In your area you might try Guitar Center, if you just want a decent entry level open back. They carry the Goldtones which I believe are chinese made. The few I've seen don't appear to be too bad. I would place them above the Goodtime as far as playability. You would probably have to order off the web, or have them get it in to the store. They usually don't give too much trouble with that sort of thing, and don't get mad if you decide you don't like it.

I think if you're wanting to gig with it though, you should probably go with a higher quality used for the prices you mentioned.

I have the same problem in Kansas with trying to find good banjoes.
Nobody wants to stock them and I'm not paying upfront for a $1000-2000 instrument I haven't played.

Good luck hunting though, something good will turn up.

Try checking local pawnshops too. With hard economic times, especially in your area, people start cleaning out closets and you might find a really good deal.

BHSC