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I think I'm going to ask for a cheap one for christmas, but I'm wondering what brands/models are good for a smaller price tag. I probably won't be playing bluegrass but I love the guys out there who play banjos in more experimental ways. Anyone have some idears? thanks!

Damn I have Banjo Gas too... I've been lookin on CL and at pawn shops and real stores and found that a good one can be had for $200-$300... There are $99 and $2000 ones too but the cheap ones seem ok to start with... I keep seeing different brands but the Epiphones seem solid for a beginner... Interest in this thread I have...

I have a Deering that I like a lot...Use it for bluegrass/experimental stuff. Slapped a contact pickup I built on it, run it through the board, and there's bowed dronez for days.
Biggest thing I'd recommend is get an open back for ease of adding/taking off pickups. I never liked playing a resonator banjo because of the weight and feel of them.
But otherwise, unless you're really wanting to learn clawhammer or something, then I'd go with a 4 string. That could also save you a few bucks in the hunt.

i have a cheap deering goodtime. not the best, but it's solid. here's one on ebay

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DEERING-GOODTIM ... 2a3492f2e7