Left-Handed Deering Goodtime Blackgrass Special 5-String Banjo

Left-Handed Deering Goodtime Blackgrass Special 5-String Banjo, Made in USA

The left-handed Deering Goodtime Blackgrass Special is a 5-string resonator banjo with Deering’s patented Goodtime Special steel tone ring, a black stained neck and resonator, a black head and a Midnight Maple fingerboard, handcrafted in Spring Valley, California. Same banjo, same price as the right-handed Goodtime Blackgrass Special, built mirror image for left-handed players. In stock now at Banjo Warehouse, an authorized Deering dealer in Yellow Springs, Ohio.

A note on the photographs: the images shown are of the right-handed Goodtime Blackgrass Special. Deering photographs the line in right-handed form. The instrument you receive is built left-handed.

A left-handed banjo is built as a mirror image: the neck points to the right, the 5th string tuner sits on the other side, and the armrest and tailpiece are placed for picking with your left hand. Flipping a right-handed banjo over does not work, because the short 5th string ends up in the wrong position.

Every Deering we sell receives a professional setup by our banjo tech Tara before shipping. Your banjo arrives ready to play. Free shipping anywhere in the US. 7-day money-back guarantee.

Call or text us at 404-218-8580 with any questions.

Why the Blackgrass Special?

The Blackgrass Special has the same pure black stain and black head as the Goodtime Blackgrass, and adds a tone ring. Deering fits its patented Goodtime Special steel tone ring to give the banjo a brighter, richer tone.

It has the familiar Goodtime feel, with touches from Deering’s Artisan line: a Midnight Maple fingerboard with vintage Artisan style pearloid inlays. Matte black powder finish hardware and the black head put a dark twist on an otherwise traditional banjo. Spikes at the 7th, 9th and 10th frets hold the 5th string, so you can move from the key of G to the keys of A, B and C easily.

The Pot

3-ply violin grade maple rim, 11 inches across, topped with Deering’s patented Goodtime Special steel tone ring and an 11 inch black high crown head. Beveled steel tension hoop with 16 flat J-hooks and 9/32 inch hex nuts. Two piece Goodtime series flange, Goodtime armrest, 5/8 inch Goodtime Smile bridge and Deering’s patented Goodtime tailpiece. Matte black powder finish hardware and a hand finished satin polyurethane finish.

The Resonator

3-ply poplar, poplar and maple resonator in a black stain, with a satin finish and straight sidewalls, 13 7/8 inches across. The resonator closes off the back of the rim and sends the sound forward, toward your listeners.

In short: the left-handed Goodtime Blackgrass Special is an American-made Deering resonator banjo in black with a steel tone ring and spikes for A, B and C, built for left-handed players at about 8.75 lbs.

The Neck

Rock maple neck with a slender D shape, a black stain and 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 inch width. Goodtime planetary tuners and a Goodtime geared 5th string tuner. Spikes at the 7th, 9th and 10th frets. 26 1/4 inch scale length, 38 inches overall, about 8.75 lbs.

What’s Included

Deering eight year warranty. Deering light gauge strings (10, 11, 13, 21w, 10), tuned G D G B D, and it can be tuned to other tunings. Professional setup by our banjo tech Tara. Free shipping in the US. 7-day money-back guarantee.

Financing available: PayPal Pay in 4 on our website.

In stock in Yellow Springs, Ohio. $1,589.

Call or text us at 404-218-8580 with any questions.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the left-handed Blackgrass Special more expensive?

No. It is the same price as the right-handed Goodtime Blackgrass Special. Deering builds it left-handed, as a mirror image, rather than reversing a right-handed banjo.

What is the difference between the Goodtime Blackgrass and the Blackgrass Special?

Both have the black stain and the black head. The Blackgrass Special on this page adds Deering’s patented Goodtime Special steel tone ring, which Deering fits for a brighter, richer tone.

Is the Deering Goodtime Blackgrass Special made in the USA?

Yes. Deering handcrafts it in Spring Valley, California, left- and right-handed.

Call or text us at 404-218-8580.

Banjo Warehouse has been selling fine banjos since 1977, now based in Yellow Springs, Ohio.