SharonA,

Although it's not as simple as this, generally Resonator 5-String banjo's are for Scruggs style Bluegrass pickin'. Open backs are used for the Clawhammer/Frailing style. Resonators not only amplify the sound, but also give a sharper tone that isn't as suited to the frailing style. The imitation Hide head on this banjo also takes some of the brightness away from the sound. This is definitely a frailing banjo, and probably a pretty darn good one.