Well, guess prob'bly I plowed up a snake this time!! thanks for the input. I did forget to mention that I do some claw hammer, no picks, I've used a vega tubaphone, also had a Samick from Korea. Great banjo but way too loud for claw hammer. I guess the only thing I havn't tried is the skin head. Years ago I wrote to ask Grampa about his banjo, but, he didn't seem to know what I was talking about. He offered to sell me one of his, but, fool that I am I didn't take him up on it. I also borrowed a ODE from Ed Trickett, another great banjo, but again, too loud. Don Stover told me Grampa's banjo had no tone ring.. I just tried a Deering.. too "stringy" sounding... and too loud. Oh well, I'll just keep listening to Kathy Barton. She is great.