Deering Goodtime Openback 5 String Banjo - Best Beginner Banjo | Made In U.S.A.
Condition: New
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Availability:
In Stock.
Arrives
Friday, Oct 16
Color: Nickel
Size: Full size
Features
- Lightweight - Less than 5lb! Take your Deering Gooddtime banjo with you anywhere! Camping, festivals, the beach, on stage! The Deering Goodtime banjo is extremely durable, plays great, and sounds great!
- Made In USA
- 3-Play Violin Grade Maple Rim
- Easy to learn on!
Description
All Deering Goodtime banjos are made by hand in the U.S.A. The maple in the Goodtime rim is the exact wood used in the finest violins in the world. Deering’s patented Goodtime Smile Banjo Bridge is created with a curve on the bottom to fit into the natural curve created on a banjo head by the bridge when under string tension. This allows the bridge to vibrate without constriction for an instantly fuller and more expressive tone. Made of dense hard rock maple with an ebony top for a bright, clear tone. Too many student banjos are cursed with poor quality tuners, so the students blame themselves for an out of tune banjo when it’s the tuner that is at fault. Five high quality geared tuning machines with a 14:1 gear ratio make tuning the Goodtime banjo easy, smooth, accurate, and fun. This fine grained, extremely hard wood creates a stable neck that will stay in tune, play with low action, and gives the banjo a bright, crisp quality tone. Carved to a perfectly comfortable D shape and finished to a smooth satin sheen, playing the Goodtime banjo is easy and fun. We want you to hear only what you are supposed to hear - the symphony of the strings, vibrating in harmony with the bridge, head, and the heart of the banjo - the 3-ply violin grade maple rim. Our metal components are all made from a specially selected alloy to prevent the hardware from resonating “its own sound” and muddying the banjo’s tone. This allows the full color of the rim to shine through. All Deering banjos are made in Spring Valley, California by highly trained craftspeople who focus only on making the best banjos in the world. Deering Banjos was founded in 1975 by Greg & Janet Deering. Today, with their daughter, Jamie as CEO, the Deering family legacy is in good hands. Goodtime banjos are light and durable enough to be taken anywhere! In fact, we encourage it!
Brand: Deering
Size: Full size
Color: Nickel
Item dimensions L x W x H: 48 x 8 x 18 inches
Top Material Type: top frosted mylar
Back Material Type: open-back
String Material Type: Nickle
Finish Type: Satin
Instrument: Banjo
Item Weight: 4 pounds
Brand Name: Deering
Instrument: Banjo
Manufacturer: Deering Banjo Co
UPC: 840394011004
Global Trade Identification Number: 04
Unit Count: 1 Count
Number of Items: 1
Hand Orientation: Right
Included Components: with case
Model Name: Goodtime
Model Number: GOODTIME BANJO/ GT
Manufacturer Part Number: GOODTIME BANJO/ GT
Warranty Description: One year warranty that covers defective materials or workmanship. This warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, the frets, finish, or accidental damage and is not transferable to subsequent owners. Incidental and consequential damages are excluded from this warranty and we assume no liability other than for the actual repair of the instrument.
Instrument Size: Full size
Item Dimensions: 48 x 8 x 18 inches
Item Weight: 4 pounds
Top Material Type: top frosted mylar
Back Material Type: open-back
String Material Type: Nickle
Body Material Type: maple
Material Type: Maple
Color: Nickel
Finish Type: Satin
Operation Mode: Manual
Number of Strings: 5
Frequently asked questions
If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is:
Friday, Oct 16
Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.
To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.
View our full returns policy here.
To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.
View our full returns policy here.
