Arnie: thanks for the tip about the newsletter. I am going to read about the Deering Vegas because I bought one. They call this one the "little wonder". It is very nice! My only other comparison, however, it to my other banjo which is the Deering Goodtime, the entry level instrument. The Deering Vega has a lower action (just right to my liking) than the Goodtime. It also has a resonator ring, and has a nice mellow sound that carries. I am playing clawhammer style, and it suits me well. Margo