I am looking to buy a 5 string banjo, open back frailing style, and would greatly appreciate some advice on buying. I played banjo over 10 years ago and want to take it up again, I can already frail so am not an absolute beginner. My budget is very small though, £100-£200 is all I can afford at present unfortunately.

My local music shop offered one model, the Vintage brand at £99. but I didnt like the sound or feel of it much.

Hobgoblin have the Blue Moon model at £115, wooden rim, made in China, or the Ashbury at £195 which has a maple body and neck.

The Music Room, Cleckheaton has the Tonewood Maryland at £114, very much endorsed by them as best value for money in its class.

On Ebay I found an Ozark for £112 which has a Remo head, and a Rally brand banjo for £99 with a mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard.

I also found a Hudson 'Dixie Kid' model with a Remo 'weather king' resonator head and rosewood fingerboard for £99.95. This was from Cranes music store, who had a wealth of info on there about all instruments.

There were also some websites selling 19th century instruments and the like but I think thats too risky without playing them first.

I personally like the look of the Tonewood Maryland, just a hunch.

The sound I like from a banjo is a clear but 'clunky' sound, not too resonant or echoey. if that helps!!

Thanks very much

Jane x