The reader responded:
Thank you for getting back to me. My STAGG has the resonator, but only 4 screws holds it on.
This one was set up nicely. The owner of the store is a personal friend, so he treats me pretty good.
Question.... can this one be played without the resonator ok?
Thanks again. Looking forward to future articles.
-------Our Response---------Feel Free to Add Your Own Below-------------
It won't hurt your banjo at all to take the resonator off. The four-screw method is typical. The only problem is that the pointed flanges make the thing dangerous without the resonator on it. If you tend to play places where the use of deadly force is necessary to protect the banjo player, that might be what you need.
That's one reason, I was looking for a 6-string with a wooden pot (body) so I could play it backless without worrying about hurting myself or someone else. That said, if you try it that way, you may notice that some guitar patterns sound better with a backless banjo. I just wouldn't take it out of the house with the back off.
Best of luck,
Paul
---------------------The reader responded:---------------
Aha! I understand... they do look rather foreboding. ..
Thanks!