Deering Goodtime

5.0 (14)

$499.00

4.7 (227)

$599.00

5.0 (29)

$499.00 10 available New

$347.00 4 available Used

4.0 (55)

4.5 (4)

$559.00

4.7 (42)

$525.00

Average Price: $503

Standard/Professional

$499

$1300+

Price Tier

In the Banjos category, Deering Goodtime 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 Goodtime". 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

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Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, the Deering Goodtime 5-String Banjo is your ticket to exceptional sound and playability at an unbeatable price point. Made in the USA, this open-back banjo is crafted from violin-quality 3-ply blond maple, offering a rich, resonant tone that’s perfect for bluegrass jams, porch performances, and everything in between. Weighing in at just 4 pounds, it's light enough for children to handle, making it an ideal starter instrument. The slender, rock maple neck with a smooth satin finish ensures comfortable playability, while the 22 nickel-silver frets and hardwood bow tie inlays add a touch of elegance.

The Deering Goodtime doesn't just sound good; it’s built to last. The steel tension hoop and coordinator rod offer durability and easy adjustments, making it a reliable companion for both practice and performance. The standard 11" frosted top head and Deering patented Goodtime tailpiece ensure a crisp, clear sound with excellent note separation. Plus, the geared tuners make tuning a breeze, so you can spend more time playing and less time adjusting.

Key Features:

Open-back design
3-ply 11" blond maple rim
Slender rock maple neck with durable satin finish
22 nickel-silver frets with hardwood bow tie inlays
Geared tuners for easy tuning
11" frosted top head
Steel tension hoop and coordinator rod
Deering patented Goodtime tailpiece
Lightweight (4 lbs) for easy portability
Made in the USA

Product specs

Brand	Deering
Model	Goodtime 5 String Openback Banjo
Finish	Natural
Year	2010s
Made In	United States
Categories	Banjos

FAQs

Is the Deering Goodtime banjo suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Deering Goodtime banjo is highly recommended for beginners due to its lightweight build and easy playability. Its quality construction and clear tone make it an excellent choice for those new to playing the banjo.
What type of wood is used in the Deering Goodtime banjo?: The Deering Goodtime banjo features a 3-ply violin grade maple rim, which contributes to its rich and vibrant sound. The use of high-quality maple ensures durability and a superior tone.
How does the Deering Goodtime banjo compare to other entry-level banjos?: The Deering Goodtime banjo stands out among entry-level banjos for its superior craftsmanship and sound quality. Made in the USA, it offers a brighter tone and better playability compared to many other beginner options.
Is the Deering Goodtime banjo made in the USA?: Yes, the Deering Goodtime banjo is proudly made in the United States. This ensures high-quality materials and craftsmanship, providing a reliable and excellent-sounding instrument.
Does the Deering Goodtime banjo have an openback design?: Yes, the Deering Goodtime banjo features an openback design. This design is ideal for clawhammer and old-time styles, offering a lighter weight and a more mellow tone compared to resonator banjos.

Videos

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Deering Banjo Company

Deering Line Up - The Blonde Goodtime Banjos

Deering Banjo Company

Goodtime Openback Banjo by Deering

Deering Banjo Company

Deering Goodtime Banjo Demo with Rob Scallon

Reverb

Kristin Scott-Benson recommends Deering Goodtime Banjos for Students.

Deering Banjo Company

$350 vs $2600 Banjo: Deering Goodtime and Vega Vintage Star

BanjoSkills

Deering Goodtime Open Back Banjos | Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Deering Goodtime Demo Video: Banjo Ben's General Store

Banjo Ben Clark

Deering Goodtime Open Back Banjo

Weed Patch Music Company

Reviews

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PROS

Light and portable, perfect for traveling
Clear, bright sound, even without a resonator
Easy to tune and stays in tune well
High build quality, feels sturdy and well-made
Great value for the price, performs above its class
Comfortable neck and low action, easy to play
Excellent for beginners and intermediate players
Smooth satin finish allows for easy movement on the neck
Ideal for various playing styles, including clawhammer and fingerpicking
Well-packaged and ready to play out of the box

