Deering Banjos — American-Made in Spring Valley, California Since 1975

Deering Banjos is the largest banjo manufacturer in North America, producing handcrafted American-made banjos in Spring Valley, California since 1975. Founded by Greg and Janet Deering, the company has built over 180,000 instruments with 48 dedicated craftsmen in their 18,000 square foot facility. Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Deering dealer — owner Geoff Hohwald has known Greg and Janet Deering for over 45 years and once served as Deering’s largest distributor nationally. Available at Banjo Warehouse in Yellow Springs, Ohio.

Every new Deering banjo we sell comes with Deering’s lifetime warranty on new instruments (8-year limited warranty on Goodtime models). Our banjo tech Tara installs spikes at your preferred fret positions at no extra charge.

Call Geoff at (404) 218-8580 to discuss Deering models or place an order.

Watch: Deering Banjos

Goodtime Series

Artisan Goodtime Series

Blackgrass Series

Professional Models

Vintage and Used Deering

The Deering Story

Greg Deering’s engineering background shows in every detail of Deering banjo construction. He designed and built the specialized machinery used in their factory, combining modern precision with traditional handcraftsmanship. What sets Deering apart is their singular focus — they make banjos and nothing else. For nearly 50 years, their team has perfected the art of banjo building.

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.

Goodtime Series — America’s Best Beginner Banjos

The revolutionary Goodtime banjos launched in 1996 changed everything for beginning players. These aren’t cheap “starter” instruments — they’re genuine American-made banjos with professional features. 3-ply violin-grade maple rims. Planetary tuners. Deering’s patented components. The Goodtime is the most recommended beginner banjo in bluegrass, starting at $599.

The Goodtime openback ($599) weighs just 4.5 lbs and delivers the classic old-time sound. The Goodtime Two ($849) adds a resonator for more volume and projection. The Goodtime Americana features a grand 12″ rim for deeper tone.

Artisan Goodtime Series

Featuring Deering’s proprietary Midnight Maple fingerboards, vintage artisan-inspired pearloid inlays, and rich dark red mahogany stain, these instruments bridge the gap between beginner and professional with exceptional elegance. The Artisan Goodtime Openback ($949) and Artisan Goodtime Special with resonator ($1,599) offer upgraded aesthetics and Deering’s patented Goodtime Special steel tone ring.

Blackgrass Series

The all-black matte finish Blackgrass series delivers a distinctive look with professional Deering construction. The Goodtime Blackgrass ($1,389) features the Goodtime Two platform with black finish. The Blackgrass Special ($1,589) adds Deering’s patented Goodtime Special steel tone ring for more volume and punch — louder than the standard Goodtime Two.

In short: Deering delivers American-made banjos at every price point — from the $599 Goodtime to professional Golden Era and Tenbrooks models — with lifetime warranty on new instruments, built by the largest banjo manufacturer in North America since 1975.

Sierra Series

Perfect for intermediate to advanced players, the Sierra series offers professional-quality sound and construction at mid-range prices. The -06- 20-hole bell bronze tone ring delivers classic bluegrass tone. Available in maple or mahogany with stunning appointments and reliable performance.

Golden Era

The Deering Golden Era is modeled after a prewar Gibson flathead that Geoff Hohwald owned — Geoff provided the original instrument to Greg Deering for measurements and analysis. The Golden Era features a -06- 20-hole bell bronze tone ring, AA grade curly maple, Hearts and Flowers mother-of-pearl inlays, and a deeper resonator similar to the Tenbrooks series. This is Deering’s tribute to the golden age of prewar banjo construction.

Eagle II Series

Featuring Deering’s groundbreaking Twenty-Ten tone ring (patent pending), the Eagle II delivers incredibly clear tone that has revolutionized banjo sound. This represents decades of research and development coming to fruition — a modern tone ring designed for the modern player.

Tenbrooks Series

Named after the legendary racehorse, the Tenbrooks series represents Deering’s premium professional line. Available with various tone ring options including the Saratoga Star with Kruger tone ring. Deep resonators for maximum projection and sustain. Premium figured maple and professional appointments throughout.

Signature Models

Deering builds signature models for artists including John Hartford, Terry Baucom, and Winston Marshall of Mumford & Sons. These instruments are developed in collaboration with the artists to meet their specific performance requirements.

Vega Banjos

Deering acquired the historic Vega brand and continues to produce Vega banjos in their California facility, honoring the legacy of one of America’s oldest banjo manufacturers while applying modern Deering quality standards.

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Why Buy Deering from Banjo Warehouse?

Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Deering dealer. Owner Geoff Hohwald has known Greg and Janet Deering for over 45 years and once served as Deering’s largest distributor nationally. Recently visited the Deering factory in Spring Valley, California.

Every new Deering we sell includes Deering’s lifetime warranty (8-year limited warranty on Goodtime models). Our banjo tech Tara provides a professional setup and installs spikes at your preferred fret positions at no extra charge. Free shipping anywhere in the United States.

Want to know when new banjos arrive? Join our email list →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Deering banjo for beginners?

The Deering Goodtime ($599) is the most recommended beginner banjo in bluegrass. It’s a genuine American-made instrument with professional features — 3-ply violin-grade maple rim, planetary tuners, and Deering’s patented components. For players who want a resonator for bluegrass volume, the Goodtime Two ($849) is the next step up.

Where are Deering banjos made?

All Deering banjos are made in Spring Valley, California, USA. The company has 48 dedicated craftsmen working in their 18,000 square foot facility. Deering has been building banjos in California since 1975.

What is Deering’s warranty?

Deering offers a lifetime warranty on new professional-grade banjos. Goodtime series banjos carry an 8-year limited warranty. Used and consignment Deering banjos do not carry warranty coverage.

What is the difference between Goodtime and Goodtime Two?

The Goodtime ($599) is an openback banjo weighing 4.5 lbs — ideal for old-time, folk, and clawhammer playing. The Goodtime Two ($849) adds a resonator for more volume and projection, weighing 6 lbs — better suited for bluegrass where you need to cut through a band mix. Both share the same 3-ply violin-grade maple rim construction.

What is the Goodtime Special tone ring?

Deering’s patented Goodtime Special steel tone ring is found on the Artisan Goodtime Special and Blackgrass Special models. It delivers significantly more volume and punch than the standard Goodtime construction — a step up toward professional-grade sound while remaining in the Goodtime price range.

What is the Deering Golden Era?

The Golden Era is Deering’s tribute to prewar Gibson flathead banjos. It was modeled after a specific prewar Gibson that Geoff Hohwald (owner of Banjo Warehouse) provided to Greg Deering for measurements. Features include a -06- 20-hole bell bronze tone ring, AA grade curly maple, Hearts and Flowers inlays, and a deeper resonator similar to the Tenbrooks series.

Does Banjo Warehouse install spikes on Deering banjos?

Yes. Our banjo tech Tara installs spikes at your preferred fret positions on any new Deering banjo at no extra charge. Just let us know which frets you want spiked when you order.

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Contact Banjo Warehouse

Ready to order a Deering? Call Geoff Hohwald at (404) 218-8580 or email thebanjowarehouse@gmail.com.

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Want to visit? Call Geoff to schedule an appointment at our Yellow Springs, OH or Atlanta, GA locations.