Home
... Musical Instruments
Folk & World Instruments
Stringed Instruments
Banjos
Deering
Deering Artisan Goodtime Special 5-String Resonator Banjo

Deering Artisan Goodtime Special 5-String Resonator Banjo main image

Deering Artisan Goodtime Special 5-String Resonator Banjo image 2

Deering Artisan Goodtime Special 5-String Resonator Banjo image 3

Deering Artisan Goodtime Special 5-String Resonator Banjo

^# 64

Equipboard's ranking is determined by analyzing factors such as professional artist usage, popularity, user ratings, reviews, and more.

$1,329.00 to $1,599.00 Price Tier: High-end

0 wishlisted

0 saved

Page last updated Jul 05, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated June 25, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (1)

$1,599.00

View Deal

$1,599.00

View Deal

$1,599.00

View Deal

5.0 (6)

$1,329.00 16 available New

$768.00 4 available Used

View Deal

5.0 (2)

$1,599.00

View Deal

Average Price: $1,416

High-end/Boutique

$499

$1300+

Price Tier

In the Banjos category, Deering Artisan Goodtime Special 5-String Resonator Banjo is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Deering Artisan Goodtime Special 5-String Resonator Banjo". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Experience a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation with the Deering Artisan Goodtime Special 5-String Resonator Banjo. Crafted to perfection, this banjo embodies a vintage aesthetic while delivering a robust and vibrant tone that will elevate any musical ensemble. At its core, the patented steel Goodtime Special tone ring amplifies volume, ensuring your performance resonates. The 3-ply, violin-grade maple rim exudes clarity and brightness, making it a staple for both solo sessions and full-band settings.

The rock maple neck, with its comfortable "D"-shaped profile, provides a smooth playing experience, enhanced by the flat-radius midnight maple fingerboard. This sustainable innovation, known as Midnight Maple, offers a unique playing surface that maintains its elegance without compromise. Tuning versatility is guaranteed with fifth-string capo spikes, allowing seamless transitions between keys.

The Artisan Goodtime Special is more than just an instrument; it's a testament to Deering's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Its artisan-inspired inlays and hand-applied satin finish add a touch of elegance, while the sealed geared Planetary tuners ensure precision tuning. Whether you're a seasoned player or a budding musician, this banjo promises a reliable and enriching musical journey.

Key Features:

Patented steel Goodtime Special tone ring for enhanced volume
3-ply, violin-grade maple rim for bright, clear tones
Comfortable "D"-shaped rock maple neck with Midnight Maple fingerboard
22 pressed-in nickel-silver frets and artisan-inspired inlays
Fifth-string capo spikes at 7th, 9th, and 10th frets for key versatility
High-quality sealed geared Planetary tuners
3-ply resonator with straight sidewalls
11-inch top-frosted high-crown head and beveled steel tension hoop
Ergonomic nickel-plated armrest and patented quiet metal tailpiece
Smile bridge combining maple and ebony for clarity and responsiveness

Product specs

Type	Acoustic
String Type	Steel
Number of Strings	5
Body Style	Resonator
Top Material	11" Frosted Top
Body Material	3-ply Maple (rim), 3-ply Poplar/Maple (resonator)
Neck Material	Hard Rock Maple
Neck Shape	Comfortable D Shape
Fingerboard Material	Hard Rock Maple
Fingerboard Inlay	Pearloid Artisan Style Inlays
Number of Frets	22, Nickel Silver
Scale Length	26.25"
Nut Material	Lexan Polycarbonate
Nut Width	1.27"
Bridge Material	Maple/Ebony
Tuners	Goodtime Planetary tuners, 4:1
Hardware	Nickel Plated
Strings	.010, .011, .013, .021w, .010
Case Included	Sold Separately

