forum thread Posted by jk6812 | Staff • Apr 17, 2025
Apr 17, 2025 2:11 AM
Item 1 of 4
Item 1 of 4
forum thread Posted by jk6812 | Staff • Apr 17, 2025
Apr 17, 2025 2:11 AM
Deering Goodtime Americana 5-String Open-Back Left-Handed Banjo (Natural Maple, Nickel Hardware) $499 + Free Shipping
$499
$679
26% offSweetwater
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Now, let's talk a bit about the Goodtime and the Goodtime Americana. The standard Goodtime (retail $569) has an 11" head (which is pretty much the standard for most banjos).
The Goodtime Americana (this banjo - retail $699) has a 12" head, which will give a better bass response and warmer tone (according to Deering).
The Americana is more suited to "old time" or "Clawhammer" style.
The standard (11") Goodtime is also well suited for "old time" / "Clawhammer" style, and can also be fitted with a resonator (at an additional cost) to provide a sound more suited for Bluegrass (whereas the 12" size of the Americana precludes the addition of a Deering resonator).
Having said all that, this is a GREAT deal on an Americana, and would be a wonderful starter banjo. And once you've progressed beyond the "beginner" stage (and perhaps purchased a higher-end instrument) either Goodtime you'll find will still be useful as a travel / camping / informal banjo--you'll still be playing it no matter where your musical journey will take you. Just be aware that the Americana will be an "open back" banjo, whereas the standard Goodtime (11") can be open back or resonator.
And if you decide at some point the banjo is not for you, you'll have no trouble selling or trading in a Goodtime.
Lastly, all Deering banjos are made in the USA, and Goodtimes come with a six year warranty (along with a real person on the other end of the phone if you ever need support).
Great company, great instruments.
I bought one lightly used, a customer return.. and I think I paid $400 for it and that was before the pandemic inflation. So, it's certainly a good buy at $500 imho.