Artisan Goodtime Americana 5-String Banjo

convention hall: The banjo was tinny and unpleasant sounding, particularly in the treble. I’ve tried tightening and loosening the strings, replacing the strings, stuffing the pot, but still not much improvement. The tuners don’t hold pitch very well, so the banjo goes out of tune quickly. The railroad spikes are too close to the soundboard and hard to get the fifth string under. All in all, it’s a mediocre sounding instrument, not comfortable to play, but attractive to the eye. Though older, my Goodtime II is better constructed and better playing. I should have passed on the Americana. Read LessRead less about First, this was an impulse buy at the

ed it. I ordered a lefty Americana; I didn't expect a "custom" built banjo, but when it arrived, I was shocked at how much better this "factory-built" banjo was than the custom-built one. The fit and finish are flawless. Everything was set up perfectly, and I couldn't be happier. I made some upgrades to it, i.e., raw brass grooved tension hoop, Gotoh tuners, and other cosmetic changes, but I feel that at the price point of the Goodtime Americana, there isn't a banjo made in the US that can come even close to the quality of my Deering. Hats off to the team at Deering; you have a customer for life! Read LessRead less about I wanted to learn to play old-time,

changes amplified the volume of the 12" pot and further deepened the tone range into the warmer, lower pitches.By the way, did anyone notice that Americana Music Award Winner Allison Russell plays this banjo? Read LessRead less about I really liked this banjo's balanced

g. I look forward to spending much time playing. Thanks again. Read LessRead less about I am quite happy with the

nsion of the musician. The next thing you'll notice is the responsive build. The other instruments felt stiff to me, but a strum on the Americana resonated down the head, around the bell-like rim, and up the neck. Then, you'll notice the tone. It's neither too sharp and focused nor too bassy and "tubby" like large performance resonators and openbacks, respectively. The tone fills a more relaxed, intimate space with the cascading, sparkling quality that people love about Old Time, Clawhammer banjo. I bought a scooped neck which practically transforms one instrument into two: one that's more bell-like and one that's more Celtic harp-like (adding that extra sweetness to open tuning melodies up the neck or extra sadness to a modal tune). I think the understated design is aptly reminiscent of banjos from the 1890's without being too utilitarian or too ornamental. I hang mine on a wall and I can't wait to play it for 1-2 hours a day after work. Read LessRead less about I tried every openback banjo on the

eral bridges to fine tune the sound. Finally ended up with a Snuffy Smith 5/8” compensated bridge with Crowe spacing. This bridge and the same bridge without Crowe spacing performed equally – just liked the extra bit of space. Between the no knot tailpiece and new bridge, the Deering sounds pretty good now.
3. Fit & Finish. This is where things go south. Frets are proud to the neck up and down the neck. Fret slots are cut too deep – gap under the fret. Pitting on the bottom surface of the tension hoop.
Conclusion: Really disappointed in this banjo. It sounds better now that I’ve added the tailpiece and bridge. Fit and finish are subpar. It’s a real shame that for $900+ you can’t get a banjo from Deering that sounds AND looks good. Read LessRead less about Received my banjo around 12/3/2021.

d the price and service was excellent at Banjo.com for my first banjo purchase. It's certainly a step up from the other open-back Goodtime banjos. I'm proud to be seen with it and I'm glad I purchased a hard-shell case to protect it. Knowing what I do now, as a beginner I would definitely have ordered the scooped neck to give it more versatility. Read LessRead less about Knowing nothing about buying a banjo

s to the banjo industry. Previously, I kind of didn't care for the sound the strings, head, etc. made. The Shook Twins changed my mind. When I got my new banjo home, I was immediately smitten. I have NO idea how it will contribute to my channel, it may not be what you think it will be...but I guarantee you, it will sound INCREDIBLE! Read LessRead less about I am not a professional, by any

oom of my house, but I keep the Americana in the living room where I practice the most. (I love playing Clawhammer!)

I am a standup comedian and use my banjos as part of the my routine. The audiences just love it!

All of Deering's banjos are wonderful, but thankfully, they make enough banjo styles to fit anybody's tastes and budget. Thank you, Deering, for making a bunch of folks very happy with quality products! --Al Fike, Comedian, Dallas (www.alfike.com). Read LessRead less about If you would like to own a banjo that

my own but, for almost 1000.00 dollar instrument, I suggest there should be better Quality Control before it ships. Read LessRead less about I love my new Artisan Americana! The

k it up and I get the feeling I got in high school when I first picked up a guitar. I know nothing about banjos, but I know i'm keeping this one forever. Plus it feels like it could make a more than capable self defense weapon. Read LessRead less about I have never been a fan blue grass. I

style. Deering also added a Kavanko pickup which allows me to be heard as a member in an 8 piece Dixieland Band. I highly recommend this instrument. Read LessRead less about This is my second banjo in 2 years

I also have a soft poly, not cellulose, sponge under the head between tail and bridge to yet further reduce its ring.
Just how I wanted it to sound after these minor, easy changes. I'm recommending this banjo highly. Read LessRead less about I've had mine for several years now

higher end banjos.
2. My biggest complaint is although I got the scooped neck, they did not use a scooped ring. So it is impossible to transition from playing the scoop to playing over the body without awkwardly jumping over the raised hoop.. It sucks and a terrible way for Deering to present a scooped neck without a scooped hoop. Bad designing Deering! I expected more. You need to correct that flaw. Other than that major FU, it's a great banjo, sounds great and play like milk and honey Read LessRead less about Got a great price on a scooped neck