As a general matter, GET THE BEST BANJO YOU ALMOST CAN'T AFFORD!

In my own opinion--and others will differ with me, perhaps vociferously--the GoodTime is a mistake. It's butt-ugly, for one thing, and the tone (to my ears) is only so-so.

You say you "want a four or five-string". You need to make up your mind what kind of music you like. If you are interested in jazz, say Dixie or Chicago style, you will want a four-string, in all likelihood a tenor. It's intended for good, loud accompaniment, playing with a plectrum, mostly chordal.

Since you say you are interested in or old-time, then of course you want a five-string, which is ALMOST always played with the fingers rather than a plectrum.

In new banjos, given the three you've named, my own choice would be the Goldtone. But this is SUCH a personal choice! Try, try, try to get your hands on as wide a variety of banjos as possible, to educate yourself.

Heads: The progression of skin, Fibreskyn, Renaissance, frosted, to clear heads is a progression from plunky to very bright tone. In all likelihood I'd expect that for OT you wouldn't want a frosted or clear head; too bright.

If you can manage to squeeze out say $500 for the purchase, I'd highly recommend a Chanterelle (Ramsey) Student Model banjo. Excellent, excellent, excellent for the price.

The general effect of a tone ring is to make the banjo louder. In general, I don't think an OT banjo particularly needs a tone ring, but I know there are a lot of knowledgeable people who will strongly disagree.

I say again: Try to get your hands on and play, even if only briefly, as many different banjos as possible before you commit yourself. Ideally, if you can, try to have pre-played the specific instrument you buy.

Dave Oesterreich