I was looking at banjos a few years back and of course I saw the Chinese banjos that looked like more expensive instruments and they got me excited. I did a bit of research and learned a bit about Deering. I went to my local music store and poured over the Deering Goodtime. It didn’t look as nice as the imports but when I picked it up and ran my hands over it I knew that it was a good instrument. Not as purdy but better playing and sounding. So I spent 20% more on the Deering and feel great about my purchase. Made in America is very important to me and I say that as a Canadian.
The Deering Goodtime 2 is the best resonator banjo for a beginner. I've owned two of them, and they were just great. I'm recovering from from a physical problem and don't know if I'll ever play banjo again, but hearing Jens make that Goodtime sing is a delight. And while I'm at it... the people at the Deering shop in the San Diego area are just great to deal with. The factory tour they gave me around 1998 is what planted the seed, and I bought a Goodtime and started playing soon after. According to them, I was the first person to ever own a Goodtime 2... they hadn't quite released it on the market yet, but they sold me a factory 2nd model that had the tiniest discoloration on the back of the neck. I loved that banjo!
Definitely love my Goodtime Two, ordered from Deering. Can’t wait to use it in the classroom. The care put into the construction of banjo (and even the shipping and packaging) is amazing. The warmth in the tone is inspiring. I’m still relatively new at it and this banjo will keep me inspired for years to come. Can’t wait to take a step up once I get more proficient.
Hi Deering! I bought the Gooodtime 2 back in January and LOVE IT! I could not have picked a better entry level banjo! Already have Cripple Creek, Banjo in the Hollow, Boil Them Cabbage Down and Man of Constant Sorrow under my belt and now learning my 5th tune, Cumberland Gap. Thank you for such a great banjo!
Thanks Chris! Jens is a gem and what he does for banjo is simply incredible. I am so happy to hear that. Also, I cant tell from your picture, but what martial art are you practicing?
We're a small Okinawan/Japanese hybrid style called Koei Kan Karate Do. I've trained in this style for about 13 years. As I get a little older, I realize full contact fighting has taken its toll, so I decided to get really good at the banjo. I've wanted to play banjo since I was a little kid in Tennessee and I can't wait to start that journey with a Deering!
I went to the factory for the tour with my wife and my brother for my birthday. My wife bought me my favorite goodtime open back plectrum and my brother got the sweet 16. We both love the heck out of them great tour Carol thanks
These GoodTimes are the best buy.......and the quality is superb, in sound and workmanship. Ya just can't go wrong with these Deering innovations.......I have a high end Brand X banjo.......but these banjos are such awesome, and fit my budget now, that I'm retired!!! My Brand X goes back to 1983......so, it's a keeper, as well as these awesome Deerings......I have two.....the Artisan Open Back, and an Americana Fret less with a scoop neck....was special ordered....what delights both are to play and practice.........very highly recommend I'm saving for the new Julia Belle Low banjo.....
I have a Gibson mastertone pot (open back) with a four string neck of twenty inch scale. I am playing it with all fiber core strings and it does not sound anything like steel strings with this tone ring. It sounds very harmonically opulent and warm. It blew my mind when I saw the new guitar banjo Deering makes. I went right out and got one of their banjo ukes and strung it up for EADG mandolin tuning. I would not trade it for any F5 you could show me. These guys at Deering are really doing their homework in their R&D. Big discoveries in banjo technology I can say.
In addition to everything you said, in comparison to many other banjos, which are heavy enough to give you a hernia, the open-back Goodtime banjo is incredibly light. Love it.
I had one of the earlier models. Deering has made some worthwhile improvements. If you're going to play bluegrass, you'll want the tone ring. The eairlier models had a vega armrest which was uncomfortable. It looks like they've redesigned the armrest to be more appropriate. I can confirm that they play great. If I found an old goodtime special, I'd buy it in a second and upgrade the armrest and tuners and you'd have a great backup banjo.
I got a good time 2 because it is lighter than a heavy tone ring banjo. It's great for around the den and out and about picking with friends. Helps my old back out a lot...
