Deering Banjos – The Great American Banjo Company
As someone passionate about banjos since the 1960s, I can tell you that Deering Banjos represents the standard of American banjo manufacturing. Founded in 1975 by Greg and Janet Deering in Spring Valley, California, Deering has become the largest banjo manufacturer in North America, producing over 180,000 handcrafted instruments with an unwavering commitment to quality and innovation.
Four Generations of American Excellence
What sets Deering apart is their singular focus – they make banjos and nothing else. For nearly 50 years, their team of 48 dedicated craftsmen has perfected the art of banjo building in their 18,000 square foot California facility. Now led by daughter Jamie Deering as CEO, this family-owned company continues Greg’s original mission: “to champion the banjo and inspire creativity around the globe by supplying the best quality, American-made banjos available to all.”
Complete Range for Every Player & Style
Deering’s comprehensive lineup covers every banjo style and skill level:
Goodtime Series – America’s Best Beginner Banjos
The revolutionary Goodtime banjos launched in 1997 changed everything for beginning players. These aren’t cheap “starter” instruments – they’re genuine American-made banjos with professional features like 3-ply violin-grade maple rims, planetary tuners, and Deering’s patented components, starting at incredibly accessible prices.
Artisan Goodtime Collection
Featuring proprietary Midnight Maple fingerboards, ornate Artisan-inspired inlays, and rich brown stains, these instruments bridge the gap between beginner and professional with exceptional elegance.
Sierra Series – Professional Mid-Range Excellence
Perfect for intermediate to advanced players, offering professional-quality sound and durability at mid-range prices with stunning appointments and reliable performance.
Eagle II Series – Breakthrough Innovation
Featuring Deering’s groundbreaking Twenty-Tenâ„¢ tone ring (patent pending), the Eagle II delivers incredibly clear tone that’s revolutionized banjo sound. This represents decades of research and development coming to fruition.
Premium Lines – Vega, Tenbrooks & Custom Models
From the legendary Vega line to Tenbrooks banjos and fully custom instruments, Deering builds banjos for the most discriminating professionals, including signature models for artists like John Hartford, Terry Baucom, and Winston Marshall of Mumford & Sons.
Innovative Manufacturing & Quality Control
Greg Deering’s engineering background shows in every detail. He designed and built the specialized machinery used in their factory, combining modern precision with traditional handcraftsmanship. Every banjo receives meticulous attention, from hand-selected tonewoods to precision-machined tone rings and hardware.
Educational Commitment
Beyond building exceptional instruments, Deering champions banjo education through Deering Live video series, comprehensive learning resources, and their banjo teacher locator. They understand that great banjos deserve great players.
Why I Recommend Deering
In my 40+ years in the banjo business, I’ve seen many companies come and go. Deering’s consistency, innovation, and commitment to American manufacturing make them unique. Whether you’re buying your first banjo or your tenth, Deering delivers exceptional value at every price point.
Their quality control is legendary – I’ve never received a Deering banjo that didn’t exceed expectations. From the affordable Goodtime series to their premium custom instruments, every Deering banjo is built to professional standards.
Visit Banjo Warehouse for Deering Excellence
I’m proud to offer the a number of instruments from the Deering lineup at Banjo Warehouse. Each instrument comes with a professional setup and our comprehensive support. Whether you need a Goodtime for a beginning student or a custom Eagle II for professional performance, I’ll help you find the perfect Deering banjo.
Call me at 404-218-8580 to discuss which Deering model best fits your playing style and budget. Experience why Deering is truly “The Great American Banjo Company.”
Deering Banjos – Handcrafted in California since 1975. American quality, innovation, and excellence in every instrument.
The Deering Artisan Goodtime Openback is the vintage-inspired upgrade to the classic Goodtime. Dark red mahogany stain, midnight maple fingerboard with vintage artisan pearloid inlays, planetary tuners, and spikes at 7, 9, and 10. Nickel hardware. At only 4.5 lbs, it is lightweight enough to travel with and comfortable enough for hours of practice. Handcrafted in Spring Valley, California. $949 with free shipping and professional setup by our banjo tech Tara. Made in the USA.
The Deering Artisan Goodtime Special combines vintage aesthetics with the brighter, richer tone of the Goodtime Special steel tone ring. Dark red mahogany stain, midnight maple fingerboard with vintage artisan pearloid inlays. Planetary tuners, spikes installed, nickel hardware. Clearly louder than the Goodtime Two — great for playing in a band. Handcrafted in Spring Valley, California. $1,599 with free shipping and professional setup by our banjo tech Tara. Made in the USA.
The Deering Golden Era is a maple, prewar-style bluegrass banjo featuring the Deering -06- 20-hole bell bronze tone ring, hearts and flowers mother of pearl inlays on A grade ebony, and a deeper tapered resonator for powerful projection. Modeled after an original prewar Gibson flathead 5-string once owned by Banjo Warehouse owner Geoff Hohwald. Brand new, in stock, professionally set up by our banjo tech Tara, with custom spike installation and free shipping. Authorized Deering dealer.
The Deering Goodtime Blackgrass is the darkest banjo in the Deering lineup. All-black matte finish, black head, matte black hardware. 3-ply violin grade maple rim with resonator. Midnight maple fingerboard with vintage artisan inlays. Planetary tuners, spikes at 7, 9, and 10. Handcrafted in Spring Valley, California. $1,389 with free shipping and professional setup by our banjo tech Tara. Made in the USA.
The Deering Blackgrass Special takes the all-black Blackgrass and adds a Goodtime Special steel tone ring for a brighter, richer tone with more sustain and volume. Midnight maple fingerboard with vintage artisan pearloid inlays. Planetary tuners, spikes at 7, 9, and 10. Matte black hardware. Handcrafted in Spring Valley, California. $1,589 with free shipping and professional setup by our banjo tech Tara. Made in the USA.
The most recommended banjo by banjo teachers. 3-ply violin grade maple rim, Art Deco hardwood inlays, only 4.5 lbs. Handcrafted in Spring Valley, California. $599 with free shipping and professional setup by our banjo tech Tara. Made in the USA. 7-day guarantee.
The Deering Goodtime Six is a 6-string, steel-string banjo that tunes like a guitar. Handcrafted in Spring Valley, California. Maple fingerboard, 3-ply violin grade maple rim, comfortable guitar-style neck. $899 with free shipping and professional setup by our banjo tech Tara. Made in the USA.
The Deering Goodtime Two adds a resonator to the beloved Goodtime platform for more volume and projection. 3-ply violin grade maple rim paired with a 3-ply maple resonator produces a rich, golden bluegrass tone. Art Deco inspired hardwood inlays. US Bronze powder finished flange and hardware. Handcrafted in Spring Valley, California. $849 with free shipping and professional setup by our banjo tech Tara. Made in the USA.
Left-handed Deering Goodtime Blackgrass Special with patented steel tone ring, midnight maple fingerboard, matte black hardware, and spikes at 7, 9, and 10. Only 6 lbs. Includes free Carrion hardshell case, professional setup by our banjo tech Tara, and free shipping. Authorized Deering dealer.