"I read through the other post that kind of veered off of how many classic banjoists there are.  Couple of comments, take it for what it is worth.  Classic banjo is a small niche inside of another small niche. When you talk to anyone about…"

"Adam, send me an email (email is on my website) and I will send you Walter Kaye Bauer's "Jigs and Reels book.  It is great reading in C notation. "

"Congratulations Adam. I hope it is as good as it looks. Have a look at those two books that I linked in."

"Thanks for everyone's input. I went with the R&L."

"I can't advise you on the R&L, but it certainly does look appealing. Buy it if you think that Jody's observations wouldn't apply to you and if the consensus is that it will serve you well, as you develop as a player. Personally,…"

"Some years ago I bought a banjo from Bernunzio that was damaged. And other damage had been badly repaired and covered with shoe polish. I got a refund but i had to pay the shipping cost to return it. Never again.  Buyer beware."

"I cannot vouch for the banjo, but the seller of the R&L, Kyle VanMeter is a straight shooter, knows his stuff and can fully be trusted.  I'd buy from him before I would buy from Bernunzio.  In fact, I have bought from Kyle, sort…"

"For my taste the Rettberg and Lange is the most appealing. Two of the features I particularly like will not appeal to everyone. The scale (vibrating length from nut to bridge) is 28.5 inches.  That is long. If you have small hands you…"

"This might be worth looking at, it needs tidying up and a new fifth peg. You could make an offer on it, if you can get it for less than £300.00 it might make a good banjo at a reasonable…"

"Either of those look fine, but with this increase in budget you could also check out the offerings from John Alvey Turner.  In fact, the $1000- 1500 range is a very good budget for classic era banjos. Buy once, cry once.  The only problem…"

"After talking to Leo, I think the Washburn is out. (Unless someone can make an amazing case to buy it) The wildwood just dropped in price. Also this bacon is on sale this week. And finally this Rettberg and Lange…"

"Finding one has certainly proved difficult. "

"Could be good. Wildwood banjos tend to be LOUD.   I'd rather have a nice mid-range Clifford Essex banjo, typically at a lower price. "

"That Washburn has had the “hack’s reset” done to the neck.  This is when a second hole is drilled in the rim to put angle on the neck.  Then a thick shim is jammed between the fingerboard and the stretcher hoop to try and…"

"Try this link. Link wildwood minstrel"

"Guitarandbanjo is a reputable seller. The price is good. I'd be worried this banjo might be a bit too quiet. But ask the seller. You'll get a straight answer from Leo. The reverb link does not work."