Deering Goodtime Two 5-String Resonator Banjo — Bluegrass Volume, Made in USA
The Deering Goodtime Two is a 5-string resonator banjo with a 3-ply violin grade maple rim and resonator for bluegrass volume and projection — handcrafted in Spring Valley, California. At $849 and only 6 lbs, it’s the entry-level resonator banjo that plays correctly, sounds great in a jam, and is built to last. 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.
Watch: Goodtime Two Demo
Why the Goodtime Two?
Three years after the Goodtime revolutionized the banjo world, customers started asking for one with a resonator. They wanted the same fantastic playability, but with enough volume and projection to compete in a jam. In 1999, Deering delivered the Goodtime Two.
The heart of the Goodtime Two is the same 3-ply violin grade maple rim that makes the Goodtime Openback sing. Pair it with the 3-ply resonator, and the sound bounces forward instead of being absorbed by your body. The result is a rich, golden tone with a significant bump in volume — exactly what you need for bluegrass picking in a group setting.
The Pot
The 3-ply violin grade maple rim sits inside a two-piece Goodtime series flange with US Bronze powder finish. Beveled steel tension hoop with 16 flat J-hooks. Frosted high crown head. Goodtime armrest, 5/8″ Goodtime Smile bridge, and Deering’s patented Goodtime tailpiece.
In short: the Goodtime Two delivers American-made resonator banjo projection at $849 — lightweight at 6 lbs, built by the same crew that makes Deering’s professional instruments, with professional setup by our banjo tech Tara.
The Neck
Slender rock maple neck with a comfortable “D” shape and satin finish. Maple fingerboard with Art Deco inspired hardwood inlays. 22 pressed-in nickel silver frets. Lexan polycarbonate nut at 1 1/4″ width. Sealed geared tuners and a Goodtime geared 5th string tuner.
The Resonator
3-ply poplar/poplar/maple construction with satin finish and black binding. Straight sidewalls. 13 7/8″ diameter. The US Bronze powder finished flange surrounds the rim with sound holes that project the resonator’s output forward. At 6 lbs — about the weight of a guitar — it’s comfortable for long playing sessions and easy to travel with.
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. $849.
Call Geoff directly at (404) 218-8580 with any questions.
What Our Customers Are Saying
★★★★★ — “As somebody who’s learning the banjo, I just got my first banjo, which is a Deering Goodtime Two Deco with resonator — such a great instrument. Highly recommend.”
— Verified Customer
★★★★★ — “I’m a banjo newbie. I love my Deering Goodtime Two.”
— Neil Brydon, Gorham, Maine
Specifications
| Neck | |
|---|---|
| Wood | Rock Maple |
| Shape | Comfortable “D” Shape |
| Finish | Satin |
| Fingerboard | Maple |
| Inlays | Art Deco Inspired Hardwood |
| Nut | Lexan Polycarbonate, 1 1/4″ |
| Tuners | Sealed Geared |
| 5th String Tuner | Goodtime Geared |
| 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 |
| Flange | Two-Piece Goodtime Series |
| Armrest | Goodtime Armrest |
| Hardware Finish | US Bronze Powder |
| Bridge | 5/8″ Goodtime Smile Bridge |
| Tailpiece | Deering Patented Goodtime Tailpiece |
| Body Finish | Satin |
| Resonator | |
|---|---|
| Wood | 3-Ply Poplar/Poplar/Maple |
| Finish | Satin |
| Binding | Black |
| Sidewalls | Straight |
| Diameter | 13 7/8″ |
| Dimensions & Details | |
|---|---|
| Scale Length | 26 1/4″ |
| Overall Length | 38″ |
| Weight | Approximately 6 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Deering Goodtime Two?
The Deering Goodtime Two is a 5-string resonator banjo with a 3-ply violin grade maple rim and resonator. Introduced in 1999, it’s Deering’s entry-level resonator banjo designed for bluegrass players who need projection in a jam setting. Handcrafted in Spring Valley, California.
What’s the difference between the Goodtime and Goodtime Two?
The Goodtime is an openback banjo, while the Goodtime Two has a resonator. The resonator bounces sound forward instead of letting it be absorbed by your body, giving the Goodtime Two significantly more volume and projection — exactly what you need for bluegrass picking with other instruments.
Is the Goodtime Two good for bluegrass?
Yes. The Goodtime Two was designed specifically for bluegrass players who need enough volume to be heard in a jam. The resonator adds projection and brightness, and the 3-ply violin grade maple rim produces the tone bluegrass players expect. At $849, it’s one of the most affordable American-made resonator banjos available.
Is the Deering Goodtime Two made in the USA?
Yes. All Deering Goodtime banjos, including the Goodtime Two, are handcrafted in Spring Valley, California by the same crew that builds Deering’s professional instruments. Deering has been building banjos in the USA since 1975.
How heavy is the Goodtime Two?
The Goodtime Two weighs approximately 6 lbs — about the same as a guitar. It’s comfortable for long playing sessions and easy to travel with, making it a good choice for players who want resonator projection without excessive weight.
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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