I was given an Alex banjo when it's previous owner was going to trash it. It has a "Made In Japan" sticker on it so I know where it comes from. It has a nice cheerful if light sound and a very good action and it got me hooked on banjos. I now own a more expensive (and much louder) banjo but if I am in a stinking mood (frequently) I like to thrash the Alex in a feeble attempt to play clawhammer. It is a nice old thing and well worth the zilch I paid for it. I hope you get as much pleasure from your one as I get from mine.