About this Banjo
The Deering Goodtime Americana is the first 5-string banjo from Deering to be fitted with their new Grand 12″ rim, giving this banjo a stronger bass response and warmer tone. The fullness and warmth of the larger rim is further enhanced by the addition of a 12″ Renaissance banjo head which beautifully complements the instrument both visually and sonically.
This isn’t your grandpa’s 5-string banjo.
Built with Deering’s new Grand 12” rim, the Americana series boasts a stronger, bassy sound, with a much warmer tone than other banjos of its kind. The 12″ Renaissance head enhances its warm tone, and even makes it look good, too!
More Rim Means More Tone
The Goodtime Americana’s Grand 12” rim makes it bigger than other Goodtime models. This gives it more bass response and a bigger sound, making it a musical force to reckoned with.
The Americana’s renaissance head also gives it its warm tone, and complements the 12″ rim on the Goodtime Americana in both big sound and good looks.
A Banjo that Leaves its Mark
To top off this big package, the Goodtime Americana features a beautifully engraved peghead, featuring the Americana’s name, Goodtime’s logo, and a unique scrollwork design.
Bigger Sound, Bigger Value
Continuing Greg Deering’s wishes of making great banjos available for all, the Americana is the most affordable 12” model on the market today. Like other Goodtime banjos, the Americana is made for beginners to pick up and learn with ease.
Like other banjos it’s built for simplicity and easy playing, without sacrificing looks. Banjo students will be pleased with the Americana’s signature blonde finish, sturdy neck, and shiny but durable hardware.
The Goodtime Americana can be played in many ways, but it really shines when played in a rhythm role. This comes from its larger rim and warmer tone, making it great for beginners to learn about the many ways a banjo is played.
Banjo Specifications
NECK:
- Blonde Slender Rock Maple Neck
- 22 Pressed In Nickel Silver Frets
- Hardwood Bow Tie Inlays
- Sealed Geared Tuners
- Geared 5th String Tuner
- Durable Satin Finish
- Americana Engraved In Peghead
- Deering Fiddle Shaped Peghead
POT:
- Blonde 3-ply Violin Grade Maple Rim
- Steel Tension Hoop
- 12″ Renaissance High Crown Head
- 5/8″ Maple/Ebony Goodtime Bridge
- 16 Flat Hooks with 9/32″ Nuts
- 16 Bracket Shoes with Screw Attachments
- Deering Patented Goodtime Tailpiece
- Nickel Plated Goodtime Armrest
- Steel Coordinator Rod for Adjustments
- Durable Satin Finish
- Openback
TONE:
- Easy to play with clarity of note separation and round full-bodied tone.
TUNED:
- g,D,G,B,D in standard G tuning Can easily be tuned in other tunings as well.
DIMENSIONS:
- Neck Width at the Nut 1 1/4″
- Scale Length Nut to Bridge 26 1/4″
- Rim Diameter 12″
- Overall Instrument Length 37 1/2″
- Weight Approx.4.5 lbs
WARRANTY:
- 6 year warranty
Triangle Goodtime Box for Carrying
Gig bag or Hardshell Case sold separately
Free Shipping
We offer free shipping on orders over $199 that are shipped to an address in the Continental United States. Competitive worldwide rates.
Lowest Prices
We have the lowest online prices for new banjos - guaranteed. If you find a lower advertised online price, we will match it or beat it.
Banjo Experts
We are banjo experts and more importantly banjo players too! We are ready to answer your pre-purchase questions and support you beyond your purchase.
Easy Returns
We offer a 30-day return policy and 60-day exchange policy. More details are available on our customer service page.
Extras when you buy from Banjo.com
FREE PROFESSIONAL SETUP
Every banjo is carefully setup before shipping saving you from the "some assembly required" hassle.
*FREE RAILROAD SPIKES
Also know as the 5th string capo, we recommend installing spikes on the 7th & 9th frets. This is a free service we include for all 5-string banjo purchases. Click to read more.
FREE STARTER PACK
Start pickin' the day your banjo arrives. We include: strap, tuner, and picks.
FREE BANJO LESSONS
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Not sure where to begin? We covered the basics in this short guide to buying your first banjo. Still not sure? Send us a note or give us a call and we'll help you make the best decision.
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Barry at Banjo.com helped me make a great choice on purchasing a new banjo. He answered my emails and phone calls promptly. After a few conversations I went with his newly designed Bish Line Coal Dust. I ordered it and he kept me updated on its progress. It arrived in perfect condition and it's even nicer than he described. I will keep Banjo.com at the top of my list for any future purchases and would highly recommend them to others. Thank you again to Barry and his staff.
I couldn't be more pleased with this lovely instrument and the customer service
I recently purchased a Deering Sierra mahogany open back banjo from Banjo.com. Since I live in north Georgia, only two and one-half hours from the home of Banjo.com, I was able to visit the Banjo Barn where Barry give me the opportunity to "test drive" several banjos and he assisted me in narrowing down to my final choice. I must say, I couldn't be more pleased with this lovely instrument and the customer service I received from Barry and Banjo.com. Thank you!
Barry Waldrep
Owner, Banjo.com
The owner of Banjo.com is professional musician Barry Waldrep. Barry has toured professionally for the past 30 years. Raised on traditional Bluegrass, and a forerunner on the Jam Band circuit. He has toured and recorded with many artists such as The Zac Brown Band, Randy Travis, Joey & Rory and also has performed with bluegrass greats like John Cowan, Tony Trischka, Scott Vestal & Tony Rice. Read more.
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Railroad Spikes
We can add these as a free service when you purchase a banjo from us. When you add this banjo to your cart just select that you want the capos. What is this? When you use a standard capo on your banjo fretboard, fretting strings 1 through 4, you’ll need to capo the 5th string separately. The 5th string starts at the 5th fret. If your standard capo is on the 2nd fret, you also need to capo the 5th string two frets higher, at the 7th fret. We recommend installing railroad spike capos on frets 7 and 9 (A and B). We install them on the fretboard just under the 5th string, an idea that was developed and used by Earl Scruggs himself. We use them, and so do most of the professional players we know. When you’re playing, you don’t really notice the spikes because they’re out of the way, but they’re always there when you need them. Simply slide the 5th string under the spike. When you’re done, slide it out.
Barry Waldrep –
This banjo is on the warm side, with more bass in the tone. Great for clawhammer, and the renaissance head gives it a great look as well as tone.
rcmohr –
FANTASTIC!! Easiest playing banjo. I’m disappointed I didn’t already own a Good Times. Played in standard and double C. Sounds just as good capo’d at the 2nd fret. Doesn’t lose any volume or intonation. No drop off in the middle of the neck either. The 12″ rim and renaissance head takes the twang out without losing tone or volume. Just a real joy to play.
rcmohr –
Update to July review…
This banjo holds up!! I call it “my thinking stick”. My wife can tell my thoughts by my playing lol. It’s taken quite a bit banging (hard playing), but the slower, softer playing is still just as pronounced and accurate. The tone and volume keep growing. I’m going to experiment with the Deering Vintage Lights strings, which is always player particular. I’m just more impressed everyday. Now, I recommend this even more, especially for the beginner or intermediate player.