I have the fortune of living in Rochester, NY and frequent Bernunzio's pretty much anytime I want. I was in yesterday to see if they had a Gold Tone OT-800 tubaphone as I've read good things and liked the look and sound of it as seen and heard on their website. They didn't have one but John let me play the new Eastman EBJ-WL (the Whyte Laydie replica). I think I'm in love!
I've been a newbie at Clawhammer (or any banjo) for months, play on a Goodtime, still struggle sometimes on changing to a dang C chord, but I love playing and practicing when I can. When I played on the Eastman, I definitely played better and things sure seemed easier.
I know people say, and I've seen it happen, that people can play the hell out of a Goodtime so it must be a good banjo but I'm thinking that maybe it's easier to learn on a better banjo.
I guess my question is this: Am I crazy to spend that kind of money ($1350) on a banjo when I'm still in the early stages of learning? I'm reasonably sure I'll stick with it.