Goodtime by Deering, Most popular collection

Due to their comparatively low price point, durability, and exceptional sound, the Goodtime by Deering line is our most popular collection. They are great beginner banjos for anyone new to the world of banjos. Each model serves a unique purpose. For example, the Deering Goodtime 2, with its resonator, is great for bluegrass style playing. Need a more powerful sound? Try the Goodtime Special with its tone ring or plugin to an amp with the Deering Goodtime Acoustic/Electric.

Deering Banjo Company, An American Icon, Premium Banjos

The banjos above are some of our bests sellers, the entire collection of Deering Banjos is wide and every model is worth taking look at. The Deering Sierra is easily one of the most popular when it comes to intermediate players looking to upgrade from the Goodtime Series or advanced players building out their own collection. Deering says it has been a best seller for over 30 years!

Many new banjo players are experienced guitar players. Rather than making the difficult transition to playing 5 strings, they will often go with a 6-string banjo. The Deering Boston 6-String is very popular for this reason. 

Clawhammer players love the Deering Eagle 2 Openback. This banjo features Deering’s Twenty-Ten™ Tone Ring which is completely unique to Deering and gives this banjo an extremely clear tone.

Nechville Banjos, American Innovation

Tom Nechville is the banjo innovator behind Nechville Banjos. His patented technology is a great leap forward and he is pioneering new trends in a way that truly pushes this instrument forward. For example, the Galaxy Phantom, a top seller, features a neck that is absent of the 5th peg. It’s location on the peg head makes changing left-hand positions easier. Another best-seller is the Nechville Meteor which features a dual pickup developed in conjunction with Bela Fleck.

Artisan Goodtime by Deering, Rich Staining, Upgraded Tuners 

Deering replaced the Classic Goodtime Series with the Artisan Goodtime Series to offer a line of banjos that is slightly upgraded from the Goodtime Series and also in a dark stain. This line is still very affordable especially considering all the features they pack into each banjo. You’ll recognize the model names because almost every banjo from the “Blonde Series” has an Artisan counterpart. Take the Artisan Goodtime 2 for example, very similar to the Deering Goodtime 2, but features a few upgrades and of course looks like a completely different banjo in a dark stain. 

Aside from the Artisan Goodtime Openback and Artisan Goodtime 2, the other best seller from this series is the Artisan Goodtime Americana. Players will get a warmer tone and stronger bass response from the slightly larger, 12″ rim.

Bishline Banjos, Character & Style 

We truly enjoy working with Rob Bishline of Bishline Banjos. In fact, we partnered with him to design the Bishline Coal Dust and Coal Dust Revenge. These dark stained maple beauties are exclusively available at Banjo.com. 

You should also check out the “Bluegrass Workhorse”, the Bishline Cimarron. You’ll get a full-weight, bell bronze tone ring which produces a powerful sound in this classic looking American-made banjo.

Vega Banjos, A Piece of American History

Deering has owned the Vega trademark since 1989, but the brand can be traced all the way back to the 1800’s. Even though these banjos are built with 21st Century technology, they still maintain their old time music sound and characteristics. They are sought after for full, round depth of tone and are ideal for fingerstyle or folk music.

Popular Vega models include the Vega Little Wonder which is a reproduction of the banjos from over a century ago. This banjo is bright, responsive, and full of life. New to the Vega line is the Vega Vintage Star. This banjo features a Dobson style tone ring and wooden arm rest and comes in a dark stain.