I took a deering goodtime 2 and put a round brass ring under the head. Tighten it up to a g# and had the neck recut at a slightly steeper angle to keep it right with the pot and a 5/8 bridge riding on that 1/4 inch ring rise. It will roll with the big boys and I'm under 600 bucks easily. Iv had some great Gibson and Deering banjos through the years, but they were just getting heavy on the shoulders during a evening of bluegrass music on a stage. The best bluegrass sounding banjo will always start with a three ply hard rock maple pot. Then go from there on ur build. Deering makes great equipment to play on. I just took a Goodtime and made it better for me. Oh and make sure you know what ur doing on a neck recut or take it to someone who does this type of work. I really like Deerings bridges they put out. A great bridge goes a long way on the sound, tone, and playability. I used to listen to Jens and his brother play at the Cook Shack in NC a lot and I believe he is one of the best banjo pickers anywhere ever. Just unbelievable great.
He just loves the banjo... you can tell by how much he's smiling and reveling when playing a 400 buck entry level banjo.... even he would usually be playing on 15K $ + monsters... Banjo's just do that to Jens. ... and Deering not selling crap at any price probably helps too
Sorry for the late response. You know, I will always remember as a young boy, all 3 years ago, attending a bass clinic at a store in the UK. The clinician was bass legend Reggie Hamilton who typically plays a very high end bass. Half way through, he was talking about how its really the player, not the instrument that brings the sound to life and he pulled a stock entry level bass off the wall and blew the minds of everyone in the room. I completely agree with you.
My good friend, Jim Rae, here in Rochester, MN, and in inventor of the Huber HR30 tone ring has an Ivanhoe banjo. It's gold, engraved, MOP fretboard and all the good stuff. It is something to see as well as amazing to hear. I love to have him take it out of the closet and play it. I wouldn't play it because I don't want to play a banjo that good.
Justin Hicks You are so very welcome. If you have any questions, feel free to call us toll free at (800) 845 7791. We are always happy to talk banjo! :-)
I actually play a Huber, but I tried some other Derrings. While I didn't care too much for the other lower end Deerings, I thought the Special was as good as it gets in that range. I would take a Special to any jam. It will hold it's own.
These are really good instruments. I liked the special best when I was In the market for a banjo but the headstock at that time was mangy dog ugly on the Goodtimes. I have heard some really good high end Deerings.
I know this video was posted awhile ago, but does anyone know the song or a likeness of the melody he plays from 3:30 - 4:30? I would love to learn how to play this. Thanks!
I have a sigma banjo that was tragically run over in a parking lot. Was thinking about rebuilding her with deering parts. Does deering sell parts that would be compatible with sigma banjos? Or should I just save and buy the a good entry deering?
I do not know if our parts would fit a sigma, unfortunately. You might be better off looking at the Goodtime series. www.deeringbanjos.com/collections/goodtime-series
Hi Matthew, thanks for your message. Yes, in theory it can be removed. The resonator is easy to get off. Just 4 screws. The flange is a little more involved though and involves unscrewing all of the hooks and nuts. So for quick swaps, it is not ideal. However, if for example, you knew you were doing a good month of open back work, it is easily done.
Deering Banjo Company Fantastic. Can't wait to get my hands on one of these beauties. Thanks for the quick response and taking the time to answer. Great instruments and a company to stand behind. Cheers
Oh you are very welcome. If you need any help, my colleague David Vega is on hand. He can be reached using 619 464 8252 or info@deeringbanjos.com. Welcome, in advance) to the Deering family!
I think that these videos were recorded with an SM-57. Jens has talked for hours with us about all kinds of mics, but nearly always comes back around to the good old SM-57. :-)
Technically, yes it can but you would need a whole new rim, so the end cost gets quite high. Many players end up picking up the Goodtime Special as a gigging instrument and keeping their original Goodtime for the home.
