shpud - Posted - 01/22/2010:  16:03:19

Hi Janet,
Just to let you know, I took your advice and bought the cleaning/care kit for my Golden Era, as well as a nice new strap and some strings. The only thing I would like to point out is that UPS has terrible brokerage fees and customer service compared to other shippers that I've dealt with. My $130.00 order cost me $43.98 in brokerage through UPS. Next time I order would it be possible to get everything shipped USPS instead? I'd rather wait an extra day or two and spend the extra $45.00 on something for the banjo instead. (I usually pay nothing for items shipped to Canada through USPS.) Just something to consider. I know the website had no option other than UPS, but maybe I should have requested USPS over the phone? I enjoy supporting a company that cares for their customers, but unfortunately I've had bad experiences with UPS and they just don't seem to care much about the end consumer.
By the way, whomever you had answering the phone the day I placed my order was very professional and friendly. It sounds to me like you have a wonderful staff and I look forward to dealing with you all again.
Thank you,
Spruce

bigal37 - Posted - 01/22/2010:  16:13:42

Is there any way to tell what the manufacturing date is from the serial number on a Deering?

shpud - Posted - 01/22/2010:  16:23:28

bigal37,
Check page 4 of this topic and you should get the answer that you are looking for.
Spruce

Janet Deering - Posted - 01/25/2010:  20:48:51

I would suggest that anyone looking for a new banjo play the new Deerings to see if you like the sound. I hope Deering is able to continue to get the word out about their outstanding instruments.

Great job Janet! Keep up the great work.

Thank you, Bob. I'm glad you are enjoying the sound of your Golden Era with the new '06 tonering we installed in it! Thanks for your words of support. We appreciate it.

Janet Deering - Posted - 01/25/2010:  20:56:46

Just to let you know, I took your advice and bought the cleaning/care kit for my Golden Era, as well as a nice new strap and some strings. The only thing I would like to point out is that UPS has terrible brokerage fees and customer service compared to other shippers that I've dealt with. My $130.00 order cost me $43.98 in brokerage through UPS. Next time I order would it be possible to get everything shipped USPS instead?

Spruce, Wow! Yes, of course!

Thanks for telling me that. I had no idea. We will add the USPS option to our website and I will instruct our accessories shipping girl to put international orders through the postal service. That is an important option that needs to be used whenever possible to save big bucks on international shipping of small items. I really appreciate your mentioning that to me. Thanks!

Janet Deering - Posted - 01/25/2010:  20:59:59

Hey Janet, I don't have a Deering (yet!), but this is great of you guys!

cgi.ebay.com/Deering-Sierra-.....12wt_1167

Beardog, I wish we could do more. I hope someone takes us up on it and joins us in helping the people of Haiti. It pains me to see what they are going through.

Galvestonian58 - Posted - 01/30/2010:  07:30:16

Hi Janet, I am interested in purchasing a Golden Wreath. Can it be ordered with a rosewood fretboard and aged binding? I want a vintage look. What are your thoughts on this? Also, it is a flat head like the GE, correct? Thank you...

Edited by - Galvestonian58 on 01/30/2010 07:57:59

wildboar - Posted - 01/30/2010:  13:35:11

Janet, do you know of any dealers who have actually received the newest Goodtime Special with the new tone-ring (preferably open-back) in their showroom? I'm really interested in trying one out. I am planning a trip to Elderly in a couple weeks, so hopefully they will have one by then.

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/01/2010:  09:58:29

John, Yes, you can order a Golden Wreath with rosewood fingerboard and Ivoroid binding which will give it the aged look. It is normally a flathead unless specially ordered in an archtop.

It will take about 3 weeks to make it before we can ship it. You'll need to put half down with your order. We can do these features for you at no extra cost at this time.

Galvestonian58 - Posted - 02/01/2010:  10:04:13

Thank you Janet. Should I order directly through you all? There is a dealer about an hour or so away from me but I'm really not that keen on using them-mainly a Gibson/Fender electric guitar outlet, if you know what I mean...

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/01/2010:  10:07:24

Yes, We started shipping the new patent pending Goodtime Special tonering in banjos last week. We shipped four of the new Goodtime Speicals to Eagle Music in Huddersfield England and two went to Banjo Hut in the USA.

Greg has been working 12 hour days tooling up and making these first tonerings. We will ship another 20 out this week to dealers who are waiting for them.

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/01/2010:  10:12:08

We will also start shipping our new Acoustic/Electric Goodtimes with the New Kavanjo pickup installed. These were also a bit hit at the music trade show when played through a Fender amp. We will be sending the first 15 of those out this week as well.

