After viewing the responses on this thread, and seeing the shout-outs for Pisgah Banjos, I checked them out and was impressed! The banjos seemed a little quirky-looking at first but I fell for their simplicity of design, and from online videos, their tone, which is very old-timey and warm. I called Patrick Heavner and he suggested I send an email with the model and features I want. He quoted me a price and I've got to admit that Pisgah banjos sure seem like a great value!
I've ordered a Pisgah Appalachian 12" Walnut Rim with Walnut Neck, Tubaphone Tone Ring, Persimmon fingerboard with Simple Frailing Scoop/Railroad Spikes at 7th, 9th & 10th frets, Traditional Peghead, Traditional Neck Heel, Renaissance Banjo Head, Hawktail Tailpiece, Wire Arm Rest, Pisgah Embroidered Gig Bag, and all metal components are the Nickel-plated option. Patrick said my banjo should be ready around the beginning of June. C'mon June!
Pisgah Banjo Company