The Goodtime series sound more expensive than they actually are, I played a few brands before buying and nothing comes close unless you start to increase the spend. I may invest in an open back eventually. Wouldn't touch a 6 string, that's why I dumped the guitar about 25 years ago. I've only got 5 fingers on each hand not 6
When I started on the banjo, I struggled reaching certain chords. The problem, I was holding it like a guitar. I then changed the position pointing it more upwards and setting my strap right. This has dropped my wrist more and pointed my fingers very slightly down towards the pot giving more reach. Holding the neck like a guitar also didn't help me. The narrow necks/close strings for me are also a slight issue, fat ended fingertips tend to hit more than string inventing new chords! I also play better standing up than sitting down for some reason. I think I slouch with it when I sit down and it throws my hands out slightly, I've just changed to angled picks and it's helped me to play better when seated.
I've found a couple of teachers close by (within 30 miles ). I may take up lessons in the spring. I don't fancy online lessons, prefer a teacher in person. Self taught is okay but I can imagine that I've started a few bad habits already.
My wife thought it was fun to try and guess the tune I was learning. Then I learnt duelling banjos and played it over and over and over. She now closes every door when I play
Had a try at clawhammer today, don't think I'll take to it. I think it's for singalong folks, I'd have my balls cut off i started to sing too!!!