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 provides a professional setup and installs spikes at your preferred fret positions at no extra charge. Free shipping anywhere in the United States.

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

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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.

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The Deering Lineup: Every Price Point, All American-Made

Deering builds banjos from $599 to professional-grade instruments north of $5,000. Every model is made in their Spring Valley, California factory — no overseas production at any price point. Here is how the lineup breaks down:

The Goodtime ($599 openback, $849 with resonator) is the most recommended beginner banjo in bluegrass. 3-ply violin-grade maple rim, planetary tuners, and Deering’s patented components. The Goodtime Two adds a resonator for bluegrass volume. The Goodtime Americana features a grand 12″ rim for deeper tone. These are real instruments, not toys — 4.5 lbs, American-made, and built to last.

The Artisan Goodtime series ($949–$1,599) bridges beginner and professional with Midnight Maple fingerboards, vintage artisan-inspired pearloid inlays, and a rich dark red mahogany stain. The Artisan Goodtime Special adds Deering’s patented steel tone ring for significantly more volume and punch.

The Blackgrass series ($1,389–$1,589) delivers a distinctive all-black matte finish with professional Deering construction. The Blackgrass Special includes the steel tone ring — louder than the standard Goodtime Two and one of the best values in Deering’s lineup for players who want volume without stepping into professional pricing.

The Sierra series moves into professional territory with a -06- 20-hole bell bronze tone ring that delivers classic bluegrass tone. Available in maple or mahogany, the Sierra is where many intermediate players land when they’re ready for a serious upgrade.

The Eagle II features Deering’s groundbreaking Twenty-Ten tone ring (patent pending) — decades of R&D resulting in a modern tone ring designed for incredibly clear, articulate sound.

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

Deering also builds signature models for artists including John Hartford, Terry Baucom, and Winston Marshall of Mumford & Sons, and continues to produce Vega banjos in their California facility, honoring the legacy of one of America’s oldest banjo manufacturers.

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The Deering Golden Era

The Golden Era deserves its own mention because Banjo Warehouse is part of its story. This model was designed after a prewar Gibson flathead that Geoff Hohwald owned — Geoff provided the original instrument to Greg Deering for measurements and analysis. The result is Deering’s tribute to the golden age of prewar banjo construction: 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. If you want the prewar sound from a new, American-made instrument with a lifetime warranty, this is the banjo.

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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.

What Deering Customers Say About Banjo Warehouse

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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.

Can Banjo Warehouse order any Deering model?

Yes. As an authorized dealer, Banjo Warehouse can order any Deering model including models not currently shown on our website. Call Geoff at (404) 218-8580 to discuss availability and pricing.