Sharon...I had a Goodtime for a while, and it is a nice starter banjo but plain. We recently got our first Saga open-back at the store I work in and I like it a lot..well made, attractive, and affordable. I have not played a Gold Tone in some years so can't comment on them. One quite nice little banjo you might give a look at is a Vega Little Wonder (made by Deering). I've had one for about 3 years now and like it a lot. I probably use mine in about the same way you would and personally would not want either a resonator or a banjo with a heavy tone ring cause I think they might be too loud to fit in the group.
Sandy