FAQs

What type of music is the Deering Artisan Goodtime Special 5-String Resonator Banjo best suited for?: This banjo is ideal for bluegrass and folk music due to its resonator design, which provides a bright and projecting sound typical of these genres.
Does the Deering Artisan Goodtime Special Banjo come with a case?: No, the case is sold separately for the Deering Artisan Goodtime Special 5-String Resonator Banjo.
What materials are used in the construction of the Deering Artisan Goodtime Special Banjo's neck and fingerboard?: The neck and fingerboard are made from hard rock maple, with the fingerboard featuring Midnight Maple for enhanced playability and durability.
Are there spikes installed on the Deering Artisan Goodtime Special Banjo for capo use?: Yes, the banjo has spikes installed at the 7th, 9th, and 10th frets, allowing for easy capo use.
What is the neck profile of the Deering Artisan Goodtime Special Banjo?: The neck has a comfortable D shape, making it easy to play and suitable for both beginners and experienced players.
How many frets does the Deering Artisan Goodtime Special Banjo have?: The banjo features 22 pressed-in nickel silver frets.
What is the weight of the Deering Artisan Goodtime Special 5-String Resonator Banjo?: The banjo weighs approximately 8 pounds, making it relatively lightweight and easy to handle.

Videos

Add video

Deering Banjo Company

Introducing the Artisan Goodtime Special

Deering Banjo Company

Deering Artisan Goodtime Special Banjo 5 string at The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Deering Artisan Goodtime Special Banjo played by Adrian Farmer | Demo

TFOA Demos

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Exceptional sound clarity with crisp note articulation
Smooth, positive tuning machines maintain stable tuning
Comfortable playability with well-designed fretboard and balance
Attractive, understated design with stylish headstock and fretboard graphics
High-quality tone ring enhances overall sound quality
Comes well-packaged and set up, ready to play
Renowned for Deering’s reputation for craftsmanship
Suitable upgrade for novices seeking improved performance
Heavier build contributes to better sound resonance

CONS

Heavier than some entry-level banjos may require adjustment

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Deering Artisan Goodtime Special 5-String Resonator Banjo.

Build quality

0 0

Some owners report concerns about neck warping on Goodtime models without a truss rod, suggesting potential longevity issues.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Users have set up the Artisan Goodtime with nylgut strings, noting a preference for the resulting sound quality.
Source
0 0

The Goodtime Artisan series lacks a truss rod, which can impact neck adjustment capabilities compared to models like the Vega Little Wonder.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

The Gold Tone WL-250 is highlighted as a comparable option, featuring an adjustable truss rod and scooped neck, which may offer better value for some players.
Source
0 0

The Recording King RK-35/36 features a flathead tone ring, providing a more resonant and dynamic sound compared to the Deering's rolled brass bar.
Source
0 0

Some owners suggest the Deering Artisan Special as the apex of the Goodtime series, while professional models are recommended for those seeking even higher performance.
Source

Other

0 0

There is a noted affiliation between Deering and Scientology, which has led to buyer's remorse for some despite satisfaction with the instrument's quality.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

Coordinator rods in Goodtime models are primarily structural, helping attach the neck, but adjustments for neck angle should be avoided to prevent rim warping.
Source
0 0

Railroad spikes are available for changing drone string tuning, but capos can also be used if spikes aren't preferred.
Source

User experience

0 0

New players may not initially notice differences in sound quality, but after six months, the tonal superiority of models like the RK-35 becomes apparent.
Source
0 0

An owner of the Artisan Special mentioned visiting the Deering factory for a direct purchase, which resulted in cost savings and increased satisfaction.
Source
0 0

A user transitioned from a Washburn to the Deering Artisan Special within months and expressed satisfaction with the upgrade in quality and playability.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

Deering Goodtime models are often seen as overpriced for beginners, with more cost-effective alternatives like the Gold Tone OB-150 or Recording King RK-35 offering professional-level quality.
Source
0 0

A closer proximity to the Deering factory allowed one user to save money by purchasing directly from the showroom, highlighting a potential cost-saving strategy for nearby buyers.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The Deering Artisan Special 5-string resonator is appreciated for church performances due to its acoustic/electric versatility, as highlighted by one potential buyer.
Source