I finally broke down and and got an actual "Old Time" banjo.
Open back. Got that somewhat softer, sort of clear head.
The tone is just blowing me away. Not at all "piercing" or "sharp" sounding like my bluegrass banjos.
It sounds "plucky" ...but still loud.
But heres the thing. Its all I want to play. When I want to play 3 finger style, with picks, I grab the old timer and and play 3 finger style on the thing..with picks!. And it sounds wonderfull that way. It's still got the old time plucky sound...but much LOUDER.
I COMPLETLY did not expect that. I assumed that that old time head would not respond properly to the metal finger picks, and it wouldnt work...but its working fine.
Is it fairly common tp play an old time banjo with the 3 fingerpicks sometimes, or am I stranded out in left field all by myself?