Here's my story...
I dreamed for more than a few months about getting a BR40T. On my way to vacation in Gatlinburg,TN, I planned on stopping by Music Outlet as they have them there, on display. I was also underwhelmed due to the lack of "body" in the tone. It was strung DGBE. The neck was going to be too much a reach for 5ths tuning, which was my ultimate plan.
So, I walked around the store awhile (it is huge) and found my wife gazing at a Gold Tone Banjola. I picked it up and tuned it to my liking, CGBE, with the drone string an octave higher, as a "g". I immediately fell in love with its lush harmonics and very long sustain. Like a banjo, it has a narrow neck with an added 5th string. Like the BR40T, it is diminutive in volume. I bought it, though. It really sounds wonderful.
Depending on what gauge string you use for the drone, it can be tuned for several keys: A D'Addario .011" gets you c thru g, which seem the most versatile for me.
I have purchased the replacement bridge with a pickup, but haven't installed it yet. Here's why. The Gold Tone planetary tuners feel like they are falling apart, making it "less than enjoyable" to play. I certainly didn't stress them, but I'm looking at $100-125 to upgrade them with unknown results. I love this thing, but the tuners have stopped me from playing it.
Hopefully, this will have a happy ending.