Don't buy an aluminum or alloy rim banjo. Do buy anything from the Deering folks. Call them and they'll send you a very informative packet, including a catalog. Buying a cheap (not just inexpensive) banjo now will just drive you crazy in six months. Get a Deering Goodtime (two or three models), a Boston (with steel rim) or a Sierra (wood rim). Don't be scared off by list prices. The Goodtime series is inexpensive and so rarely if ever discounted, but my Sierra came from my friendly neighborhood retailer for about four hundred off the sticker price. I stretched my abilities and my budget to go from aluinum junk to the Sierra and it was worth it. Good luck.