Deering Banjo Company Done all that amd was even professional,set up New nut ,strings. bridge Strings at the right heigh . May be Just the banjo itself Just over 2 years
I was looking at banjos a few years back and of course I saw the Chinese banjos that looked like more expensive instruments and they got me excited. I did a bit of research and learned a bit about Deering. I went to my local music store and poured over the Deering Goodtime. It didn’t look as nice as the imports but when I picked it up and ran my hands over it I knew that it was a good instrument. Not as purdy but better playing and sounding. So I spent 20% more on the Deering and feel great about my purchase. Made in America is very important to me and I say that as a Canadian.
The Deering Goodtime 2 is the best resonator banjo for a beginner. I've owned two of them, and they were just great. I'm recovering from from a physical problem and don't know if I'll ever play banjo again, but hearing Jens make that Goodtime sing is a delight. And while I'm at it... the people at the Deering shop in the San Diego area are just great to deal with. The factory tour they gave me around 1998 is what planted the seed, and I bought a Goodtime and started playing soon after. According to them, I was the first person to ever own a Goodtime 2... they hadn't quite released it on the market yet, but they sold me a factory 2nd model that had the tiniest discoloration on the back of the neck. I loved that banjo!
Same riff on all 3 banjos:
0:13 - Goodtime
2:40 - Goodtime 2
5:46 - Goodtime Special
Ben Trigg Bravo 👏🏼
Definitely love my Goodtime Two, ordered from Deering. Can’t wait to use it in the classroom. The care put into the construction of banjo (and even the shipping and packaging) is amazing. The warmth in the tone is inspiring. I’m still relatively new at it and this banjo will keep me inspired for years to come. Can’t wait to take a step up once I get more proficient.
Hi Deering! I bought the Gooodtime 2 back in January and LOVE IT! I could not have picked a better entry level banjo! Already have Cripple Creek, Banjo in the Hollow, Boil Them Cabbage Down and Man of Constant Sorrow under my belt and now learning my 5th tune, Cumberland Gap. Thank you for such a great banjo!
David, you are so welcome! It is our pleasure. And always feel free to call us if you need anything. 619 464 8252. :-)
Very nice comparison of the three instruments! Much appreciated
Glad it was helpful!
I've decided to get a Deering Goodtime 2 based on watching this video at least 30 times. The way Jens plays is really inspiring.
Thanks Chris! Jens is a gem and what he does for banjo is simply incredible. I am so happy to hear that.
Also, I cant tell from your picture, but what martial art are you practicing?
We're a small Okinawan/Japanese hybrid style called Koei Kan Karate Do. I've trained in this style for about 13 years. As I get a little older, I realize full contact fighting has taken its toll, so I decided to get really good at the banjo. I've wanted to play banjo since I was a little kid in Tennessee and I can't wait to start that journey with a Deering!
I went to the factory for the tour with my wife and my brother for my birthday. My wife bought me my favorite goodtime open back plectrum and my brother got the sweet 16. We both love the heck out of them great tour Carol thanks
These GoodTimes are the best buy.......and the quality is superb, in sound and workmanship. Ya just can't go wrong with these Deering innovations.......I have a high end Brand X banjo.......but these banjos are such awesome, and fit my budget now, that I'm retired!!! My Brand X goes back to 1983......so, it's a keeper, as well as these awesome Deerings......I have two.....the Artisan Open Back, and an Americana Fret less with a scoop neck....was special ordered....what delights both are to play and practice.........very highly recommend I'm saving for the new Julia Belle Low banjo.....
Thanks for the kind words, Sandy! We are so happy that you are enjoying your Goodtime!
I have a Gibson mastertone pot (open back) with a four string neck of twenty inch scale. I am playing it with all fiber core strings and it does not sound anything like steel strings with this tone ring. It sounds very harmonically opulent and warm. It blew my mind when I saw the new guitar banjo Deering makes. I went right out and got one of their banjo ukes and strung it up for EADG mandolin tuning. I would not trade it for any F5 you could show me. These guys at Deering are really doing their homework in their R&D. Big discoveries in banjo technology I can say.
