Washburn B17 Sunburst 5-String Banjo w/case  

This is a great sounding banjo, especially for bluegrass. I have owned an arch top for years, and its warm tone is just right for following old- timey fiddling and country. However I wanted something with a real bright tone for bluegrass, and my b17 fills the bill. My only compaints are the ends of some of the frets have slight burrs from being cut off; not enough to scratch but you can still feel them. The fretbaord inlays are fancy shaped but lack luster; the abalone on the headstock is gorgeous The "engraving" on the armrest is something they punched in while manufacturing, and looks like a series of dots; looks kinda strange until you get under lights, and then each little dot sparkes. Overall a great looking and sounding banjo. case is extra deluxe

for the money this is the best banjo you will find...by far...spend a few extra bucks and have it set up and you will not be dissapointed...i have a deering calico also and always find myself grabbing the b-17 when i practice...

Definitely worth the money , I rented one first and then decided to own it !  very smooth ,great sound ,easy to play !!! I am very happy with it ! Washburn B17 is the king of all banjos !!!

The Washburn B17 - B16 Banjos are top quality instruments in todays market for the money spent. No other brand such as Fender or Epiphone will match it in features or total all around perfection. Try them all out side by side and you will choose the Washburn for it's sound and appearance.

I bought this banjo used, and put medium gauge strings on it.  It has great tone, can project a lot of sound, and is very easy to play.  It is definitely built more for scruggs-style picking common in traditional bluegrass.  I can sort of play old-time clawhammer on this banjo, but it doesn't really sound right.  It sounds fantastic all the way up and down the neck and mine keeps its tuning very well.  It also looks gorgeous with the carved heel and headstock and the fancy pearl inlay.  This is my second banjo and the one that really got me into playing bluegrass music.  Highly recommended- expensive but worth the extra money.