Oscar Schmidt OB5 Gloss Mahogany 5-String Banjo - Professional Quality for Bluegrass, Folk & Country Music Performances

I bought this banjo back in 2011 with intention of playing it, and it sat around being strummed and picked once every few weeks. Then, in 2013, I finally made time to play the thing and learn it. And learn on it, I very well did. And I've enjoyed just about every minute with it.Pros:- solid, well-made banjo with high quality strings (if not a bit rough on the fingers at first, but you'll get used to it) and great look and color- has a good, boastful sound to it (not as airy as an open back banjo which to me sounds better for clawhammer style) and is great for 3-finger picking (but obviously can stand up to use with other styles just fine)Cons:- tad heavy, and glossy finish (while great looking) makes the sucker slide off your lap easily. Get a strap.- have to get it bridged either by yourself (just Google it) or take it to a local music shop where they'll do it (the shopkeep did it for me for free since I spent $5 on some nickel finger picks to play with)- goes out of tune relatively quickly (not harshly out of tune, but noticeably enough). Sure, that's a factor of playing the banjo, but I feel like I tune it just about every time I play (but I'm also really picky about sound)Overall, the banjo is really great. The cons are really nitpicky in the scheme of things, and this is a great banjo for the price. I also got it as low as $180 on sale, and as you can see the price is currently a little higher.My next banjo will be an openback Deerfield (more expensive, but a more homemade feel), but for now (the next year or so), this is the banjo I'll have at my side. And if you're looking to get into plucking and strumming yourself, this is a great pick.