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Deering Artisan Goodtime OB 5

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$649.95 to $949.00 Price Tier: Standard

Find out who is using Deering Artisan Goodtime OB 5

1 community setup

1 wishlisted

1 saved

Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated June 30, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

$949.00

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5.0 (1)

$949.00

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4.3 (22)

$949.00

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5.0 (8)

$899.00 11 available New

$740.22 1 available Used

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4.0 (2)

$949.00

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5.0 (1)

$649.95

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5.0 (6)

$829.00 $822.00 $7.00 · All time low

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Average Price: $863

Standard/Professional

$499

$1300+

Price Tier

In the Banjos category, Deering Artisan Goodtime OB 5 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Deering Artisan Goodtime OB 5". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Deering Artisan Goodtime OB 5 banjo is a masterful blend of craftsmanship and playability, making it an ideal choice for both budding musicians and seasoned players. This lightweight 5-string open-back banjo delivers a bright, clear tone thanks to its 3-ply, violin-grade maple rim. This same wood is used in professional-level Deering models, ensuring that each note resonates with a rich, full distinction. The comfortable "D"-shaped rock maple neck and flat-radius midnight maple fingerboard are designed for effortless playability, while the vintage artisan-inspired inlays add a touch of elegance to its aesthetic appeal.

Its thoughtful design includes fifth-string capo spikes at frets 7, 9, and 10, allowing for quick transposition to different keys—a feature particularly useful for live performances or jam sessions. Additionally, the Artisan Goodtime OB 5 is equipped with high-quality sealed geared Planetary tuners and a patented quiet metal tailpiece, ensuring stable tuning and minimizing unwanted noise. The ergonomic nickel-plated armrest and hand-applied satin polyurethane finish provide comfort and durability, making it perfect for long practice sessions or casual play at home.

Whether you're picking up the banjo for the first time or adding to your instrument collection, the Deering Artisan Goodtime OB 5 offers a harmonious balance of style and substance that will inspire your musical journey.

Key Features:

Lightweight 5-string open-back design
3-ply, violin-grade maple rim for bright, clear tone
Comfortable "D"-shaped rock maple neck
Flat-radius midnight maple fingerboard with 22 nickel-silver frets
Fifth-string capo spikes for easy key changes
Sealed geared Planetary tuners
Patented quiet metal tailpiece
Ergonomic nickel-plated armrest
Artisan-inspired inlays and satin polyurethane finish

Product specs

Available since	June 2016
Number Of Strings	5
Body	Maple Rim
Open Back	Yes
Neck	Maple
Frets	24
incl. Case	No
Incl. Gigbag	No
Pickup	No

FAQs

What type of music is the Deering Artisan Goodtime OB 5 best suited for?: The Deering Artisan Goodtime OB 5 is ideal for folk and traditional banjo music styles, especially clawhammer and old-time playing, due to its open-back design which provides a warm, mellow tone.
Is the Deering Artisan Goodtime OB 5 suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Deering Artisan Goodtime OB 5 is suitable for beginners due to its lightweight build and comfortable playability, making it easy to handle and learn on.
Does the Deering Artisan Goodtime OB 5 come with a case or gig bag?: No, the Deering Artisan Goodtime OB 5 does not include a case or gig bag, so you may want to purchase one separately for protection and transport.
How many frets does the Deering Artisan Goodtime OB 5 have?: The Deering Artisan Goodtime OB 5 features 24 frets, providing a full range of notes for versatile playing.
What materials are used in the construction of the Deering Artisan Goodtime OB 5?: The Deering Artisan Goodtime OB 5 is constructed with a maple rim and neck, contributing to its bright and clear tone.

Reviews

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PROS

Classic look with pressure-stained maple fingerboard and engraved head
Lightweight, perfect for travel and practice
Suitable for clawhammer and other strumming styles
Comes with planetary tuners and railroad spikes
Great for Americana and folk styles with its open-back design
Excellent playability, even in higher neck positions
Made in the USA with high-quality craftsmanship
Holds tuning well, ideal for long practice sessions
Smooth fretwork enhances playing experience
Offers good tone for both beginners and pros

CONS

Some reported tuners have slop, affecting tuning precision
Requires setup adjustments for optimal sound (e.g., head tension)
Midnight Maple fingerboard finish can appear splotchy
Factory strings may be too light for some players
Lack of adjustable tailpiece limits style flexibility

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Deering Artisan Goodtime OB 5.

Comparisons

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The Gold Tone WL-250 is suggested as an alternative due to its adjustable truss rod, ebony fingerboard, and tone ring, which might offer better value at a similar price point.
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Recording King banjos in the $500-600 range are noted to surpass the Goodtime in quality.
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The Gold Tone CC-50 is considered a viable alternative, costing $100 less than the Goodtime.
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Setup and maintenance

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Concerns are raised about the lack of a truss rod in the Goodtime models, with multiple reports of neck warping over time.
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User experience

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Owners feel conflicted about Deering due to its reported affiliation with Scientology, affecting purchase satisfaction despite the quality of the instrument.
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A mute, especially a wooden one that fits over the bridge, is suggested to save relationships during practice sessions at home.
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One user transitioned from a Goodtime to a Gold Tone CC-Carlin for its scoop and different head, favoring clawhammer style.
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An owner mentions that the Goodtime's stain can wear over time, but its sound quality remains consistent.
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Use cases and applications

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The banjo shows versatility, with positive feedback on using nylgut or gut strings for a different tonal experience.
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For bluegrass learners, a resonator addition is advised; it's noted to enhance the learning experience for hymns and church music.
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The Goodtime is described as a banjo you will not outgrow quickly, making it a lasting choice for beginners.
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Features and functionality

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Owners recommend "Play Banjo Today" for beginners; it's well-written and easy to follow, especially for those new to stringed instruments.
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