab the open back but i feel like the open back wont ring as long. I also have no plans on playing with a group. All signs point to open back but it almost seems like a waste to not grab the resonator.
Open back is good for practicing. Stuff a cloth in the back and you can practice without disturbing your flat mate! Or anyone you live with.
thanks very useful
Thank you!
I love my resonator, but it's damn heavy.
Never fails to fool the poor unsuspecting 'schlepper', who picks it up in it's case, only to realize their mistake in judging the heft to be lighter than an acoustic guitar in a larger case.
From Leo: Good comparison. The volume advantage of the resonator banjo would be more pronounced if the microphone was in the middle of the room instead of up by the banjo head.
Thank you!!
They sounded the same to me . . .my P.C. has real nice Klipsch speakers and sub.
I´m looking forward on buying a banjo, but I need to amplify it live, and I´m not into mic'ing it, I use a little clip on pickup for my mandolin, but I guess that´s not possible with banjos, any advice?
I have the open back Goodtime Artisian Special with a open back and installed a Gold Tone Sliding magnetic pickup - very easy , PS its light nor a pain in the back & well made with a light wooden tone ring .
i was thinking about the weight, is the classic a lot lighter than the one with the resonator. by the way u play great
i play three-finger style bluegrass banjo on an open-back, i have noticed that you are less audible because of all the other instruments being louder
Thanks
Thank you Rasputin for this amazing comparizon
Hi, may I ask - in your opinion is the Recording King Dirty 30s 5 string banjo as good as or better than the Deering Goodtime 2?
I only have limited funds. I have borrowed a Goodtime 2 and it sounds good to me.
I love my closed back Ibanez.
Can I put a resonator on my OB banjo?
i tried to install a fishman pickup to my resonator banjo and then I or the kids lost the back. I ripped the house apart looking. Does it sound like an open back without the backplate or is there more variables? I play guitar and can't afford to put anymore cash into a banjo I can't play well but I did like the sound better with the back
I’m considering playing banjo actually it would be the first stringed instrument I would play but it seems to me based on other comments being that the resonator is removable it’s worth the extra $ because if I purchase the classic and Down the road want a resonator I would then need to buy one from you for $250
getting a banjo with a removal resonator is the best of both worlds!
Someone forgot to tell Clarence Ashley that you're supposed to use open backs for old time.
open back sounds so fucking good
I'll take the raw sound of an open back all day long
But does any of these have a tone ring.. trying to compare tone and sound on the open back with & without a tone ring..
Thankyou for your time sir..😊
I see some people sometimes putting what appears to be a rolled up rag or towel behind the banjo head. Any idea what this does? or could do some comparisons?
Steel Strings vs Nylgut Strings
Regular Head vs Skin Head
Towel vs No Towel
Loose head vs tight head
As nobody replied, hopefully you have found out the answer after 8 months, but maybe it helps others. I personally have a cloth in to dampen the sounds. Banjo's created a LOT of sound, much more so than a guitar. This takes the edge off and makes it sound more muffled. I'm not sure it's why the actual good banjo players do it, but that's why I do it
More mandolins please!!!
Can I just get one with a resonator and take it on and off so you have essentially both?
Goalies Rule Brah!
you can only remove the resonator on any 5 string sound wise i prefer res on
Maybe a stupid question: Is It possible to 'unscrew' the resonaror so a bluegrass banjo becomes an old time banjo? Or are they build in a different way (except the resonator, of corse..)
Corrado Cappelletti yes you can
More to the point: Can I ADD a resonator to my Goodtime banjo?
Yes again. You can find kits on Deering website
Not a stupid question at all
Makes you think why would anyone even buy an open backed one if you can just buy s resonator and take it off at least then you have a resonator if you ever fancy putting it on
Awesone
I have a open back banjo, is there a way I might be able to put a resonator onto it? Thanks in advance.
See the resonator is more twang and the open back is more acoustic. It's like a trumpet with and without a mute
I am looking at getting a nylon string banjo. Could you give me the pluses and minuses of such an instrument? Thank you
If you buy a banjo without a resonator can you add one further down the line?
Or OR just a thought... You buy one You can take the resenator off if You want to?
If you are older, remember if you have a resonator it will be a lot heavier. I’m thinking of getting a Deering open back for banjo lessons so it won’t kill my back! 😢😢😢
I like resognator
Nooooooo, you have lured us in with Martins,Gibsons,and Taylors etc.
Banjos !!!!!!!!!
Next it will be bagpipes. 😉
john ogle I wanna see some mandolins :)
TheSilence1 Soon.... we'll be reviewing and stocking more mandolins very soon!
Acoustic Letter ooh baby :)
+john ogle Yay!! bagpipes!
+Tinderwet Yay!!! bagpipes and accordions!!!
Mate should be playing clawhammer on the openback!!
For those who are unsure: buy an open-back and an attachable resonator
Can you buy an attachable resonator for less than around $200? Looking at picking up banjo, and the big concern right now is coat. I've been a guitarist for 15 years, and am ready to move on to something new, but the cost is definitely scary
@@andrewmichaelsmith9713 you can rig one with a small clamp and a tin lid, but I imagine you'd need to go to a specialty music shop or online to find one because it's very uncommon. If you rig it, it would cost about 10 dollars.
