Collection: Open Back Banjos
Explore our selection of open back banjos, known for their lighter build and mellow tone that’s perfect for old-time, clawhammer, and folk playing styles. Find the right 5-string for laid-back sessions, solo practice, or that next jam with friends at Elderly Instruments.
Translation missing: en.sections.collection_template.filter_and_sort
Translation missing: en.sections.collection_template.product_count_simple
-
Recording King RK-OB25 Madison Open Back Banjo (c.2015)
Regular price $575 USDRegular priceUnit price / perSale price $575.00 USDSold out -
Bart Reiter Round Peak 12" Open Back Banjo (2011)
Regular price $2,385 USDRegular priceUnit price / perSale price $2,385.00 USDSold out -
Washburn Model 1025 Openback Banjo (c.1910)
Regular price $650 USDRegular priceUnit price / perSale price $650.00 USDSold out -
Fairbanks Whyte Laydie No.7 Open Back Banjo (1909)
Regular price $3,500 USDRegular priceUnit price / perSale price $3,500.00 USDSold out -
Fairbanks Whyte Laydie No.2 Open Back Banjo (1902)
Regular price $2,950 USDRegular priceUnit price / perSale price $2,950.00 USDSold out -
Orpheum No.3 5-String Conversion Banjo (c.1921)
Regular price $1,200 USDRegular priceUnit price / perSale price $1,200.00 USDSold out -
A. C. Fairbanks Custom Open Back Banjo and Case (1890s)
Regular price $3,500 USDRegular priceUnit price / perSale price $3,500.00 USD -
Bacon Blue Ribbon A1 Special Open Back Banjo (c.1924)
Regular price $1,000 USDRegular priceUnit price / perSale price $1,000.00 USDSold out -
Bart Reiter Standard A-Scale Openback Banjo (2007)
Regular price $2,100 USDRegular priceUnit price / perSale price $2,100.00 USDSold out -
Ramsey / Vega Whyte Laydie Conversion Open Back Banjo (2000s)
Regular price $2,500 USDRegular priceUnit price / perSale price $2,500.00 USDSold out -
Chuck Lee Ovilla 12in Openback Banjo (2007)
Regular price $2,600 USDRegular priceUnit price / perSale price $2,600.00 USDSold out -
Bacon Special Grand Concert Open Back Banjo (c.1920)
Regular price $2,000 USDRegular priceUnit price / perSale price $2,000.00 USD -
Chuck Lee Lone Star Glen Rose Custom Openback Banjo (2009)
Regular price $2,500 USDRegular priceUnit price / perSale price $2,500.00 USDSold out -
Brooks Masten Silverspun Custom Walnut 12 in. Openback Banjo (2019)
Regular price $2,600 USDRegular priceUnit price / perSale price $2,600.00 USDSold out -
Bob Thornburg Grain Measure Minstrel Openback Banjo (2014)
Regular price $800 USDRegular priceUnit price / perSale price $800.00 USD -
Mike Ramsey Chanterelle Cherry Special 12 in. Openback Banjo (c.2008)
Regular price $2,000 USDRegular priceUnit price / perSale price $2,000.00 USD
Open Back Banjo Selection for Inspired Playing
Our collection of open-back banjos offers the classic warmth and tone favored in old-time music. Each instrument has a mellow sound and approachable playability that makes open-back banjos a common choice for clawhammer, folk, and traditional musicians. These banjos are lighter weight, suited for extended playing sessions, and deliver a clear, direct playing experience. Whether you’re in search of your first clawhammer banjo or a vintage 5-string model, this selection includes a range of options to match different playing styles and preferences.
Why Choose Our Open Back Banjos?
We carefully select open back banjos for our collection, each inspected and set up by experienced staff to ensure quality. The range includes both entry-level banjos for beginners and vintage pieces for seasoned players, prioritizing comfort, craftsmanship, and tone. The collection features instruments with and without tone rings, offering either added projection or a more subtle response to suit old-time styles. Attention to hardware, wood choice, and setup means you can focus on playing with confidence and ease.
Related Collections: Banjo For Sale | Tenor Banjo Strings | Banjo Head
Shop Our Most Popular Collections: Mandolins | Classic Electric Guitars | Banjos
The Mellow Sound and Feel of Open Back Banjos
Finding the right open back banjo can help you achieve the rhythmic pulse of clawhammer or the melodic tones found in traditional settings. This collection features models that are comfortable for travel and extended playing, each with its own tonal character. Whether you’re just starting out or adding another instrument to your lineup, Elderly Instruments offers a variety of open back banjos to fit your musical needs.















