I bought new in 1978 a 5-string Jida. Some say Aida, still others say Iida. The first letter in the highly scripted logo has confused some for years, but very reliable sources (importers) have confired it as Jida. Jida made (and still might) a full line of banjos in Japan. Mine is a top of the line Masterclone made with many Gibson parts. It is very bright, loud, and crisp. Some years back an old hillbilly banjo player (Earl by name. Really!) set it up for me so decently that he told me it rivaled most any Gibson for sound and playability. I've been using this instrument in a group, and when it's my lead, kick up that rhythm, because this thing will cut through loud and clear.