The "mid level" professional grade Deerings are out of your price range. They start at $3000 new. A used 1990s dot-inlay Sierra might turn up that low from time to time. Other models from Deering's pro line generally start in the low $2000s used then go up from there. If you mean a Goodtime, forget it. Those are beginner banjos. Even the Artisan series Goodtimes are dressed-up beginners.

For $1200, you can buy a new Recording King RK-35 (matte/maple/dark brown) or -36 (gloss/mahogany), or a Gold Tone OB-150 (matte/maple/medium brown). The RK-35/36 are probably the most recommended step-up banjos for anyone wanting a jam- or gig-worthy tone ring and resonator banjo. These can be all the banjo anyone ever needs.

Check the various online retailers. Most throw in a hardshell case or gig bag (not included with these) and free shipping.

The RKs turn up used for as little as $800.

Good luck.

Man, I understand this issue. I have a couple of banjos and play out of my house 1-2 times a week. I have found that the big and expensive Gibson, heavy as it is stays home. I have a good quality open back, mine is a Bart Reiter, that goes with me to Bluegrass and old time jams. The volume is a bit compromised but is made up for in ease of transport light weightiness and flexibility. I do get complements on the sound, whether finger picking or playing clawhammer. Incidentally, I have an older guitar and mandolin that I also take out while the more valuable ones stay home.

Before looking at new banjos in your price range, check out the classified ads here and see what you can find for the same price. If you don't find something that appeals to you, start looking at other sources like Reverb, Elderly, Bernunzio's, and whatever you might find in person.
Used banjos are just as good as new ones, and you can frequently get a better banjo than you would if you bought one new. People who post banjos for sale on here are mostly people who know banjos and take care of them.
I hope that made sense.

If you want a second banjo for something you don't mind knocking around, buy a quality used banjo that's already been knocked around. Not much different than a good work truck. Or a work horse, as it were.

Specific advice? Stretch your budget and buy this banjo (before I do) (it's already dented): banjohangout.org/classified/106287

I went through this in 2017, not wanting to lug my Gibson ESS around to band practice, casual jams with friends, and outdoor summer sweat vests. I ended up buying a Deering Americana on a whim, off of an early Amazon prime deal. It ended up being perfect. Light as a feather, comfortable fast neck, and no worries or concerns over condition. With a tight head, it was decent for bluegrass picking, and with 12” head, it actually sounded better with my band, when mic’ed up. Within a few weeks, the Mastertone was in its case, and never came back out. That was 7 years ago, and I still have the Americana, but not the Gibson. The only place the Deering doesn’t work, is an all out bluegrass style acoustic jam. It gets ate for lunch and disappears. But I haven’t done that in years. In a smaller group with several guitars, home, or at band practice, or in a mic’ed up gig, it works fantastic. Unlike some opinions, I don’t see the low end Deerings as a beginner instrument. They are a great option for a beginner to start with, but they are also great instruments, that will meet anyone at whatever level they are at.

I would look into a Goldstone, plenty bang for the buck. They look good, sound good. As a matter of fact, if this is for taking on camping trips, etc. I'd suggest you get something durable and rugged, like the Goldstone AC-12 line. Also, since you said camping, I'd recommend a shorter scale banjo--they're smaller and fit in cars, trucks, campers easier. Something like the Goldtone AC-12A

quote: This is really helpful I appreciate it.

---

Originally posted by Old Hickory

The "mid level" professional grade Deerings are out of your price range. They start at $3000 new. A used 1990s dot-inlay Sierra might turn up that low from time to time. Other models from Deering's pro line generally start in the low $2000s used then go up from there. If you mean a Goodtime, forget it. Those are beginner banjos. Even the Artisan series Goodtimes are dressed-up beginners.

For $1200, you can buy a new Recording King RK-35 (matte/maple/dark brown) or -36 (gloss/mahogany), or a Gold Tone OB-150 (matte/maple/medium brown). The RK-35/36 are probably the most recommended step-up banjos for anyone wanting a jam- or gig-worthy tone ring and resonator banjo. These can be all the banjo anyone ever needs.

Check the various online retailers. Most throw in a hardshell case or gig bag (not included with these) and free shipping.

