Banjo News
Banjo Warehouse Is Now an Authorized Deering Dealer
Feb
Banjo Warehouse Is Now an Authorized Deering Dealer
Banjo Warehouse is proud to announce that we are now an authorized Deering dealer. Every Deering banjo we sell comes with the full Deering 8-year warranty, a professional setup by our banjo tech Tara, and free shipping anywhere in the United States.
We currently have 9 Deering models in stock, ranging from $599 to $1,599 — all handcrafted in Spring Valley, California. Made in the USA since 1975.
A Relationship 45 Years in the Making
Banjo Warehouse owner Geoff Hohwald has known Greg and Janet Deering for over 45 years and was once Deering’s number one distributor in the entire country. He has watched the company grow from a small workshop into the largest American banjo manufacturer in the world.
When we decided to bring Deering back into the Banjo Warehouse lineup, Geoff flew out to the factory in Spring Valley, California to tour the facility and play the current instruments right off the production line. His verdict: “The banjos come set up perfectly. Made in America and they sound great.”
Why Deering?
Every Deering Goodtime banjo is built by hand in their only facility in Spring Valley, California — in the San Diego area. The same skilled craftsmen who build their top-of-the-line professional instruments build the Goodtime series. The same tooling. The same quality control. The same 3-ply violin grade maple rim that uses the exact wood found in the finest violins in the world.
At a time when most banjos under $1,000 are imported, Deering is building instruments in the USA at price points that compete directly with overseas manufacturers. The Goodtime Openback starts at just $599 — and there is simply nothing else like it at that price point.
Is Deering the best banjo for beginners?
The Deering Goodtime is the most recommended banjo by banjo teachers in the United States. It has held that distinction since it was first released in 1996. The combination of quality materials, comfortable playability, lightweight construction at only 4.5 lbs, and an affordable price point makes it the standard recommendation for anyone picking up the banjo for the first time. It is also built to last — many players who eventually upgrade to a professional instrument keep their Goodtime as a travel banjo or practice instrument for years.
Are Deering banjos made in the USA?
Yes. Every Deering banjo is handcrafted in Spring Valley, California. Deering has been building banjos in the United States since 1975. They are the largest American banjo manufacturer in the world. When you buy a Deering from Banjo Warehouse, you are buying an instrument built by American craftsmen in an American factory.
Where can I buy a Deering banjo?
Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Deering dealer located in Yellow Springs, Ohio with additional operations in Atlanta. We ship free anywhere in the United States. Every Deering banjo we sell is professionally set up by our banjo tech Tara before it leaves the shop, so your instrument arrives ready to play. We currently have 9 Deering models in stock. You can also call Geoff directly at (404) 218-8580 with any questions.
Deering Banjos Currently in Stock at Banjo Warehouse
We carry models across the full Goodtime lineup — from the $599 openback that revolutionized the beginner banjo market to the tone ring-equipped Artisan Goodtime Special at $1,599. Left-handed models available.
Getting Started — Openback Banjos
Deering Goodtime Openback — $599
The most recommended banjo by banjo teachers. 3-ply violin grade maple rim, Art Deco inspired hardwood inlays, US Bronze powder finished hardware. Only 4.5 lbs. The gold standard for beginner banjos since 1996.
Deering Artisan Goodtime Openback — $949
The vintage-inspired upgrade. Dark red mahogany stain, midnight maple fingerboard with vintage artisan pearloid inlays, planetary tuners, spikes at 7, 9, and 10. Nickel hardware. Same lightweight 4.5 lb construction. Plays three-finger or clawhammer.
Ready for Bluegrass — Resonator Banjos
Deering Goodtime Two — $849
The resonator version of the Goodtime. Pairs the 3-ply violin grade maple rim with a 3-ply resonator for a rich, golden tone with a significant increase in volume. US Bronze powder finished flange projects the sound forward. At 6 lbs — about the weight of a guitar — it is comfortable for long jam sessions.
Serious Tone — Tone Ring Banjos
Deering Artisan Goodtime Special — $1,599
Vintage looks with serious tone. The Patented Goodtime Special Steel Tone Ring produces a sweet voice with sustain that complements all the instruments in a band. Dark red mahogany stain, midnight maple fingerboard, vintage artisan pearloid inlays, planetary tuners, spikes installed. Clearly louder than the Goodtime Two and great for playing in a band setting. Nickel hardware. 8 lbs.
The Dark Side — Blackgrass Banjos
Deering Blackgrass — $1,389
The darkest banjo in the Deering lineup. All-black matte finish, black head, matte black powder-coated hardware. Midnight maple fingerboard with vintage artisan pearloid inlays. Planetary tuners, spikes at 7, 9, and 10. No tone ring — only 6 lbs. Resonator included.
Deering Blackgrass Special — $1,589
Everything the Blackgrass is — plus a Goodtime Special steel tone ring for a brighter, richer tone with more sustain and projection. Same all-black matte finish. Planetary tuners, spikes at 7, 9, and 10. 8.75 lbs. Available in right-handed and left-handed.
For Guitarists
Deering Goodtime Six — $899
A 6-string banjo that tunes like a guitar. Standard guitar tuning (E, A, D, G, B, E), familiar chord shapes, unmistakable banjo tone. Maple fingerboard with hardwood block inlays. If you already play guitar, you can pick this up and start making music immediately. Only 4.5 lbs.
Every Deering We Sell Is Set Up and Ready to Play
When you buy a Deering banjo from Banjo Warehouse, it does not ship straight from a box. Our banjo tech Tara professionally sets up every instrument before it leaves the shop. Your banjo arrives with the action dialed in, the head properly tensioned, the bridge placed correctly, and the strings fresh. It is ready to play when you open the case.
Free shipping anywhere in the United States. 7-day money-back guarantee. Full Deering 8-year warranty on every instrument.
Questions? Call Geoff directly at (404) 218-8580. He has been selling, playing, and setting up banjos for over 45 years and is happy to help you find the right Deering for your playing style and budget.
