Is there a more attractive alternative to a drop ceiling that allows easy access to the space above it?
You may be able to hang birch- or maple-faced plywood. You can screw it to joists and then unscrew a panel when you need to get in to change stuff.

My neighbor used this as a floor, with a urethane coating, but you may be able to skip the finish. 

I haven't tried this approach myself. YMMV.