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Originally posted by Grey Dog

Hopkins, Stelling, Yates, and Sullivan still seem to be around. I think?
 

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Stelling retired. I think Yates is winding down. Not sure about Hopkins. Sullivan is still around.

There are often a lot of good used banjos to be had in the classifieds.

I think Tim Davis makes a nice banjo of current builders. Huber too.

Huber, Davis, Sullivan, Yates, OME, Gold Tone, Neat, Prucha, Nechville, Davis.
I’m sure there’s more but these came to mind. Wouldn’t be hard to find a good banjo from any of those builders.

There are so many good banjos in the classified ads there that I'm not sure why one would look anywhere else. But I'm a big fan of buying used so maybe that's just me.

Yates no longer produces anything

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Originally posted by Grey Dog

Who are the new builders worth checking out? I'm in the NorthEast, which makes things difficult, but I'm willing to drive quite a bit. Please educate me on today's options.

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Bishline from your list is still in business.  Their $2800 Cimarron may be the lowest price US-made Mastertone-style banjo one can buy.

Deering, who you didn't name, is also still making banjos. Probably the biggest U.S. maker. All of what Deering calls its "upper line" models are built on order, though quite a few dealers stock new inventory. Especially Sierras and Eagle II, since they're priced at the entry level of US-made professional grade instruments.

Capek and Roll's are two Czech builders who don't get a lot of mention but have some well-known owners. Ned Luberecki recently took delivery of his Nedski signature Capek. Tony Trishchka has had a Roll's in his rotation of players since at least 2014. For a while now he tends to mostly play his signature Deering Tony Trischka Golden Clipper.

Driving from the Northeast, you could visit stores such as Bernunzio in Rochester, NY; Retrofret in Brooklyn; Appalachian Bluegrass in Catonsville, Maryland (Baltimore area); Turtle Hill Banjo in Annapolis, Maryland; and Pickers Supply in Fredericksburg. Best to check inventory online before making a trip. And Turtle Hill is by appointment, I think.

Hard to go wrong with Frank Neat IMO.

If I was going to buy a brand new banjo it would be a Deering. American made, and the only brand that isn't just a few guys in a small shop so they'll be around to support you for a long time. Huge selection and the most comfortable neck profile on the market today (just my opinion).

I'd probably get an Eagle 2 or Sierra but possibly splurge and get a John Hartford. Or maybe a custom Vega #2 with a WL tone ring instead of tubby.