All good advice above.

As for a $1,000 banjo? gee I have been playing since 1961 and STILL haven't felt the need to go to an instrument costing THAT much. I did just get one for $350 which seemed pretty expensive compared to my Saga kit ($100 back in 1978) and it doesn't sound as good. I'd be scared to own an instrument that cost THAT much. I HATE the tuners but I agree the Deering Goodtime is a very nice banjo, easy to play and sounds GREAT!

In addition to listening to the players listed above, PLEASE get Mike Seeger's "Southern Banjo Sounds" CD. It is a stunner!

CB