If you know how two check a banjo for neck setting, then a pawn shop may be a good idea. Depending on where you live, though, finding a pawn shop banjo for under $175 may be hard. The days of the $60 banjo are about over.

The Deering is a great choice for two reasons: 1) It comes with the backing of the Deering Company. If it is not right, they will make it right. In this way you don't get stuck with a bad banjo.

2) It comes set up and ready to go. If yu want to play bluegrass, get the resonator model. If you want old time, go with the open back. Either one will be set up correctly and ready to play right from the start.

I have bought many pawn shop banjos, they can be great, BUT they can also be a pain if you get stuck with the one that no one could get to play right. Some banjos go to pawn shops because the owners need money, some go because no one else wants them. Make sure you know which is what before you buy.