CONS

Does not include an armrest, which can be uncomfortable
Lacks a truss rod, making neck adjustments difficult
No gig bag or case included, additional cost for proper storage
Requires immediate string change for optimal sound
Some units have minor manufacturing flaws, like overspray on the drum head
Sensitivity to temperature changes may require bridge adjustments

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

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Some players favor the Gold Tone AC-1, made from Bakelite, for its durability and affordability, offering a comparable sound to the Goodtime at a lower price.
Source
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Adding a brass flathead tone ring can enhance the sound, but the Goodtime's limited number of hooks may affect head tension stability compared to higher-end models.
Source
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Banjolit wooden armrests are recommended for comfort and easy attachment to the Goodtime banjo.
Source

User experience

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Despite criticism, some owners find satisfaction in personalizing the Goodtime through modifications, valuing the process over resale or brand perceptions.
Source
0 0

Multiple owners find that, despite its marketing, the Goodtime's quality does not justify its price, suggesting better alternatives in the same range.
Source
0 0

Some players modify the Goodtime with a goatskin head for a tone more aligned with old-time music styles.
Source

Value and pricing

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Owners suggest buying used Goodtimes at low prices as they offer limited resale value after upgrades. They're often seen as entry-level instruments rather than long-term investments.
Source
0 0

The Deering Goodtime is perceived as overpriced for its build, with some owners suggesting that the price largely reflects marketing rather than actual quality.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

Recording King models like the OT25-BR are noted for better construction, offering features like a truss rod and planetary tuners at a similar price point.
Source
0 0

The Recording King Madison offers a truss rod, dual coordinator rods, and a 2-ply rim, making it a superior choice to the Deering Goodtime Deco for a slight price increase.
Source
0 0

The Goodtime is often compared to the Recording King RK-35, which is noted for superior sound and build quality at a similar price point.
Source

Build quality

0 0

The Goodtime's neck is a single piece with frets directly installed on the maple, unlike other banjos that use a separate fingerboard, potentially impacting durability and playability.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

The Goodtime lacks a truss rod, making neck adjustments impossible and leading to inconsistent action over time, requiring potentially cumbersome fixes like shimming the neck.
Source
0 0

Owners suggest fret dressing for even and flat frets, improving playability.
Source

Other

0 0

Replacing the original top with a goat skin head can produce a quieter tone suitable for practice.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The Goodtime's light weight makes it ideal for travel, such as camping trips.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The absence of a truss rod limits neck adjustments, affecting string gauge flexibility.
Source

Critic Reviews

Banjo Newsletter

banjonews.com

The Deering Goodtime Americana banjo earns high marks for its balanced sound, sturdy construction, and playability, making it an excellent pick for both beginners and seasoned musicians. Priced at around $600, it offers a good bass response and fair treble, with a well-designed neck that enhances its user-friendly appeal. Upgraded components like sealed tuners and a violin-grade maple rim boost its durability. While it may not feature a metal tone ring, its economical value and thoughtful design make it a strong contender for those looking to add banjo to their musical repertoire.

positive

Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

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Ryan Ross

Singer, Guitarist

Panic! at the Disco

Verified via Photo

In a concert photo from Panic! At The Disco's "A Fever You Can't Sweat Out" tour, Ryan Ross is seen playing a Deering Goodtime banjo.

Alessandro Bagagli

Composer, Music Producer

Verified via Alessandro Bagagli Official website

Alessandro Bagagli features the Deering Goodtime banjo on his official website, highlighting its role in his music.

beaux

Singer, Guitarist

Verified via Photo

In this photo, posted by Beaux in his home studio, we see a Deering Goodtime banjo.

Laura Brehm

Singer, Guitarist

Verified via Photo

Visible in this July 26, 2017 Instagram post.

Album Usage

The Deering Goodtime has been featured on the following albums:

A Fever You Can't Sweat Out

Panic! at the Disco (2005)

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Rock

Folk, World, & Country

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