Despite my best advice to the contrary, a friend of mine thinks he wants to learn to play Scruggs-style 5-string. He probably has less than $300 to spend and has asked me to help him find a suitable starter instrument. He directed me to the online"Banjo Hut" site and asked my input about some of their "Mastercraft" resonator models. I'm really not informed enough about the current state-of-the-art of budget Asian banjos to have an opinion, so I promised that I'd ask around. I've already told him that he'll certainly need to budget for lessons and probably a few minor upgrades like bridge, tailpiece and tuners on any inexpensive banjo he decides to buy.
Does anyone have experience that they'd be willing to share, good, bad or otherwise with Banjo Hut and their Mastercraft line? Any other recommendations?
Chris