I need some advice on banjos. I'm trying to decide which open-back banjo to get. Down here, in SE Tennessee, most of the banjo pickers have resonators and play bluegrass. I want to play "old-time" music. I just play for fun, and in a lot of schools for kids. In buying other insturments, I've gradually up-graded my insturments over time, and I have learned to buy the best that I can afford. There seems to be a price range for entry level banjos, below $350.00. I've looked on EZBanjo and Elderly on the net, and I've looked in local stores. These names (new) keep coming-up: Goldtone 150 ($340.00), SAGA SS10 ($325.00), Deering Goodtime($170.00). Is it worth it to upgrade a few hundred dollars to get a better banjo. I want a fOur or five string, with frets. How about a tone ring? And, should I get a plastic or a fiber head? How about an internal resonator like the Rieter? What does the tubaphone do to the sound? I have a Martin D28 guitar, a $100.00 Old Bull fiddle, and an Orthey autoharp.

Thanks!!!!

Wilco