Back in the day, Sloan's cost a lot less. But "affordable" is a realtive term. And 35 or so years accounts for a lot of inflation.

I've exchanged messages with the younger Sloans who make the banjos currently. My sense is that they'd be open to letting you try one out (i.e. purchase it with a return option) if you were interested but not willing to take the plunge without a trial.   

By the way, here's an added benefit from owning a Fold-a-Jo: when I first got mine, I brought it to a party. Showed it off to the host and to a very attractive woman who was one of his guests. She and I will celebrate our 31st wedding anniversary this coming October.