"Every 1/2 inch bridge will sound unique. Every 5/8 bridge will sound unique. Every bridge from the same maker will sound different from all the others. There is no such thing as the sound from a 5/8 bridge. That's not all.  There is no…"

"Chasing tone is always going to be journey. Play what sounds good to your ears."

"I know. But I like the sound more from a 5/8"

"You can have a 5/8 in. if you choose but you will have to account for the extra height, especially if the regal doesn't have a back angle. From my understanding, bridges made for banjos of the classic era were 1/2 in."

"True, but instead of taking out credit one could just save the money instead and then buy outright.  During the saving period one could continue to practice and research to lean exactly what they wanted to get. "

"This funeral March should be performed tempo grave I think"

"Only problem is, you can't finance the banjos from the classic era"

"To second Joel, I saw an amazing W.M. Stahl on ebay a few weeks ago that sold for 700 and it didn't look to seem like it had wire string abuse. An absolute beauty! I've also seen some nice John Grey banjos show up for decent prices."

"Derring seems to be very proud of their work. These seem to be well thought of for modern wire string based styles.  At well over $2k I'd rather have my pick of anything from the classic era.  That kind of money, if you are patient,…"

"I really like the Deering neck profile and the Sierra has a nice resonant sound - the only thing I'd say is that it's on the heavy side for an open-back (banjo hooks/bolts can dig in but you could put a towel over your legs)."

"Already tried one out and I remember it was one of the best banjos I've ever held"

"I haven't owned it but I have played the Deering Sierra. It feels like a well-made modern professional banjo at a well-made modern banjo price. The worth is going to come down to the sound and feel for which you are seeking. Your best bet is to…"

"It's a funeral March. Interesting."

"I own a L&H Mystic. I got a great deal on it, but it was disappointing. Later I tuned it up one step and it really shone! By the way, I worked at the L&H harp factory around 1972 as a gilder. "