I've finally got the $$$ together and will be buying a good quality open-back 5 string. There are 2 really great acoustic music shops, each 6o miles from where I live (in opposite directions). They carry hand crafted banjos by Terry Mead. Most are all wood, but there is a metal-rimmed model.
I've looked on line, and the best of the open backs seem to be the Bart Reitter or the Chanterelle. I have a few friends who play bluegrass, but when I ask them about something for old-timey playing they look at me as if I were from Mars.
Any input would be appreciated.
SC-