Deering Goodtime Americana 5-String Banjo

The Deering Goodtime Americana is a 12-inch openback 5-string banjo, made in the USA and professionally set up at The Banjo Warehouse in Yellow Springs, Ohio. It is the most affordable banjo in the Deering line built around a full 12-inch rim, and that larger pot is the whole reason behind its warm, woody, laid-back sound.

A 12-inch rim for a warmer, rounder tone

Most 5-string banjos use an 11-inch rim with a frosted head, which gives a bright sound that cuts through a band. The Goodtime Americana takes a different path. Its 12-inch three-ply violin-grade maple rim is paired with a 12-inch Renaissance head, and the combination produces stronger bass and a mellow, vintage-flavored tone. It is reminiscent of banjos from an era when larger rims were common, which makes it a natural fit for old-time music and for backing up a singer or another instrument rather than playing lead.

Made in the USA, set up by hand in Yellow Springs, Ohio

Deering has built banjos in the USA since 1975, and the Americana carries that tradition with a rock maple neck, sealed geared tuners, a geared 5th-string tuner, nickel-plated hardware in a US bronze powder finish, and Art Deco inspired hardwood inlays. Before this banjo ships, our banjo tech Tara sets it up by hand so the action, intonation, and head tension are right and it plays its best the day it arrives. When you have questions before or after your purchase, you are talking to real banjo players.

Hear the Goodtime Americana played

Watch Geoff play a Goodtime Americana in the short video below.

Goodtime Americana specifications

• Rim: 12-inch three-ply violin-grade maple
• Head: 12-inch Renaissance, medium crown
• Neck: Rock maple, comfortable “D” shape, satin natural finish
• Fingerboard: 22 nickel-silver frets with Art Deco hardwood inlays
• Scale length: 26 1/4 inches, with a 1 1/4-inch nut
• Tuners: Sealed geared tuners with a Goodtime geared 5th-string tuner
• Hardware: 16 flat J-hooks, beveled steel tension hoop, US bronze powder finish, Goodtime armrest
• Bridge and tailpiece: 5/8-inch Goodtime Smile bridge and the patented Goodtime tailpiece
• Strings and tuning: Deering Light gauge, tuned gDGBD
• Weight: about 4.5 pounds, 37 1/2 inches overall

Want to know when new banjos arrive? Join our email list for new arrivals, setup tips, and free lessons.

Goodtime Americana FAQ

What makes the Goodtime Americana different from a standard Goodtime?

The standard Goodtime uses an 11-inch rim, while the Americana uses a larger 12-inch rim with a Renaissance head. The 12-inch pot gives the Americana a warmer, rounder tone with stronger bass, where the 11-inch Goodtime is brighter and cuts more.

Is the Deering Goodtime Americana good for clawhammer and old-time?

Yes. The 12-inch rim and Renaissance head give a mellow, woody sound that suits clawhammer and old-time playing and works beautifully for backing up vocals or other instruments. A scooped fingerboard is also available from Deering for players who want more room to play over the head.

What size is the Goodtime Americana banjo?

The Goodtime Americana has a 12-inch rim, a 26 1/4-inch scale length, and an overall length of about 37 1/2 inches. It weighs roughly 4.5 pounds.

Is the Deering Goodtime Americana made in the USA?

Yes. Like the entire Goodtime series, the Americana is made in the USA by Deering.

Does it come with a warranty?

Yes. New Goodtime banjos carry Deering’s eight-year warranty on materials and workmanship, and The Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Deering dealer.

How is the banjo set up before it ships?

Our banjo tech Tara sets up every banjo by hand, checking the action, intonation, and head tension so it plays well right out of the box. Pay over time with PayPal Pay in 4 or Afterpay at checkout.