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Originally posted by splunge

Has anyone played a Turtle Hill banjo with wood tone ring? I believe they are light and well regarded. Don't see any in the classifieds though.

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They're not too far from your location on Baltimore.  Edgewater, I believe, a tad south of Annapolis.  I'd suggest a visit, which I think are by appointment only.

Too bad a resonator is required. I have a '60s Vega Folk Wonder that will hit the Classifieds soon. Needs a tapered shim can get the action right with an 11/16" bridge but it's doable. As lightweight as it gets—no metal tone ring.

If infinite adjustability is what you want, a 1960s Kay can be set for anything from strings flat on the fretboard to a 2" tall bridge — the Kay Neck Adjuster has that much range. The late '60s with the 1/4" rod on a pressboard rim aren't all that loud (I have two) but some older Kays with the pot metal flange can put out when set up right.

I don't know what all the details are , but you can remove the tone ring from your Stelling. My banjo teacher has a Stelling that the tone ring was removed. I am not sure if permanent modifications have to be done to do that . That would certainly reduce the weight.
I have no idea what it will sound like, but a company ( don't remember the name) is coming out with a carbon fiber banjo. That should be very light .

I wonder if Turtle Hill even has any of their woodys. Weren't they discontinued awhile back?

Does the Deering Eagle II come close to fitting in this category?

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Originally posted by splunge

Has anyone played a Turtle Hill banjo with wood tone ring? I believe they are light and well regarded. Don't see any in the classifieds though.

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I own a Turtle Hill banjo. There were a limited number made by Clancy Mullens and each Turtle Banjo is a bit different than others. It has a Tony Pass block maple rim and all the hardware is by Prucha. It's a great sounding lightweight woody and a great banjo to play with a very comfortable neck. I really don't want to sell it but for a decent price I might be persuaded to part with it as I have several banjos and I should let some go. 

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Originally posted by peterm

I wonder if Turtle Hill even has any of their woodys. Weren't they discontinued awhile back?

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There were a limited number consigned to and built by Clancy Mullins who I believe is no longer an active banjo builder. They don't come up for sale often that I have noticed. 

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Originally posted by Ybanjo

Personally, I'm not a fan of the Goodtime because of the lack of truss rod. Also, I should have mentioned that I'm interested in a resonator 5-string banjo.

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I actually have four Goodtime banjos i have picked up over the years. Gumby head open back, Gumby head Goodtime Special resonator, Goodtime fiddle head open back and a Goodtime 2 fiddle head (resonator). The Gumby head Goodtimes they quit making around the year 2000. Haven't had a neck problem with one yet. It does limit you to light gauge strings though. Use them for practice and anyone that wants to try playing a banjo. They play well and sound good for what they are.

I highly recommend a Nechville. You have a choice of wood, hybrid and bronze tone rings. The steel spheres can be replaced with ceramic.  Very  light, professional sound.