Retail is only $798 for the electric Goodtime, Alan Munde's Banjo Method Grade I book and CD, a strap and picks sold as a package. You can see this in our new catalog on page 39.

Galvestonian58 - Posted - 02/01/2010:  10:17:27

Janet, read my post above-it is a question about ordering...thanks

rtyrie - Posted - 02/01/2010:  11:25:06

Janet,
Great looking on-line catalog. I particularly like the option of keeping it green if you don't need the paper version. On a side note, as I was talking to Mark Johnson yesterday about a project we are working on, I mentioned the nice clawgrass model page - He speaks very highly of you and Greg.

Ron

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/01/2010:  19:40:58

Ron, Thanks. We can save a lot of trees with sharing the catalog on line.

Mark is a great guy and a wonderful player. I really admire his Clawgrass style.
He had a great time sharing his technique with Steve Martin recently.

By the way, did you hear that Steve Martin took a Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album for "The Crow"?

Bela Fleck took two Grammy's for his Throw Down Your Heart CD and DVD, where he played the Saratoga Star Tenbrooks banjo.

Keith Urban received a Grammy for his song "Sweet Thing" which was played on a B-6 banjo. Deering banjos were in the spotlight at the Grammy's.

dixie kiwi - Posted - 02/01/2010:  21:27:44

Hi Janet,

First of all, thanks for being available on Banjo Hangout. I really appreciate when builders are an active part of the banjo community here, esp given how busy you are AND how opinionated we are! I'm a Goodtimes owner and still love it.

Secondly, congrats on the Grammy success of some of Deerings 'Agents in the Field'.

Deering kindly sent me one of those great new catalogs waaayy down here in NZ and we LOVE it. My lady (a non-picker) even loves all the stories! (albeit she's a bit concerned about those Cane Toad pick pouches- brilliant!).

Anyway, I'm curious about a banjo featured in the Dogwood heavy leather strap picture (p.71). What model is that? Are the black parts (shoes, tailpiece, tension hoop and armrest) custom black chrome coated, or off the shelf? Also, what is the Goodtimes model Rhiannon is playing on that poster? That's a nice looking banjo too. I already miss the Goodtimes 'Gumby' headstock (and will not be changing mine!). :)

My wishlist currently includes a Goodtimes special classic openback with the tone ring, or a Hartford. Thanks for helping us along in the journey!
peace, Alan

country frank - Posted - 02/02/2010:  02:13:36

Good Morning Janet i emailed [info@]deering and asked for info on my maple blossom [as you suggested earlier in this thread] but alas no reply [over a week]. I am sure you are all really busy, did i send the enquiry to the wrong address and is there another avenue to get that information?

Thanks.

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/02/2010:  06:58:53

The correct address for e-mail is info@DeeringBanjos.com

Carolina will answer if she gets the e-mail. I'm sure it didn't arrive.

However, we were missing about 2 weeks of e-mail over the Christmas holidays when our server was down, so if you don't get an answer feel free to ask your question here.

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/02/2010:  07:07:21

Thank you Janet. Should I order directly through you all? There is a dealer about an hour or so away from me but I'm really not that keen on using them-mainly a Gibson/Fender electric guitar outlet, if you know what I mean...

John, Yes, you can order it directly from us and you can credit your favorite dealer for service. See page 49 in our new catalog. At the bottom left you have a spot you can fill in that says: Credit your favorite dealer for service:________________

That is for people like you, who want to order but do not have a dealer nearby, but who might know of a dealer who they visit periodically who set up and adjust their banjo. When you fill in their name here they get credit for the sale and will service you after the sale when you stop in.

This way, especially when you order a custom banjo, you can talk directly with us to get it right and we will ship it directly to you so that you get it straight away. You can reach us at 800-845-7791.

Edited by - Janet Deering on 02/02/2010 07:09:23

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/02/2010:  07:18:41

Anyway, I'm curious about a banjo featured in the Dogwood heavy leather strap picture (p.71). What model is that? Are the black parts (shoes, tailpiece, tension hoop and armrest) custom black chrome coated, or off the shelf? Also, what is the Goodtimes model Rhiannon is playing on that poster? That's a nice looking banjo too. I already miss the Goodtimes 'Gumby' headstock (and will not be changing mine!). :)

My wishlist currently includes a Goodtimes special classic openback with the tone ring, or a Hartford. Thanks for helping us along in the journey!

