Mentioning YOUTUBE is a great idea . Don zepp at Zepmusic on YT has a bunch of banjos. Most not in your price range but if you call him he may have something interesting and will put a clip of it on YT so you can hear how well he makes it sound (remember that not you playing )) .. Good hunting . I did start a thread on our favorite banjo makers here at Mudcat but all of them are above your price category . Have a look for the fun of it sometime . Good luck , Guy