Deering Artisan Goodtime Openback 5-String Banjo
$ 949.00
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.
In stock
Deering Artisan Goodtime Openback 5-String Banjo — Vintage Style, Made in USA
The Deering Artisan Goodtime Openback is a 5-string openback banjo with vintage styling, a 3-ply violin grade maple rim, and planetary tuners — handcrafted in Spring Valley, California. At $949 and only 4.5 lbs, it’s ideal for old-time, clawhammer, and anywhere you want the warm tone of an openback with upgraded features. Available now at Banjo Warehouse, an authorized Deering dealer in Yellow Springs, Ohio.
Every Deering we sell receives a professional setup by our banjo tech Tara before shipping. Your banjo arrives ready to play. Spikes come installed at frets 7, 9, and 10 so you can play in multiple keys right out of the box.
Call Geoff directly at (404) 218-8580 with any questions.
Watch: Artisan Goodtime Openback Demo
Why the Artisan Goodtime?
The Artisan Goodtime Openback is the banjo for players who want the vintage look and upgraded features of the Artisan line without the added weight and volume of a resonator.
The dark red mahogany stain gives this banjo the warm, rich appearance of a much older instrument. The midnight maple fingerboard features vintage artisan-style pearloid inlays that pop against the dark wood, and the Deering fiddle-shaped peghead is engraved with the Goodtime Artisan banner and ornate scrollwork. Planetary tuners with white pearloid buttons complete the vintage aesthetic and provide smooth, accurate tuning.
The Rim
Underneath the stain is the same serious construction that makes every Goodtime a player’s instrument. The 3-ply violin grade maple rim delivers a rich, full, round tone with excellent note distinction — the same rim construction found across the entire Goodtime line.
In short: the Artisan Goodtime Openback delivers vintage looks and upgraded features at $949 — lightweight at 4.5 lbs, American-made, with spikes installed and a professional setup by our banjo tech Tara.
The Neck
Rock maple neck with a comfortable “D” shape and dark red mahogany stain under a satin finish. Midnight maple fingerboard with vintage artisan-style pearloid inlays. 22 pressed-in nickel silver frets. Lexan polycarbonate nut at 1 1/4″ width. Planetary tuners with white pearloid buttons and a Goodtime geared 5th string tuner.
Perfect for Old-Time and Clawhammer
The Artisan Goodtime Openback is equally at home in old-time jams, clawhammer sessions, and anywhere you want the warm, intimate tone of an openback banjo. At only 4.5 lbs, it’s lightweight enough to travel with and convenient enough to keep by your easy chair for hours of practice.
What’s Included
Spikes installed at frets 7, 9, and 10. 8-year limited warranty. Professional setup by our banjo tech Tara. Free shipping anywhere in the United States. 7-day money-back guarantee.
Financing available: PayPal Pay in 4 on our website. Need more options? Reverb offers Affirm, eBay offers Klarna.
In stock and ready to ship. $949.
Call Geoff directly at (404) 218-8580 with any questions.
Specifications
| Neck | |
|---|---|
| Wood | Rock Maple (Dark Red Mahogany Stain) |
| Shape | Comfortable “D” Shape |
| Finish | Satin |
| Fingerboard | Midnight Maple |
| Inlays | Vintage Artisan Style Pearloid |
| Nut | Lexan Polycarbonate, 1 1/4″ |
| Tuners | Planetary with White Pearloid Buttons |
| 5th String Tuner | Goodtime Geared |
| Frets | 22 Pressed-In Nickel Silver |
| Spikes | Installed at 7, 9, 10 |
| Pot | |
|---|---|
| Rim | 3-Ply Violin Grade Maple, 11″ |
| Head | 11″ Frosted Top High Crown |
| Tension Hoop | Beveled Steel |
| Hooks | 16 Flat J-Hooks, 9/32″ Hex Nuts |
| Armrest | Goodtime Armrest |
| Hardware Plating | Nickel |
| Bridge | 5/8″ Goodtime Smile Bridge |
| Tailpiece | Deering Patented Goodtime Tailpiece |
| Body Finish | Hand Finished Satin Polyurethane |
| Dimensions & Details | |
|---|---|
| Scale Length | 26 1/4″ |
| Overall Length | 38″ |
| Weight | Approximately 4.5 lbs |
| Strings | Deering Light Gauge (10, 11, 13, 21w, 10) |
| Tuning | Open G (g, D, G, B, D) |
| Warranty | 8-Year Limited |
| Country of Origin | USA (Spring Valley, California) |
Why Buy from Banjo Warehouse?
Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Deering dealer located in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Owner Geoff Hohwald has over 50 years in the banjo business and is the author of The Banjo Primer. Every banjo ships with a professional setup by our banjo tech Tara and free shipping anywhere in the United States.
Want to know when new banjos arrive? Join our email list →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Deering Artisan Goodtime Openback?
The Deering Artisan Goodtime Openback is a 5-string openback banjo with vintage styling, handcrafted in Spring Valley, California. It features a dark red mahogany stain, vintage artisan-style pearloid inlays, planetary tuners, and a 3-ply violin grade maple rim. At 4.5 lbs, it’s one of Deering’s lightest banjos.
Is the Artisan Goodtime good for clawhammer?
Yes. The Artisan Goodtime Openback is designed for old-time and clawhammer playing. The openback design produces the warm, intimate tone that clawhammer players prefer, and the lightweight 4.5 lb body makes it comfortable for extended playing sessions. Spikes come installed at frets 7, 9, and 10 for playing in multiple keys.
What’s the difference between the Artisan Goodtime and regular Goodtime?
The Artisan Goodtime features upgraded cosmetics over the standard Goodtime: a dark red mahogany stain, vintage artisan-style pearloid inlays, an engraved peghead with the Goodtime Artisan banner, and planetary tuners with white pearloid buttons. The core construction — the 3-ply violin grade maple rim — is the same across both models.
Is the Deering Goodtime made in the USA?
Yes. All Deering Goodtime banjos, including the Artisan Goodtime Openback, are handcrafted in Spring Valley, California. Deering has been building banjos in the USA since 1975.
Does the Artisan Goodtime come with spikes?
Yes. The Artisan Goodtime Openback comes with 5th string capo spikes already installed at frets 7, 9, and 10 — allowing you to play in the keys of A, B, and C right out of the box.
Contact Banjo Warehouse
For detailed descriptions or to chat about banjos, call Geoff Hohwald at (404) 218-8580.
Email us anytime at thebanjowarehouse@gmail.com.
Follow Banjo Warehouse:
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- YouTube – Watch demos and lessons
Want to visit? Call Geoff to schedule an appointment at our Yellow Springs, OH or Atlanta, GA locations.
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