Alan, That is Greg's personal banjo that he made when he was taking his boy scout troop to Sea Base in the Florida Keys. To make sure it was resistant to the salt water, he had his banjo parts powder coated. His tension hoop is blue and his shoes, while they look black in the photo are actually green. His armrest and tailpiece are also green while his hooks are chrome. It is quite a beautiful banjo.

We have had a lot of fun powder coating banjo parts. The armrest and tension hoop on the Woodsongs Long Neck Campfire banjo (pge 64) are power coated in gold. It is a very durable finish but we cannot powder coat hooks or nuts. Powder coating is what they do to the bottom side of dune buggies etc. It ads color and a very durable finish. You can select a color and request it and we can quote the cost. Yes, black is possible.

Rhiannon is playing an openback Goodtime that is painted black. We were making regular Goodtime models painted various colors a few years ago.

Edited by - Janet Deering on 02/02/2010 07:21:35

country frank - Posted - 02/02/2010:  08:37:53

Thanks Janet!

CosmicMaskedAvenger - Posted - 02/02/2010:  09:12:35

Does powder coating have any effect on tone?

wildboar - Posted - 02/02/2010:  23:35:30

Janet, do you have any sound samples of the Goodtime 5-string parlor banjo (preferably the open-back version)?

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/03/2010:  07:17:21

That is a good question. We have not power coated any tonerings.

The effect on tone is minimal because we have powder coated only on the tension hoop, flange, tailpiece and armrest, and shoes.

What I observed is that the parts that are powder coated do not produce overtones so you get more of just the pure banjo sound.

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/03/2010:  07:20:44

We don't have any sound bytes made yet, but we can make one and I'll post it for you.

wildboar - Posted - 02/03/2010:  08:06:42

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janet Deering

We don't have any sound bytes made yet, but we can make one and I'll post it for you.

---

bigal37 - Posted - 02/04/2010:  14:15:17

If I have spikes installed, will it effect my warranty?

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/05/2010:  06:59:16

No, it would not void the warranty.

However, if they goof, their work is not under our warranty - they would have to fix it for you.

The warranty applies to materials and our workmanship, and still holds true.

But if a repairman is installing spikes and say, they crack the fingerboard because they did not drill a pilot hole, then that would not be under our warranty.

Gomer - Posted - 02/05/2010:  07:40:31

quote:

---

Originally posted by bigal37

If I have spikes installed, will it effect my warranty?

---

PharmBoy - Posted - 02/05/2010:  15:29:18

Hi Janet, I have Goodtime 2 Classic which I love. I was trying to find the serial number and took of the resonator. I was somewhat surprised to find nothing with a number at all in there, nor did I find it on the banjo anywhere. Am I missing something? Where should I lokk?

Thanks,

00373 - Posted - 02/05/2010:  16:02:22

I have never seen a Goodtime with a serial number. My Special did not.

Gomer - Posted - 02/05/2010:  21:29:22

I think that the serial numbers on the goodtime are stamped in between the 2nd and third laminations on the rim. You have to rip it apart to get to it. Prying open the rim is fairly difficult, but glue it back together is brutal. Buy a Calico instead. . . it has a serial number where you can see it and it plays very pretty.

PharmBoy - Posted - 02/06/2010:  05:12:54

Thanks, Gomer and 00373 - rest assured I will not be prying the rim apart!

Grey Dog - Posted - 02/06/2010:  06:19:18

Gomer....Not sure you're correct:
I tore apart my wife's goodtime rim in that manner, and saw nothing.
I even cut the neck in half in case it was hiding in there. Nothing again.

Anyone have a place I can sleep tonight??

DeanT - Posted - 02/06/2010:  07:55:18

My goodtime does have a number on the heal cut, you have to have the neck off to see it. But I think it's just a date.

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/08/2010:  06:59:23

We have never serial numbered Goodtime banjos because they are made to build quickly at an economical price.

We did start putting a marking under the tailpiece in 2008 when we changed to 3 ply solid maple rims. We started stamping a 3 on the rim under the tailpiece that you can see if you look from an angle. Particularly this is helpful in the resonator models so you can tell what kind of rim it has without taking it apart.

This year with the new patent pending Special tonering, on the Goodtime Special models we changed the 3 to a P to indicate which Goodtime Specials have the new tonering in them. The P is to indicate Patent Pending.

We also have serial numbered the Goodtime Opry models on the back of the peghead as we signed them. That was a limited run. We made 250 of them.

We also number the Goodtime Midnight Special banjos with imprint on the back of the peghead. To date we are at serial number 85.

Otherwise Goodtime banjo do not have serial numbers. No, not even between the plys or inside the neck. That was a good one!

