John-

"Bart Reiter" banjos are excellent and are currently available from Elderly Instruments in Lansing, MI. Most models are based on the old Vega Whyte Lady and start about $900. Check their website.

My personal favorites are vintage S.S. Stewart banjos from the 1890's, the Model B or C's. You can still purchase "bargains" on e-Bay for less than $1000 but you have to know what you're bidding on. Check the Mugwumps Website for background information on Stewart banjos. I favor the heavier Orchestra model. I have a unique Special Thoroughbred Model B which I am planning to place of e-Bay soon. I'd expect to sell it for $1500; it's entirely refurbished and if you're seriously interested I can send you clear JPG images.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble
e-mail:ipbar@gwi.net