Jim- once that part of a banjo is taken out of the equation, it really ceases to be a banjo. You can certainly do all right with synthetic heads and such, but they are supposed to be mucked with. From what I have found on the banjo forums, this is part of the love affair with them (glad I was not the only one).
I will certainly be getting another. I got a May Bell Banjo Uke in October and I am wearing her out. She is I am sure by all standards very heavy (I play Accordion too so she is a feather comparatively), excruciatingly finicky, In constant need of some tweak or other...but at 90 years old I find she is still worth the time. Would like to add the 7" version to the stable. I love having to carry wrenches in my uke case- makes it more manly. She is also the only uke I own that can sound like heck when I get up, and great after I shower if I leave the door open.
I LOVE the Beansprout, but will certainly never be able to afford one unless I go back to exotic dancing...sigh
The mainland is pretty, but I saw one in a video that was maple and now that is all I want- plus, I wish it was open backed.
The Fluke did nothing for me- looked like a neck screwed to a plastic tambourine. Even the least accomplished craftsman could make one for $40, and I doubt that is the asking price. We'll see as they start to surface.