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Similar Products
Top Amazon Reviews
Color: Nickel
Size: Full size
I'm a person who does a lot of research before buying anything, so when I resolved to buy the Deering Goodtime 5-String Banjo as my first banjo, I made sure it was the one I wanted. Online reviews across several sites praised the Goodtime for its superior sound and build quality, so I thought it'd be silly to pass it over, especially for the price on Amazon. Well, I'm glad I went with my instincts! Before I get into the review, in my research I learned there are two main types of five-string banjos: open-back (which is the Deering Goodtime) and resonator. Open-back is more for playing old-time style, also known as clawhammer or frailing style, and it's much lighter than the resonator (I can attest to this since my brother had a resonator; it is HEAVY). The resonator is more for bluegrass style, so you'll be fingerpicking while wearing fingerpicks. It's got a resonator plate on the back, so you'll get a louder, brighter sound (hence the term "resonator"), but as I said, it's pretty heavy. I like the simplicity, timbre, and portability of the open-back, hence why I went with the Deering Goodtime. Just thought I'd mention this as a helpful starting point. First, the positives of the Goodtime, of which there are many: Although I never played banjo, I do play guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and bass, so I have a general idea of what I need to look for in an instrument. Right out of the box (the banjo was safely and securely packaged, by the way, which was a good first sign of its quality and a huge reassurance that it wasn't damaged in shipping), you can tell the Goodtime is of outstanding quality. Everything feels sturdy and tight; nothing is loose or wobbly. It has a natural wood finish that I really like, and it even FEELS like high quality wood. The fretboard has beautiful inlays, and the shape and construction of the neck and fretboard, in addition to the banjo's fantastic action, makes the banjo very easy and fun to play (imagine that - easy AND fun!). The tuning keys are easy to wind and hold tight, so you won't have to constantly re-tune. The rim looks nice and is solidly built, as well. Overall I feel like I got my money's worth, and then some. And the beautiful sound! You have to hear it for yourself. Every string rings clear, and the banjo sounds just as I expected a banjo should. This might sound redundant, but from what I've read there are some pretty cheaply made banjos out there. Rest assured that the Deering Goodtime is NOT one of them. Now, a couple minor issues (the first of which is not the fault of Deering but is the nature of all banjos in general): First, I noticed my banjo was in tune below the 5th fret but played sharp the farther up the fretboard I went. I did some research and found that this is normal for banjos given their sensitivity to the surrounding temperature (thus the possibility of a very slight stretching or shrinking of the head - this is normal), and the fact that all banjo bridges are moveable. Thus, I had to loosen every string and move the bridge slightly in the direction away from the neck to ensure proper intonation. I had to repeat this process of loosening the strings, moving the bridge, and re-tuning a few times, so needless to say it was annoying and time consuming. It did the trick though, and it's been fine ever since. So just keep in mind that notes playing sharper or flatter up the neck is normal for any banjo and is NOT the fault of Deering, and you may need to move the bridge slightly in one direction or the other depending on whether it's playing sharp or flat. Second, the instrument does not come with a gig bag or case. To get the banjo gig bag made by Deering, and hence ensuring a proper, snug fit, you'll be shelling out around $75. I definitely recommend the Deering gig bag since it's very padded and well-made, but it's just kind of inconvenient to have to put out more money in addition to the cost of the banjo. Otherwise you'll be storing your awesome banjo in the factory box it came in until you get one. If you're in the market for a banjo as an entry-level or intermediate player, then bypass the junk and go with the Deering Goodtime. I can't see any reason why you should put out more money on an expensive, "better" banjo (I say "better" because I can't see it getting much better than the Goodtime; I've actually come across reviews in which the Goodtime is compared to $1000+ banjos), and personally I can't even foresee having to buy another banjo. Ever. The Deering Goodtime is everything I wanted for an incredible price. You just can't go wrong.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2013 by ferrof88
Color: Nickel
Size: Full size
I can't say enough wonderful tings about this banjo. I own this and also a Deering Eagle II that cost more than five times as much, and I have owned cheap imports as well. This Goodtime is closer to the Eagle II in terms of sound and playability than it is to the cheap imports. In other words, it plays well above its class. The sound is surprisingly bright and loud for an open-back, and the low action and light-gauge strings make it very easy to play. Deering clearly gives the Goodtime a lot of the quality workmanship that goes into their professional-caliber banjos, but keep the cost affordable by minimizing the frills. For example, the Goodtime has 1/3 fewer brackets than a typical banjo. It has no separate fretboard (the neck is the fingering surface), the wood is unstained, it uses guitar tuners rather than planetary tuners, the tension hoop is not plated, and it has no side fret markers, no tone ring, no armrest, and of course no resonator (various other Goodtime models are available that are stained and have planetary tuners and/or have a resonator and/or a steel tone ring, at commensurately higher prices). But the truth is that none of that really matters much for the purposes of any beginner or intermediate banjo student, and even for pretty much anyone who is just playing recreationally. All that matters is that it sounds and plays great, and it does! In fact, this entry-level Goodtime has some advantages over expensive professional-grade models. It's extremely light, weighing in at a mere 4 pounds (thanks in part to its minimal hardware and lack of any tone ring), making it easy to carry and easy to hold, even for a child or an adult with a bad back. This is a banjo you don't mind bringing with you camping or to the beach, unlike a heavy expensive one. The smooth satin finish allows your hand to glide easily up and down the neck, whereas the heavy gloss finish on expensive banjos can create more friction and feel draggier. And the Goodtime's guitar tuners are actually more precise than the planetary tuners on my Eagle II. Deering does sell a separate add-on armrest for the Goodtime banjo, if you really must have one (standard armrests won't fit because of the very wide bracket spacing). I bought it, and it was easy to install. Deering also sells a resonator kit if you later decide you want to upgrade from open-back to resonator (if you're reasonably sure you're going to eventually want a resonator, it probably makes more sense to just get the resonator model from the outset rather than add a resonator later--and you can always opt to just take the resonator off. But it's simply nice to know that you do also have the option of adding a resonator later--you're not necessarily committing to an open-back by buying this model. When I bought my open-back Goodtime and finally had a truly well-made, quality, nice sounding, playable banjo in my hands for the first time, I just wanted to play it all the time. I found it to be a real joy compared to the inferior imported banjos I had struggled with in the past. In fact, I loved it so much that I decided right away that I just had to have one of the upper-line Deerings and bought my Eagle II (I pretty much fell in love with this company and its products!). But that was just to satisfy my enthusiasm--the truth is, this simple open-back Goodtime would have been plenty sufficient for all my present and future purposes. If you're going to be playing in a band or in large open venues, you may want to spend a little more for one of the Goodtime models that have a resonator (Goodtime Two) or a tone ring (Goodtime Special Open-Back) or both (Goodtime Special). But whichever Goodtime you choose, it is an outstanding banjo for a beginner and it's still pretty outstanding for any banjo player of any skill level, short of a professional!
