When Deering introduced its Goodtime banjo several years ago, the company set a new standard for affordable, entry-level banjos, with the kind of craftsmanship and tone that had previously only been found in more expensive banjos. The Goodtime line now includes models of almost every kind of banjo, but the original Goodtime banjo, played here by Peghead Nation banjo instructor Bill Evans, has a simple open-back design. The pot has a three-ply, violin-grade maple rim, and the Goodtime banjo is outfitted with a standard 11-inch head. The neck is also made of maple, and easy-to-tune geared tuners adorn the peghead. While the Goodtime banjo has a simple design, it offers professional-level playability, great tuning stability, and great tone, making it an excellent choice for beginning players as well as those looking for a second instrument.

To study banjo with Bill Evans, enroll in his Beginning Banjo or Bluegrass Banjo courses now!

SPECS: Open-back banjo. 11-inch pot with three-ply maple rim.  Frosted top, high-crown head. Maple neck with 22 frets. Enclosed chrome geared tuning machines. Made in USA. $499. deeringbanjos.com.

Wes Corbett’s Performance Gear Peghead Nation banjo instructor Wes Corbett discusses the pickup, amp, and pedals he uses when playing onstage with the Sam Bush Band. Read More

OME Tupelo Peghead Nation instructor Steve Baughman demonstrates his go-to open-back banjo. Read More

Will Seeders Dobson Special Evie Ladin demonstrates a custom-made open-back banjo. Read More

Rickard Maple Ridge Evie Ladin demonstrates a great mid-price open-back banjo. Read More

Bob Thornburg Gourd Banjo Peghead Nation instructor Steve Baughman demonstrates his fretless gourd banjo. Read More

Bishline Danny Barnes Amplified Woody Danny Barnes demonstrates his signature model banjo. Read More

Huss and Dalton Singletree San Francisco multi-instrumentalist Rik Elswit demonstrates his 11-inch open-back Huss and Dalton banjo. Read More

Meet the Banjo Peghead Nation banjo instructor Bill Evans on everything you need to know to get started with the banjo. Read More

1980s Tokai Gakki Banjo Multi-instrumentalist Gene Parsons demonstrates his go-to banjo. Read More

Ralph Stanley’s Gibson RB-5 Reissue Bill Evans demonstrates a Greg Rich–built Gibson RB-5 reissue owned by the late Ralph Stanley. Read More