My Stagg BJM30G 6-string Guitar Banjo has an excellent folksy sound, that can be achieved without having to learn an entirely new instrument.
Plays like a guitar - sounds like a banjo.
Good tone.
Loud enough to work with ambient mike. This is a 6 string (guitar headstock and tuning) "bluegrass" banjo. ( I know, I know its not really a banjo , but thats what Stagg call it so I'm sticking with it)
Resonator is alloy on heavy mahogany base.
30 flat bracket hooks to hold resonator down.
11" Remo white head
6 string maple and ebony bridge. ( Ensure you put it in the right place!)
Brass machine heads, open with pearly keys.
Armrest is Nickel plated brass.
22 fret rosewood fretboard with mother of pearl inlaid markers ( I don't think its M-o-P its prob called pearlish or some such) Banjo-heads hate them! ( This is a good point as well)
Banjo head is REMO and of good quality.
Too me the action is high and heavy, but a friend who plays conventional banjo says that its typical for the instrument.
You won't be able to practice quietly!