Jens could make a tin can, a stick and a string sound great.
He was just here at the factory this week. Wait until you see the videos we did with him.
I just ordered the Goodtimes Standard for my first banjo. Chomping at the bit, I can't wait for it to be delivered!
Guess what showed up today in the mail. I can't wait to get started!
Goodtime Openback. I like it a lot, still getting it figured out.
+AntiqueFarmImplement referee sports
Are you still playing it?
How you getting on with it?
In addition to everything you said, in comparison to many other banjos, which are heavy enough to give you a hernia, the open-back Goodtime banjo is incredibly light. Love it.
Jens' voice is like a German Christopher Walken. Very nice!
Lol you're right
I have the Goodtime 2 and love it.
I had one of the earlier models. Deering has made some worthwhile improvements. If you're going to play bluegrass, you'll want the tone ring. The eairlier models had a vega armrest which was uncomfortable. It looks like they've redesigned the armrest to be more appropriate. I can confirm that they play great. If I found an old goodtime special, I'd buy it in a second and upgrade the armrest and tuners and you'd have a great backup banjo.
I got a good time 2 because it is lighter than a heavy tone ring banjo. It's great for around the den and out and about picking with friends. Helps my old back out a lot...
So glad you found the right fit!
Just got myself a goodtime 2. I can't wait for its arival.
I took a deering goodtime 2 and put a round brass ring under the head. Tighten it up to a g# and had the neck recut at a slightly steeper angle to keep it right with the pot and a 5/8 bridge riding on that 1/4 inch ring rise. It will roll with the big boys and I'm under 600 bucks easily. Iv had some great Gibson and Deering banjos through the years, but they were just getting heavy on the shoulders during a evening of bluegrass music on a stage. The best bluegrass sounding banjo will always start with a three ply hard rock maple pot. Then go from there on ur build. Deering makes great equipment to play on. I just took a Goodtime and made it better for me. Oh and make sure you know what ur doing on a neck recut or take it to someone who does this type of work. I really like Deerings bridges they put out. A great bridge goes a long way on the sound, tone, and playability. I used to listen to Jens and his brother play at the Cook Shack in NC a lot and I believe he is one of the best banjo pickers anywhere ever. Just unbelievable great.
I love my Goodtime Special!
Just bought a Goodtime Special, waiting for it to be delivered! Been playing a Fender FB58 for a couple of years so hopefully this will be a step up!
Thats great to hear! I would love to hear what you think. Do let us know when you get it. :-)
yep it's amazing
Does anyone know what tune is Jens playing at 3:40?
Just placed my order for a Goodtime Americana and I'm so excited
One g tuning disciple creek
He just loves the banjo... you can tell by how much he's smiling and reveling when playing a 400 buck entry level banjo.... even he would usually be playing on 15K $ + monsters...
Banjo's just do that to Jens. ... and Deering not selling crap at any price probably helps too
Sorry for the late response. You know, I will always remember as a young boy, all 3 years ago, attending a bass clinic at a store in the UK. The clinician was bass legend Reggie Hamilton who typically plays a very high end bass. Half way through, he was talking about how its really the player, not the instrument that brings the sound to life and he pulled a stock entry level bass off the wall and blew the minds of everyone in the room. I completely agree with you.
They aren't 400. They are probably 750 minimum
Very good review
Glad you enjoyed it!
My good friend, Jim Rae, here in Rochester, MN, and in inventor of the Huber HR30 tone ring has an Ivanhoe banjo. It's gold, engraved, MOP fretboard and all the good stuff. It is something to see as well as amazing to hear. I love to have him take it out of the closet and play it. I wouldn't play it because I don't want to play a banjo that good.
great video you play beautifully
Justin Hicks Thanks! We are happy you liked it!
Definitely helped me make up my mind, I'm totally sold. Thanks guys
Justin Hicks You are so very welcome. If you have any questions, feel free to call us toll free at (800) 845 7791. We are always happy to talk banjo! :-)
Awww sweet! French fan here, what's the song played at 3:54 please?
