Deering GOODTIME-G 5 String Openback Banjo

The most recommended banjo by banjo teachers is right here! Made in America. Easy to play! Durable and easy to maintain! The Goodtime banjo produces a vibrant ringing tone from its natural finished violin-grade maple rim. At only 4 pounds, the weight makes it ideal for both children and adults to play and travel with conveniently.


When the Goodtime banjo was first released in 1996, it revolutionized the banjo world cementing its place as a lightweight, affordable, great-sounding American-made banjo, heralded for its affordability and great value.

Today, the Deering Goodtime banjo is as popular as ever, continuing to be the choice among musicians of all skill levels, thanks to its excellent craftsmanship, superior sound quality, and affordable price point. It is also the most recommended banjo for beginners!

Central to the success of the Goodtime banjo is the construction which utilizes high-quality materials and components, including a three-ply violin-grade maple rim, and an exceptionally stable and slender hard rock maple neck, ensuring that it delivers a rich, full sound with excellent clarity and projection. The Goodtime tailpiece is our own design, the tension hoop is rolled in-house from raw metal. We took time to source the best possible tuners to compliment the Goodtime affordability and topped it off with the best banjo strings on the market.

This emphasis on quality also makes the Goodtime banjo incredibly easy to play, thanks to its slim neck profile, low string action, and smooth fretwork. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, you'll appreciate the Goodtime banjo's comfortable feel and excellent playability.

All Goodtime banjos are made by skilled craftsmen in our only facility, located in San Diego, CA. And at only 4 pounds, the weight makes it ideal for both children and adults to play and travel with conveniently.

Even when you eventually step up to an upperline model, we are certain that your trusty Goodtime will remain a go-to banjo.