Oh I have a favourite banjo - my 17 fret Kildare (Sully) tenor but it's nothing like you would want.

From the little I understand, your requirements sound akward as those American styles have thier own "sounds" - hence Geoff's comments. I'd speculate that if you are to go for one, you woud be beeter off looking at one of the many "masterclones" which are blugrass orientated.

I don't know where is where much in US but I believe both you and Deering are in CA (different ends for all I know) and are respected as makers.

Beyond that, best I can think of is find a shop within reach to you that holds a few models and try a few. I think your own judgement learned from instruments in your hands is likely to be as helpful to you in terms of making a decision as opinions offered.