Artisan Goodtime Special 5-String Banjo

Excellent banjo, great tone and build quality

I’m really happy with this banjo. It arrived in great condition, looks beautiful, and the build quality feels solid. The tone is clear, bright, and enjoyable to play, especially for the price. It feels like a well-made instrument that I’ll be able to grow with. Very pleased with the purchase and would recommend it.

Wonderful Upgrade!

I’ve played stringed instruments of different types over my life. With the development of mild arthritis, however, I found guitar necks too wide and mandolin necks too small to accommodate the changes in my hands. About six months ago I decided to give the banjo a try. After some research, I decided upon the Goodtime 2. Fast forward to now. I’ve had so much fun learning to play, and if anything, using my right hand to pick three finger style and my left to navigate the near-perfect neck/finger board size has helped to strengthen my hands and slightly help flexibility. I decided that I wanted to upgrade my banjo, and while I don’t think my playing at this point merits something like the Sierra, I definitely felt an upgrade was deserved. Enter the Goodtime Artisan Special. It just arrived a week ago, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. I asked for the Greg Deering Signature Smile Banjo Bridge be added. The tone is sweet, yet bright and snappy. I love the D shaped neck and the ease and smoothness of play on the midnight maple fingerboard. I definitely notice a difference in volume with the tone ring too. It’s a beautiful instrument; I find myself partial to the tuners positioned on the back of the headstock. If there is ever another upgrade, that would be wonderful, but I don’t see myself wanting anything else for some time to come. Deering customer service is wonderful as well! Thanks for everything!

A REAL WINNER

My new banjo is great! I'm still learning, but, my new banjo is easier to play than the cheap starter banjo I was using After only a few weeks I can see a significant improvement in my playing.