I like Gold Tone, the fact that this actually a Chinese made banjo does not detract in any way from the pleasure of owning and playing a quality instrument. I`m lucky to own a number of banjos, all professional performance level, including Deering, and the OB 150 is a clear favourite for sound quality, clarity of note on all strings, adequate volume without being overpowering, easy playing( I have big fingers) hand slides easily up & down the neck with no drag, and that isn`t always the case even if you spend double the cost of this instrument.