Deering Goodtime Six 6-String Banjo — Guitar Tuning, Made in USA
The Deering Goodtime Six is a 6-string banjo tuned like a guitar (E, A, D, G, B, E) — same chord shapes, same tuning, but with unmistakable banjo tone. At $899 and only 4.5 lbs, it’s the American-made 6-string banjo designed for guitarists who want to add banjo to their sound without learning a new instrument. Handcrafted in Spring Valley, California. 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. Free shipping anywhere in the US. 7-day money-back guarantee.
Call Geoff directly at (404) 218-8580 with any questions.
Why the Goodtime Six?
The Goodtime Six was not designed to replace the guitar — it was designed to complement it. If you already play guitar, you can pick this up and start making music immediately. Same tuning (E, A, D, G, B, E), same chord shapes, but with that unmistakable banjo tone.
Deering has been building banjos by hand in Spring Valley, California since 1975. The Goodtime Six harnesses almost 50 years of banjo-building expertise to put a quality American-made 6-string banjo within reach of any guitarist. At $899, there is nothing else like it at this price point.
The Neck
The fast, sleek guitar-style neck feels immediately familiar, with a comfortable 1 11/16″ nut width and a 15″ radius maple fingerboard with hardwood block inlays. Rock maple construction with a comfortable “D” shape and satin finish. 22 pressed-in nickel silver frets. Dual action truss rod. Six sealed geared tuners.
In short: the Goodtime Six puts American-made banjo tone in guitarists’ hands at $899 — same tuning, same chord shapes, ready to play with professional setup by our banjo tech Tara.
The Pot
The 11″ 3-ply violin grade maple rim delivers a clear, resonant tone with traditional banjo snap from the frosted top head. Beveled steel tension hoop with 16 flat J-hooks. Goodtime armrest. 5/8″ Goodtime 6-string Smile bridge and Goodtime Six tailpiece. Nickel-plated hardware. Hand rubbed polyurethane finish with carnauba wax.
What’s Included
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. $899.
Call Geoff directly at (404) 218-8580 with any questions.
Specifications
| Neck | |
|---|---|
| Wood | Rock Maple |
| Shape | Comfortable “D” Shape |
| Finish | Satin |
| Fingerboard | Maple with 15″ Radius |
| Inlays | Classic Block Style Hardwood |
| Nut | Lexan Polycarbonate, 1 11/16″ |
| Tuners | 6 Sealed Geared |
| Truss Rod | Dual Action |
| Frets | 22 Pressed-In Nickel Silver |
| Pot | |
|---|---|
| Rim | 3-Ply Violin Grade Maple, 11″ |
| Head | 11″ Top Frosted High Crown |
| Tension Hoop | Beveled Steel |
| Hooks | 16 Flat J-Hooks, 9/32″ Hex Nuts |
| Armrest | Goodtime Armrest |
| Hardware Finish | Nickel |
| Bridge | 5/8″ Goodtime 6-String Smile Bridge |
| Tailpiece | Goodtime Six Tailpiece |
| Body Finish | Hand Rubbed Polyurethane with Carnauba Wax |
| Dimensions & Details | |
|---|---|
| Scale Length | 26 1/4″ |
| Overall Length | 37 1/2″ |
| Weight | Approximately 4.5 lbs |
| Strings | Deering 6-String (10, 13, 17, 26w, 36w, 46w) |
| Tuning | E, A, D, G, B, E (Standard Guitar) |
| 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 6-string banjo?
A 6-string banjo is a banjo with six strings tuned like a standard guitar (E, A, D, G, B, E). It lets guitarists play banjo using the chord shapes and fingerings they already know, while producing authentic banjo tone from the traditional banjo pot and head construction.
Can I play a 6-string banjo if I already play guitar?
Yes — that’s exactly what the 6-string banjo is designed for. The Goodtime Six uses standard guitar tuning (E, A, D, G, B, E), so every chord shape and scale pattern you know on guitar transfers directly. The neck also has a familiar 1 11/16″ nut width and 15″ radius fingerboard.
What’s the difference between a 5-string and 6-string banjo?
A 5-string banjo is the traditional bluegrass and old-time instrument with a short drone string and open G tuning. A 6-string banjo (also called a banjitar or guitar banjo) uses standard guitar tuning and plays like a guitar with banjo tone. The 5-string requires learning banjo-specific techniques; the 6-string lets guitarists play immediately.
Is the Deering Goodtime Six made in the USA?
Yes. All Deering Goodtime banjos, including the Goodtime Six, are handcrafted in Spring Valley, California. Deering has been building banjos in the USA since 1975 and is the largest American banjo manufacturer.
Does the Goodtime Six have a resonator?
No. The Goodtime Six is an openback banjo, which produces a warmer, more mellow tone than a resonator banjo. At 4.5 lbs, it’s lightweight and comfortable for long playing sessions.
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.
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