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Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2015 by StankDaddyReeks
Color: Nickel
Size: Full size
It arrived yesterday, very carefully packaged. I previously played a Gibson 5 string banjo in bluegrass/country bands for decades. I wanted to return to old time banjo, to relearn frailing I had learned in the 60's. The instrument is beautifully crafted and a delight to play. All I needed to get was a strap. I find it easy to play, and frailing came back quickly. Double thumbing will take a little time. I highly recommend this instrument for anyone who wants to take up the banjo.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2026 by DocE
Color: Nickel
Size: Full size
I did a lot of research to find a good banjo. A LOT. The richest source of information was the Banjo Hangout forums, where any number of beginner threads outlines the general consensus on what makes a good beginner banjo. The recommendations span a huge number of makes and models, and even a very large price range. Unfortunately, I don't have the socioeconomic wherewithal to throw down $1000 on an instrument I may or may not like, so I was looking for a decent banjo for under $400. The Deering Goodtimes were consistently recommended as banjos which made not look too slick, but played beautifully. Note: the Deering Goodtime is only one of several Goodtime banjos. The Deering Goodtime 2 comes with a resonator back, and can be good for bluegrass banjo, whereas this banjo, an openback banjo, is more appropriate for clawhammer style. Finally, the Deering Goodtime Special has a tone ring. While it's an investment, the tone ring apparently offers a rich, wonderful sound, and is widely considered a bargain. I opted for the regular, plain old vanilla Deering Goodtime for two reasons. First, I can't afford the more expensive models. Second, this banjo is extraordinarily light and sturdy. If I continue playing the banjo and invest in a more expensive instrument later, my Goodtime will become my go-to beater banjo and camping banjo. Highly recommended for beginners or even intermediates looking for a banjo that produces a wonderful sound that won't cost you too much.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2011 by CopperKettle
Color: Nickel
Size: Full size
I did a lot of research before buying the Deering Goodtime open back banjo. This is the most consistently well-reviewed “beginner” instrument I’ve looked into, and the reputation is well-deserved. I’m a beginner on banjo, but I’ve played old time fiddle for 20 years and also play guitar and ukulele, so I know what to look for in stringed instruments. First, this banjo has a gorgeous sound. It’s a rich tone, which you might not like if you want a more punchy bluegrass sound, but I love it. The fretboard is fantastic- plays well low and high on the neck. Tuners hold the tuning extremely well. And the instrument just looks great. I love how light it is- easy to play on my lap or with a strap. The only problem I encountered was that in my excitement to play it, my marathon jamming left bruises on my thighs from the j hooks. Any open backed banjo would do this, and it was easily solved with a towel. I am totally in love with this instrument and can’t put it down.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2021 by Diana
Color: Nickel
Size: Full size
The quality and playability of the instrument exceeded my already high expectations. The banjo I received was a newer model of the Goodtime line with the Deering peghead and inlaid walnut fret markers. The banjo is of very good fit and finish, and sounds better than many instruments I have played costing more than twice as much. It has a very simple, clean look to it, and the fact that is is made in the USA sealed the deal for me. While I have heard many people refer to this as an "entry level" instrument, I have not found that to be the case. This is a well-made instument in an old-time, openback configuration. I do not miss the extra expense and weight of the resonator at all. Buy this banjo, you won't be dissapointed.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2010 by Jeff
Color: Nickel
Size: Full size
I like it, I really do. Good sound, good materials, excellent construction. Having said that, is this better of a buy than say the Recording King RK20? I'm not sure... Ok, Deering is made in the USA but there is NO armrest on this thing. There is also no tone ring and no resonator.... Is it a good buy? ABSOLUTELY. Do I wish I had bought something else? Yep.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2020 by Kacey
Color: Nickel
Size: Full size
I have been playing on a poorly made banjo (not sure of the maker, there are no product labels on it, but it's design is indicative of similar banjos made in the 60's), and finally had enough and decided to upgrade to the Goodtime. This banjo is excellently made, and arrived perfectly set up and ready to play! This sounds and plays like a far more expensive banjo, I am very happy with it! My only "issue" is that it doesn't come with an armrest, and that Deering has designed it so that you can only use a Deering armrest (some custom makers have also released products, but they are far more expensive than Deering's armrest), but that is a simple fix, and really doesn't take away from the phenomenal quality and playability of this instrument. If you are looking for a good, affordable banjo, I doubt you will find one for better under $500.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2017 by Colin Bower