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Deering Banjo

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Page last updated Aug 10, 2025

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Deering Banjo Company

Goodtime Openback Banjo by Deering

Deering Banjo Company

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Owner Insights

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

Build quality

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Owners note the lack of truss rod limits string gauge flexibility, leading to a brighter tone with light strings.
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Mods and upgrades

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Banjolit wooden armrests are recommended for easy installation on Goodtime banjos, enhancing comfort.
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Conversion kits are available to add a resonator to Goodtime models, enhancing volume and versatility for group play.
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For those considering resonators, Recording King RK-OT25 is suggested as a better-specced option than Deering Goodtime, including a truss rod for improved neck stability.
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Use cases and applications

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Some users prefer goatskin heads for a quieter sound when practicing repetitive licks, minimizing household disturbance.
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Recording King Dirty 30s is highlighted as an economical choice for college students, providing a pleasing sound without unnecessary features for beginners.
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Comparisons

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Users often compare the Deering Goodtime unfavorably to the Recording King RK-35/36, citing the latter's superior sound and build quality at a similar price point.
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Goodtime uses higher quality wood compared to AC-1 and Dirty30s, offering superior tone and comfort despite lacking features like a truss rod.
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Recording King Madison is seen as superior to the Deering Goodtime Deco, offering better construction and features like a truss rod and dual coordinator rods for slightly more cost.
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Gold Tone AC-1 is recommended over Deering Goodtime for beginners due to its affordable price and inclusion of a truss rod, despite being made from composite materials.
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Setup and maintenance

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Missing fifth string tuner costs around $30 to replace, important for assessing repair costs on a used purchase.
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Features and functionality

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Open-back models offer a mellow sound ideal for solo play, while resonators are preferred for bluegrass due to increased volume.
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Value and pricing

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Deering Goodtime models are considered intermediate instruments, justifying their higher price over entry-level options like Gold Tone AC-1.
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Owners emphasize that Deering's pricing is significantly influenced by marketing rather than product quality, suggesting better options exist within the same price range.
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User experience

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Owners report Deering Goodtime retains decent resale value due to its U.S. manufacturing, appealing to both beginners and collectors.
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Critic Reviews

Banjo Newsletter

banjonews.com

Deering's "Americana" Goodtime banjo strikes a harmonious chord with its balanced sound and robust build, making it a standout option for beginners. Priced at around $600, it offers a great bass response and a playable low-profile neck. Recent upgrades, including sealed tuners and a violin-grade maple rim, enhance its longevity and performance. While it's ideal for novices, its economical appeal also caters to vocalists and multi-instrumentalists seeking to add banjo flair to their acts. Overall, Deering delivers a well-crafted instrument that resonates with quality and value.

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3.0 out of 5

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Keith Urban

Guitarist, Bassist

Artists of Then, Now & Forever

Verified via YouTube

Keith's guitar tech Chris Miller shows us this banjo at 7:40 of this "Rig Rundown" with Premier Guitar. Chris mentions that this banjo is normally a studio toy, and it has EMG’s new pickup system, which runs through Keith’s acoustic line.