Amos,

There are so many fine banjos available that I think you need to find the best (one or two?) that work best for you. I have a Wildwood Troubador open back banjo that I've had for over ten years and I've made set up changes that have it just the way I like it...I've changed the tailpiece, loosened the head, put a new, taller bridge, etc.

I also have a '30s Weyman banjo-guitar (6-string banjo) that has a removable resonator...no flange, it just pops on and off.

A friend of mine who is very accomplished on both old-time and bluegrass styles has different banjos for each style.

Two current makers of old-time banjos that haven't been mentioned here and are quite popular are Mike Ramsey and Kevin Enoch.

-Greg