Deering Goodtime 2 5-String Banjo

by Deering

Product Features

• Slender rock maple neck
• Sealed geared tuners
• Three-ply maple rim
• Adjustable tailpiece
• Single Bound Maple Resonator

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 38.8 x 13.9 x 4.2 inches ; 6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B001Q9EE4W
• Item model number: GOODTIME 2 BANJO/ G2
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #30,178 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #70 in Musical Instruments > Folk & World Instruments > Stringed Instruments > Banjos

Product Description

A resonator back provides more projection of sound in the Goodtime 2. It's made here in the USA, at the Deering shop with the same tooling used to make the top of the line banjos. Greg Deering designed the Goodtime banjos because there were no low priced banjos of enough quality for people to actually learn on without difficulty or giving up. He remembers what it was like to want a good banjo and not be able to afford one, so his gift to others is the Goodtime banjo line.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great beginner banjo, January 31, 2006

By 

Pick & Grin "Kirk" (USA) - See all my reviews

I bought this banjo to learn on.

It is built in the USA and solid. Holds tuning for days on end.

Does not have a tone ring. Has slim neck and is easy to finger.

It is nice looking and since owning it and learning on it, I have picked up other banjos in the price range and up to the $600 range and think this one is the better of all (not just because I own one and am used to mine).

I will get a better jo down the road ($2000+) but am very happy with the quality of this as a beginner jo.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome starter banjo, September 29, 2009

By 

Neal J. Keyes (Carson City, NV USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Deering Goodtime 2 5-String Banjo (Electronics)

I've been playing on my Deering Goodtime 2 for over five years now, and it is still as fun to play as ever. It is a very simple instrument to learn on, it has great sound, and is built to last. I've taken it to bluegrass festivals all over California and Nevada and everybody comments on how excellent the sound quality is. For the price, it is a great value. Intermediate and professional banjos get really expensive, and this one does a great job of staying cheap without sacrificing quality. It is much lighter than other banjos I have played, and I find it hard to tell the difference in sound between the Goodtime 2 and other higher end banjos. The only problem I have run into is the plastic mold covering my 5th string tuner cracked, however 5 years worth of constant use plus time spent in the sun makes it no surprise that it is getting a little worn out. Bottom line, if you want to learn the banjo or even get a cheap one to noodle around on if you already play, the Goodtime 2 is worth every penny for the enjoyment it brings.

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars wish it was better, December 16, 2009

By 

Benjamin C. Frihauf "ben" (Durango, CO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Deering Goodtime 2 5-String Banjo (Electronics)

There are some great things about the Goodtime 2 as well as some things that aren't so great. The neck is super thin and easy to fret, it stays in tune for hours of playing, and the light weight makes it fun to play. On the down side the frets tend to be out of tune as you move up the neck, the volume is low and the first 2 strings are very muted. I put on a Snuffy Smith bridge which helped some, but not entirely. Also, the workmanship seems a little off. the flange is too large for the resonator and overlaps the resonator. I may have received a lemon, but my opinion on the Goodtime 2 is mixed.