Deering Goodtime Openback 5-String Banjo
$ 599.00
The most recommended banjo by banjo teachers. 3-ply violin grade maple rim, Art Deco hardwood inlays, only 4.5 lbs. Handcrafted in Spring Valley, California. $599 with free shipping and professional setup by our banjo tech Tara. Made in the USA. 7-day guarantee.
In stock
When the Goodtime banjo was first released in 1996, it revolutionized the banjo world. Almost 30 years later, it remains the most recommended banjo for beginners — and for good reason.
Deering builds the Goodtime by hand in Spring Valley, California, using the same tooling and the same crew that builds their top-of-the-line professional instruments. The 3-ply violin grade maple rim uses the exact same wood found in the finest violins in the world. Only Deering puts this professional grade rim in a banjo at this price point.
The slender rock maple neck plays fast and comfortable, with a 1 1/4″ nut width and Art Deco inspired hardwood inlays on the maple fingerboard. At only 4.5 lbs, it is light enough for children and adults alike, and easy to travel with. The US Bronze powder finished hardware gives the Goodtime its distinctive warm aesthetic.
Whether you are picking up the banjo for the first time or looking for a lightweight player to keep by your chair, the Goodtime is the one banjo teachers recommend more than any other. At $599, there is nothing else like it.
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.
Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Deering dealer. Questions? Call Geoff directly at (404) 218-8580.
Specifications:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Neck Wood | Rock Maple |
| Neck Shape | Comfortable “D” Shape |
| Neck Finish | Satin |
| Fingerboard | Maple |
| Inlays | Art Deco Inspired Hardwood |
| Nut Width | 1 1/4″ |
| Nut Material | Lexan Polycarbonate |
| Frets | 22 Pressed In Nickel Silver |
| Tuners | Sealed Geared Tuners |
| 5th String Tuner | Goodtime Geared 5th String Tuner |
| Rim | 3-Ply Violin Grade Maple |
| Rim Diameter | 11″ |
| Head | 11″ Top Frosted High Crown |
| Tension Hoop | Beveled Steel |
| Hooks & Nuts | 16 Flat J-Hooks with 9/32″ Hex Nuts |
| Armrest | US Bronze Powder Finished Goodtime Armrest |
| Hardware Plating | US Bronze Powder Finish |
| Bridge | 5/8″ Goodtime Smile Bridge |
| Tailpiece | Deering Patented Goodtime Tailpiece |
| Finish | Hand Rubbed Polyurethane with Carnuba Wax |
| Scale Length | 26 1/4″ |
| Overall Length | 37 1/2″ |
| Weight | Approx. 4.5 lbs |
| Tuning | g, D, G, B, D (Standard G) |
| Strings | Deering Light Gauge (10, 11, 13, 21w, 10) |
| Warranty | 8-Year Limited Warranty |
| Made In | Spring Valley, California, USA |
What Our Customers Are Saying
“I’ve been playing banjo for a long time and have two Goldstar resonator banjos. This is a REALLY nice banjo! It’s set up really well. It sounds so pure. I bought from you because I knew the banjo would have been looked over. The time you take for others can make people happy for a long time. Thanks for caring about what you do.”
— Dan DeVecchis, Belleville, Pennsylvania · April 2022
“A nice-sounding banjo that is also very reasonably priced and lightweight. Nice to take on trips.”
— Joseph Morris, Shenandoah, Virginia
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