I was wondering if anyone has experienced playing a Clareen Oyster 19 fret tenor banjo, or any other Clareen tenor banjo in open-back style, and what your opinion regarding tone, is. I really like the Clareen tenor banjos from listening online and I have been a part of Enda Scahill's Patreon group and have seen him play them and speak highly of them. I have owned dozens of five string resonator and open-back banjos but am limited in experience (own a Gold Tone IT-19) with tenor banjos. I definitely prefer playing open-back rather than resonator style banjos, as I find they sit more comfortably in my lap. I don't want to sacrifice tone, but projection doesn't really matter as I play at home, for myself.
I have been in contact via email with Fintan at Clareen (very nice guy and quick to respond) regarding the above, but it would be nice to get the opinion of an owner as well, as it may aid in my choice between a resonator or open-back model. I had noticed some past sales, with photos of Clareen open-backs with Weymann style rims. I wonder how those rims would affect tone?
Thanks in advance for any opinions and suggestions from experienced tenor players.
Are you sure the open back with Weymann style rims were Clareen? Jim Patton of JP Banjos made an open back banjo with a Weymann style rim for a few years. They are excellent banjos but very rare to see one for sale. The higher end Clareens with the good archtop tone ring are great banjos. The resonator will not technically change the tone of the banjo. I've played a few Clareens with the resonators off while setting them up.
I preferred open back banjos for many years and actually built myself one. I now mostly play 19 fret resonator models. My favorite open back banjo is the large pot Vega Tubaphone.
Yep! Clareen custom model with Weymann style rim. It's an expired listing on Reverb, listed as "Clareen Custom 17 Fret Tenor Banjo". Google that and you'll find it. I think I found another Clareen with a Weymann style rim somewhere on the net, too.
Thanks for the information regarding playing the Clareen with the resonator off and also your favoured banjo now. Cool that you built your own banjo, too. That's way beyond my skill set. Kudos!
I found it, thanks. I never knew Clareen made a Weymann style rim.
No problem, Dan. I found the link to that other Clareen with the Weymann rim style, too.
oldsite.purebanjo.com/clareen-...le-banjo/
Thanks again for your, info. I googled those "Jim Patton" banjos and they're beauties!
Edited by - ironhead on 05/04/2025 08:34:05
Thanks for the second link, I know Paul from Pure Banjo. I will have to ask him about that banjo next time we chat.
I have owned, played, and restored many Weymann Orchestra banjos over the past 7 years or so. They are fantastic banjos. Most of the people I know would be playing they're Weymanns without the resonator unless in a larger session. I have also played a few JP banjos. I always said Jim built a better banjo and he did. He took the best of the Weymann design and gave it a little extra oomph.
I'm not sure why the 2 Clareen were built with mahogany. I would personally use maple or walnut for a little fuller tone. JP used American Black Walnut. I also use that for rim conversions that I do for Irish trad.
I thought you might be interested in those links! I know you're an expert on tenor banjos so thanks for expressing your opinion and sharing your knowledge. Those Weymann's are obviously a great tenor banjo if you've been that impressed. Also, those JP's must be great. No wonder they're so rare in the resale market.
Thanks for weighing in on the topic. Very helpful! If you think of any more details let me know! Interesting stuff!
quote:
Originally posted by ironheadI thought you might be interested in those links! I know you're an expert on tenor banjos so thanks for expressing your opinion and sharing your knowledge. Those Weymann's are obviously a great tenor banjo if you've been that impressed. Also, those JP's must be great. No wonder they're so rare in the resale market.
Thanks for weighing in on the topic. Very helpful! If you think of any more details let me know! Interesting stuff!
I am always happy to talk banjo for Irish trad, shoot me a message anytime. Thanks for sharing the info about the Clareen custom Weymann style banjos. I learned something new, and I appreciate that.
Sure will, Dan! Thanks and much appreciated.You're very welcome regarding that information.
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