El Cassinou That is an untitled piece that Jens wrote for this video.
I actually play a Huber, but I tried some other Derrings. While I didn't care too much for the other lower end Deerings, I thought the Special was as good as it gets in that range. I would take a Special to any jam. It will hold it's own.
Jens can play a bedspring and make it sound great.
Fact!
You made my day....looooool
TheGhost5600 gold tone banjo
Guitar center
Guitar center
I have one and I love it. The only "complaint" I would voice is why are four tuners chrome and one pearloid? Keep them consistent.
What is the song that he starts play @3:32?
These are really good instruments. I liked the special best when I was In the market for a banjo but the headstock at that time was mangy dog ugly on the Goodtimes. I have heard some really good high end Deerings.
Thanks Merlyn!
Very well done!
I know this video was posted awhile ago, but does anyone know the song or a likeness of the melody he plays from 3:30 - 4:30? I would love to learn how to play this. Thanks!
I think this is just Jens being Jens and improvising. I will ask when I see him next though!
That would be amazing! Thanks so much and I love my Deering
Thank you for the explanation. From a pianist looking to play banjo too...why does the fifth string start at the 5th fret on a banjo?
It's a drone string higher than the others- the short lenght means you don't need as much tension to get it high enough.
I thought the two sounded better than the special, and I feel like I should like the special better!
Love this guy!!!
I have a sigma banjo that was tragically run over in a parking lot. Was thinking about rebuilding her with deering parts. Does deering sell parts that would be compatible with sigma banjos? Or should I just save and buy the a good entry deering?
I do not know if our parts would fit a sigma, unfortunately. You might be better off looking at the Goodtime series. www.deeringbanjos.com/collections/goodtime-series
Well if you insist. I’m sure my wife will understand. ;-)
If one were to get a Goodtime 2, could the resonator and flange be removed for occasional open back playing? I really want one but can't decide.
Hi Matthew, thanks for your message. Yes, in theory it can be removed. The resonator is easy to get off. Just 4 screws. The flange is a little more involved though and involves unscrewing all of the hooks and nuts. So for quick swaps, it is not ideal. However, if for example, you knew you were doing a good month of open back work, it is easily done.
Deering Banjo Company Fantastic. Can't wait to get my hands on one of these beauties. Thanks for the quick response and taking the time to answer. Great instruments and a company to stand behind. Cheers
Oh you are very welcome. If you need any help, my colleague David Vega is on hand. He can be reached using 619 464 8252 or info@deeringbanjos.com. Welcome, in advance) to the Deering family!
Sounds great! What's the microphone that has been used for recording the demo?
I think that these videos were recorded with an SM-57. Jens has talked for hours with us about all kinds of mics, but nearly always comes back around to the good old SM-57. :-)
Cripple creek great song
Can the tone ring be added later?
Technically, yes it can but you would need a whole new rim, so the end cost gets quite high. Many players end up picking up the Goodtime Special as a gigging instrument and keeping their original Goodtime for the home.
my good time has never sounded that even when it was new right out of the box
You either need a restring/set up, or to get yourself a personal Jens!
Deering Banjo Company
Done all that amd was even professional,set up
New nut ,strings. bridge
Strings at the right heigh .
May be Just the banjo itself
Just over 2 years
Hallo Jens...aus D ?...Gruß JC
I 💘 your bango I have a. 100 Dollars bango. Just. Got it.thank you
Keep playing! Glad you like them. We are here when you are ready.
Name of intro tune?
Jack Daniels cripple creek
Picks
The Goodtimes sounds great,but they should build them more attractive and not so pale !
Great informative video, I learned what all these different banjos do and how they sound.
Great banjos but just don’t like the blonde color.
I bought the Artisan Special for that and other reasons. The Blackgrass is also not blonde.
Love you but using the electronic enhancement not a true acoustic sound
Kim Jong Un plays banjo?!
An endorsement from Jens!!!! Who could ask for anything more!!!
+sufenta67 Agreed!