Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $900
Standard/Professional
$499
$1300+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Deering Goodtime Artisan Banjo". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Discover the soulful resonance of the Deering Goodtime Artisan Banjo, a true testament to craftsmanship and musical heritage. This 5-string banjo is designed for both budding musicians and seasoned players who seek a blend of tradition and innovation. Its 11" violin-grade maple rim ensures a rich, full-bodied tone that enhances any musical journey, from folk tunes to bluegrass jams. The neck, crafted from high-quality maple, provides a comfortable grip and superb playability, allowing for smooth transitions between chords and scales.
A standout feature of this banjo is its dark-stained maple fretboard, adorned with vintage Artisan fretboard inlays, adding a touch of elegance and historical charm. The beautifully engraved machine head buttons not only enhance the instrument's aesthetic appeal but also ensure precise tuning stability, making this banjo as reliable as it is beautiful.
Whether you're strumming in a cozy living room or performing on stage, the Deering Goodtime Artisan Banjo delivers a captivating sound and timeless style. Its resonator design projects sound clearly and powerfully, ensuring that your music reaches every corner of the room. Equipped with Deering Medium strings straight from the factory, this banjo is ready to play right out of the box, making it the perfect companion for your musical endeavors.
Key Features:
- 5-string banjo with a resonator design
- 11" violin-grade maple rim for rich sound
- Maple neck for comfortable playability
- Dark-stained maple fretboard with vintage Artisan inlays
- Engraved machine head buttons for precise tuning
- Comes with Deering Medium string set for optimal sound
Product specs
| Available since | June 2016 |
| Number Of Strings | 5 |
| Body | Maple |
| Open Back | No |
| Neck | Maple |
| Frets | 22 |
| incl. Case | No |
| Incl. Gigbag | No |
| Pickup | No |
FAQs
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Is the Deering Goodtime Artisan Banjo suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Deering Goodtime Artisan Banjo is an excellent choice for beginners due to its lightweight design and easy playability, making it comfortable for new players to learn on.
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What kind of wood is used in the Deering Goodtime Artisan Banjo?
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The Deering Goodtime Artisan Banjo features a maple body and neck, which contributes to its bright and clear tonal quality.
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Does the Deering Goodtime Artisan Banjo come with a case or gigbag?
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No, the Deering Goodtime Artisan Banjo does not include a case or gigbag, so you may need to purchase one separately for protection and transport.
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How many frets does the Deering Goodtime Artisan Banjo have?
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The Deering Goodtime Artisan Banjo has 22 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and versatility in playing different musical styles.
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Is the Deering Goodtime Artisan Banjo made in the USA?
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Yes, all Deering banjos, including the Goodtime Artisan series, are handcrafted in Spring Valley, California, USA.
Videos
Elderly Instruments
Deering Goodtime Artisan Banjos | Elderly Instruments
Reviews
PROS
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Beautiful craftsmanship with a brown finish and quality materials
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Lightweight design makes it easy to handle and transport
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Excellent tonal quality, perfect for Americana or folk music
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Holds tuning exceptionally well, reducing frequent adjustments
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Larger pot provides a fuller, less twangy sound
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Versatile, suiting both beginner and intermediate players
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Equipped with spikes on 5-9-10 frets, negating need for a 5-string capo
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Smooth frets offer a comfortable playing experience
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Comes with a hard case, providing great value
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Highly recommended by both beginners and seasoned players
CONS
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Some may find it pricey for an amateur model
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Deering Goodtime Artisan Banjo.
Comparisons
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The Gold Tone WL-250 offers more features like an adjustable truss rod, tone ring, and ebony fingerboard for a similar price.
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The Goodtime and Goodtime Two differ only by the resonator, allowing flexibility in playing both clawhammer and Scruggs styles without needing a different setup.
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User experience
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Some owners express disappointment due to Deering's affiliation with Scientology, affecting their purchase satisfaction despite the instrument's quality.
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New players find value in starting with an instructor to avoid bad habits and enhance learning.
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For learning clawhammer style, Hilarie Burhans on YouTube is highly recommended at $4 per month.
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The open-back design is advantageous in small jam sessions, allowing for blending with other instruments without overpowering them.
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Owners appreciate the ability to upgrade the Goodtime with a resonator kit, enhancing volume without purchasing a new banjo.
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Setup and maintenance
Use cases and applications
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Nylgut strings are preferred by some for a unique sound profile on the Goodtime Artisan.
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Ideal for learning bluegrass; recommended resources include "You Can Teach Yourself Banjo" by Janet Davis and "Introduction to Bluegrass Banjo" by Eddie Collins.
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Owners suggest using a wooden mute over the bridge for quiet practice, particularly important for those living with others.
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The Deering Goodtime is often recommended for beginners interested in both bluegrass (Scruggs style) and Americana (clawhammer style) due to its versatile design.
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Features and functionality
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The Artisan model is viewed as a significant upgrade from older, lower-quality instruments, improving sound and build quality substantially.
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The Deering Goodtime is praised for being one of the lightest banjos available, ideal for players who may find the weight of a resonator and tone ring cumbersome.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artistAlbum Usage
The Deering Goodtime Artisan Banjo has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Deering Goodtime Artisan Banjo, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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