Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (1)
$1,329.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (2)
$1,329.00
Amazon
4.1 (13)
$1,329.00
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$1,329.00 New
$1,036.62 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$1,329.00

Average Price: $1,280

Standard/Professional

$499

$1300+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

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

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Description

The Deering Artisan Goodtime Two 5-String Banjo is a testament to craftsmanship and tradition, offering musicians a resonator banjo that is both versatile and resonant. Constructed with a 3-ply, violin-grade maple rim, this banjo delivers a bright, clear tone that projects with authority—perfect for bluegrass sessions or solo performances. The instrument's resonator back enhances its projection, making it louder than its open-back counterparts while retaining a lightweight design that is easy on the shoulder.

The neck is crafted from rock maple, providing a stable, comfortable "D"-shaped profile that facilitates smooth playability. The Midnight Maple fingerboard, a sustainable innovation by Deering, features 22 nickel-silver frets and is designed to be durable and environmentally friendly, with no compromise on quality or feel. This fingerboard is not just a visual delight but also a nod to sustainability, ensuring ethical sourcing and manufacturing processes.

For musicians seeking versatility, the Artisan Goodtime Two comes equipped with fifth-string capo spikes at the 7th, 9th, and 10th frets, allowing easy transitions between keys. The banjo is adorned with artisan-inspired inlays and boasts a hand-applied satin polyurethane finish, making it as visually striking as it is acoustically impressive.

Key Features:

  • 5-string resonator banjo with traditional vibe
  • 3-ply, violin-grade maple rim for bright, clear tone
  • Rock maple neck with "D"-shaped profile
  • Midnight Maple fingerboard with 22 nickel-silver frets
  • Fifth-string capo spikes for key versatility
  • High-quality sealed geared Planetary tuners
  • 11-inch top-frosted high-crown head and beveled steel tension hoop
  • Patented quiet metal tailpiece and coordinator rod
  • Ergonomic nickel-plated armrest and artisan-inspired inlays

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 Midnight Maple
Fingerboard Inlay Pearloid Artisan Style Inlays
Number of Frets 22, Nickel Silver
Scale Length 26.25"
Nut Material Lexan Polycarbonate
Nut Width 1.25"
Bridge Material Maple/Ebony
Tuners Goodtime Planetary tuners
Hardware Nickel Plated
Strings Deering 5-string Light, .010, .011, .013, .021w, .010
Case Included Sold Separately

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Deering Artisan Goodtime Two 5-String Banjo?

The Deering Artisan Goodtime Two features a Comfortable D Shape neck profile, made from Hard Rock Maple, providing a smooth and easy playability for both beginners and seasoned players.

Is the Deering Artisan Goodtime Two 5-String Banjo suitable for bluegrass music?

Yes, the Deering Artisan Goodtime Two with its resonator body style and steel strings is well-suited for bluegrass music, delivering the bright and punchy sound typical of the genre.

What materials are used in the construction of the Deering Artisan Goodtime Two 5-String Banjo?

This banjo features a body made from a 3-ply Maple rim and a 3-ply Poplar/Maple resonator, with a Hard Rock Maple neck and a Hard Rock Midnight Maple fingerboard, ensuring durability and a rich tone.

Does the Deering Artisan Goodtime Two come with a case?

No, the Deering Artisan Goodtime Two 5-String Banjo does not include a case; it is sold separately.

What type of tuners does the Deering Artisan Goodtime Two 5-String Banjo use?

The Deering Artisan Goodtime Two is equipped with Goodtime Planetary tuners, which offer precise tuning and stability for reliable performance.

Deering Banjo Company

Deering Banjo Company

Introducing the Artisan Goodtime Two

Video thumbnail for Introducing the Artisan Goodtime Two by Deering Banjo Company

Introducing the Artisan Goodtime Two

Deering Banjo Company

Deering Banjo Company

Reviews

PROS

  • Made in the USA, ensuring high quality and craftsmanship

  • Excellent tone praised by beginners and experienced players alike

  • Ideal for intermediate players seeking a reliable instrument

  • Attractive design with refined aesthetics and included spikes

  • Great value for money compared to similar models

  • Easy playability, even for beginners transitioning from other instruments

CONS

  • Some customers received products with scratches and dents

  • Tone quality may vary, potentially due to strings used

  • High restocking fee if returned through certain retailers

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Deering Goodtime 2's resonator directs sound outward, beneficial for group play; open back models are suitable for solo practice.

    Source
  • Removing the resonator from the Goodtime 2 reduces its weight, making it easier to handle during extended practice sessions.

    Source
  • The banjo lacks a truss rod, requiring the use of light strings, which results in a brighter tone and limits neck adjustments for different string gauges.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Playing without finger picks significantly reduces volume, allowing for quieter practice sessions, especially in shared living spaces.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Attaching mass to the bridge can effectively mute the banjo, reducing volume for late-night practice.

    Source
  • Some owners replace the original head with a goat skin head for a quieter tone, preferred for clawhammer style and reducing repetitive noise during practice.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners find transitioning to fingerstyle playing easier without picks, achieving a softer tone.

    Source
  • Users with a preference for higher action, like clawhammer players, might find the Goodtime's action less adjustable to their liking.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Resonator kits are available for around $250, enabling conversion of an open-back Goodtime to a resonator model; a tone ring can also be added with modifications.

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  • Some users prefer nylgut strings on the Artisan Goodtime for a distinctive sound.

    Source

Build quality

  • It’s noted that the Deering Goodtime does not come with an armrest, making it uncomfortable for some users; armrests from Banjolit are recommended for easy installation.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners compare Deering Goodtime 2 to the Recording King RK-35, noting that the latter offers better sound quality and features like a truss rod for a similar price point.

    Source
  • The Gold Tone WL-250 offers an adjustable truss rod, ebony fingerboard, tone ring, and scooped neck, presenting better value than the Deering Artisan Goodtime at a similar price.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some owners feel the Goodtime is overpriced compared to similarly priced models offering more features, like the Recording King OT-25.

    Source

Other

  • There's concern about Deering's affiliation with Scientology, leading to buyer's remorse despite satisfaction with the sound and quality.

    Source

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