Lonesome Gillette,
I like the internal resonator fine. This is the only banjo I've had with a Bacon style tone ring. I pick the thing in a drop thumb, 2 finger style and it works real well. I'm not sure how much, if any, projection the resonator gives. When I play in a large jam I do wish it was a little louder. The fit and general quality of this banjo is excellent and I'd recommend Reiter banjoes to anyone.
Chip A.