The RKs turn up used for as little as $800.

Good luck.

---

Consider checking out Greg Boyd's house of fine instruments right there in Missoula. It is really a gem of a music store. Mr. Greg Boyd and the staff are absolutely excellent and it is a great place to support. Missoula is lucky to have them. I have had nothing but great experiences there and sometimes they have some cool stuff they haven't put on the website yet. Greg has cool stories too and is a fountain of knowledge. Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with them but I just really think theyre great.

Also maybe check out Music Villa over in Bozeman, I don't know them much but I stopped in over the summer and they had really stepped up their banjo selection.

Your money may go further in a private sale but its nice to try before you buy and not worry about shipping. I also love supporting local businesses, I believe a solid local music store is a great thing to have in your community. Also If youre a part of the montana rockies bluegrass association someone might have something for sale there. or at least connect you with some cool folks to pick with. Ive been in some pawn shops around missoula that had some banjos too.

Hope this helps and have fun with your search!

That’s funny you bring up Greg’s shop- I’ve bought a few banjos from him and his guys over the years- including the Nechville I mentioned in my original post!

Went to him before I even started looking online! Most of his inventory is out of my range as of current, but I’m keeping tabs on them!

Bunch of good banjos on Craigslist out here in the Portland area.

That was the idea behind this model.

bruceberrybanjos.wordpress.com/s-l-o-b/

The Nechville has a fairly beefy neck with a 1” string spacing at the nut which is a titch wider than 1-1/4”.
I am a Nechville player also and have found that it is best to have the non-Nechville banjos I own equipped with a 1-1/4” wide neck and 1” string spacing at the nut, same as the Nechville. This makes for a fairly seamless transition between banjos, the Nechville compound radius neck not withstanding. I found it to be worth my time checking out specifications before purchasing a second banjo.

You might find and old Goldstar but even those can be getting more expensive. There are 6 for sale on the Hangout classifieds

I would go with a used banjo, which might have a few nicks to start with to calm your fears of damage, and would be played in a bit (hopefully not too much). The RK-35,36, Gold Star GF 85.100, and Gold Tone 150 are all good, and with careful looking you might find an older Deering Sierra or Deluxe, or a good parts banjo out there. Whenever I start looking I find that something good comes up fairly soon if it is not there immediately.

Search result of banjos for sale in Hangout Classifieds, $750 to $2000. (Can't limit a search on any number between $1000 and $2000)

Not going to tell you what to get. But if I were more interested in value for the money in an instrument I'm prepared to have suffered bumps and bruises), the ones I'd be considering include:

- Imperial, $800. US made in Oklahoma by the late Ty Piper.

- RK-35, with extras. $880

- Gold Tone OB-150RF (radiused fretboard). $925

- Gold Star GF85. $1000.   Excellent choice, in my opinion.

 Brief word on these: Pretty sure Saga no longer makes this model. This was their entry level pro-quality banjo. Decades before the RK-35, Saga  put out this banjo with the quality features of 3-ply rim, bell metal tone ring, one-piece flange, but the economy of a grafted headstock and stacked heel. (Perfectly acceptable construction). The Gold Star banjos were discontinued by the end of the 1980s. Then brought back around 20 years ago. The 85 still had the economies to keep it at entry level. In construction and features, the GF85 compares directly with the RK-35/36 and Gold Tone OB-150. I think the Gold Tone uses generic metric hardware, while the Gold Star and RKs use US.  The 85s from the 1980s, made in Japan, are more desirable. But the 21st century ones from China are fine banjos.

Gold Star GF100 banjos are built more like the Recording King RK-Elite series (though not with the longer scale length) and the Gold Tone OB-3 Twanger. New, they're priced right about the same - $1800 - $2000. Used they go $1200 or so. I'm referring to the current Chinese models. 

Final word:  I imagine all prices are negotiable. I didn't look at shipping costs.

Have fun shopping.

I feel that need with a used Twanger I bought off of here. Its as good or close to my Gibsons and better than my Nechville. Its right in your price used.

Thanks for the input, everyone. I ended up pulling the trigger on a Goldstar GF100 I found that was within my financial means.

Cheers,

Joey