@@andrewmichaelsmith9713 actually, you need 2 clamps, just realized. how to rig:
MATERIALS
- open-back banjo
- 2 small clamps
- 1 tin lid of slightly larger circumference than banjo base
INSTRUCTIONS
with care not to clamp unevenly too hard, clamp 2 opposite sides of the tin lid to the left and right inner walls of the banjo base.
Is the fifth string's tuner meant to be loose? I noticed mine being very loose and also the screw is kinda loose. Plus, if I play the fifth string, it's always scratchy. Don't exactly know how I can fix it by myself. Any ideas folks?
No, sorry.
jsj297 Never mind. :) I already have had someone solve my issue. Basically what was the problem was that the first fret for the shorter string was too high and it got hammered down (with the string being loosened out of it before that) to level it even.
Kfreeks
Thats what I was gonna suggest you to do.
jsj297 Only issue I have now is that the fret next to the holder of the fifth string is loose. *Sigh*, gotta go back to the instrument maker to fix that. :/
Tell them to back it up, now. That youve had enough, and to lets go, and you mean now!
I noticed you did not show the backs of the instruments. Is there such a thing as a detachable resonator? I live in an apartment, so practicing w/o, but playing otherwise with the resonator.
All Banjo resonators are removable. -Chad
@@musicvilladotcom SO I can get a resonator banjo and have either sound signature I choose?
@@musicvilladotcom hello, can you play a Resenator Banjo with nylon strings, and play claw hammer sir. I would like to see what that sounds like. Thankyou
I have a question. I’m 61, I’ve never played a instrument in my life. I want to learn the banjo is it to late to learn? Someone also suggest getting the neck scalloped.
What would be a decent banjo for a beginner
The best time to learn an instrument was yesterday, the second best time is today. It's never too late, especially for banjo, lots of folks start "late" to learn. In term of instruments, it really depends what style you want to play and how you want to play it. If you are an old time fan and want to get into frailling (clawhammer) get an open back, the sound will be mellower and if you want to get into bluegrass get a resonator. I would personally stay away from Deering Goodtimes as when you get more advanced you will want to change pretty quickly. Rekording king makes great instruments for the price. Go check banjohangout.com you will find the answers you need. Happy pickin'
@@Stelmaria38 thank you. I guess I’ll order mine tomorrow and start learning . I’m going to order Washburn with that resonator. Hopefully I’ll get some enjoyment. Any recommendations you have will be appreciated
@@billcoley8520 I have heard good and bad things on Washburn, never played one myself but almost bought a B9 when I started. The issues with banjo is that you really get the quality you pay for. It's a lot of different components and if one is cheap the whole thing will sound bad. I would really recommend you to do some research on the model you are thinking to buy first. Of course trying first would be ideal, but it's not as easy those days. That being said I've heard good things on the B17. Good luck!
What banjos are these?
I could be wrong but one looks like a maple neck and the other looks like a Rosewood fretboard, that is quite a big difference and not an accurate comparison
Almost seems an open back could be mic-ed from behind over the left hip of the player.
Resonator all the way.
Ginger or Mary Anne?
both.......same night.
Old joe Clark
The resonator banjo louder than the back open banjo
I wish I could play an instrument.
Danny F dude go for it I just started I’m 21 years old you have so much time man. Even if your 70 years old you got time to have fun and enjoy music. I picked up the diatonic harmonica cause I love blues and western music. It’s so much fun and you learn more and more everyday. Practice around 30 minutes a day or more If you want and in a year you will make insane progress.
Can't you just buy a resonator and remove the back when you want an open?
Not really, because of the hardware involved for attaching the resonator. Wouldn't be very comfortable to play.
As long as you wear a jacket while you play
Is the banjo hard to play?
The banjo isn't too hard. At least bluegrass style. Once you get down the finger picking pattern style for Scruggs style, and learn how to use the fingerpicks, you can get down how to play properly, and it's a whhhooollee lot of fun. I highly recommend playing. I've been playing for 2 years now and I love it :) I don't know about clawhammer but some people say it's easier. I tried it and I can't get it down.
I've been playing for a month I'm 12 and it's fun get an hour of practice a day and you will have it down in no time I personally recommend Epiphone MB 100 open back.
At first it can be, but once you get used to it it becomes easier
Scruggs style has never appealed or made sense to me, I play frailing/clawhammer and love it so much, and I find it fairly easy.
Is Deering pronounced Dee-ring or Deer-ing? I never can decide ...
bodybuilder arms hehehe
Res is yes
HILLBILLY ASHTON KUTCHER HOLY SHIT
Bonanjzo
Resonators are louder and HEAVIER.
A bananjo
TBH. Prefer the sound of open back.
Damn, looks like I have to get a resonator. Open back doesn’t sound nearly as good, it doesn’t have the high end twang that I associate with banjo
I could tell the difference right off. The resonator has a fuller, boomier sound. Kind of like the Martin guitars.