Edited by - Janet Deering on 02/10/2010 06:32:58

dustinTN - Posted - 02/08/2010:  12:43:07

Hi Janet,
I read somewhere recently that it is not recommended to put medium gauge strings on a Goodtime because of the lack of a truss rod. Is this true? Could they conceivably put too much strain on the neck over time? I don't currently own a Goodtime but I've seriously considered getting one. Also, I've never had the opportunity to play a Special, though I've played several Goodtime 2's (and even owned the original openback for a short time.) Do you know of any dealers in Nashville who keep the Special in stock? Thanks!

country frank - Posted - 02/09/2010:  04:57:27

Sorry to bother you again Janet but i emailed Caroline [3 times now] on the address you gave me earlier in this thread and have yet to get a response.

You mentioned that i could post my question here in the hope it gets through, so;

I am looking for the history of my maple Blossom sn; 12184303D365 I gather there are custom options on it. Any info much appreciated and please mail me offline if prefered.

BoneDigger - Posted - 02/09/2010:  07:06:46

I was also told to put light gauge strings on my Goodtime Classic. I imagine it does indeed have something to do with a lack of a truss rod.

I have been very pleased with my Goodtime classic. It is my travel banjo that I toss in my truck when heading out of town (I don't have to fly). It's nice to have something light and somewhat small, yet full scale, to take out of town.

Todd

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/10/2010:  06:26:02

I read somewhere recently that it is not recommended to put medium gauge strings on a Goodtime because of the lack of a truss rod. Is this true?

I have no personal experience to say this is true. It is conjecture on someones part.
I have heard from several Goodtime players that they put medium strings onto their Goodtime banjos and it worked just fine.

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/10/2010:  06:29:48

You mentioned that i could post my question here in the hope it gets through, so;

I am looking for the history of my maple Blossom sn; 12184303D365 I gather there are custom options on it. Any info much appreciated and please mail me offline if prefered.

I can tell you from the number that it was made in December of 2003, and it is the 1843rd Maple Blossom we made. I will need to go into the shop today and look up any further details in the serial number book, then I will edit this post with the rest of the data.

It was originally sold through Banjo.com to a man G.E., in Smyrna, GA. I have no details in our serial number book on the custom options. Banjo.com may be able to answer your questions.

Edited by - Janet Deering on 02/10/2010 16:38:33

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/10/2010:  06:35:32

Could you tell me how the Deering Kevlar Banjo Head would sound on a maple Sierra?

Honestly, I don't know. I could only offer a guess. You'd have to try it and tell me!

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/10/2010:  06:41:04

Wildboar, I promised to put up a video of a Goodtime Parlor banjo so that you could hear the sound, and I have not forgotten.

We had sold out of all the Parlors we made and I haven't been able to lay my hands on one.

When we make more, before it ships I'll grab it and will make a video of it so you can hear the sound. I expect I'll get one within a week or so. Sorry for the delay.

PBGuardsman - Posted - 02/10/2010:  07:04:49

Hey Janet,

I had also read that light strings are recommended due to stress on the neck, but it was in the maintenance guide provided on the deering website.

deeringbanjos.com/manuals/Good...nual.html

It's just under the second photo under the topic "Choosing new strings".

Paul

milkman - Posted - 02/10/2010:  07:12:45

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janet Deering




We also have serial numbered the Goodtime Opry models on the back of the peghead as we signed them. That was a limited run. We made 250 of them.

---

yumagah - Posted - 02/10/2010:  09:56:35

Hi Janet,
Thanks for this service to your customers! Deering deserves an award from somebody for showing the USA how to compete with cheap imports, and not trying to imitate them. I think the best selling point for the Goodtime line is simply the sound and playability, that is what sold me. Your best advertising is simply to get them in the shops where they can be played and heard.

I'm the happy owner of a Goodtime 2 Classic. I recently replaced the guitar-style tuners with planetaries, details are in another post under the Building & Repair topic. It was easy and I'm not even a handyman type.

I bought my GT2C just over a year ago. Was a bit envious when I saw the upgrades to the model that were added last year. But I guess that is why I got mine at a good price, the dealer probably wanted to clear out the earlier versions. I'd rather pay a lower price and do simple upgrades myself. Including neck dots.

Everybody calls the Goodtime a "beginner's banjo", but I think the Classic and Special models should be considered "keeper" models, even more so than the blonde versions. The Sierra would be my dream Banjo, but I'm in no hurry to spend that much since I'm not a pro. So my GT2 Classic might just be my lifetime banjo.

My only questions would be: After 15 years of selling Goodtimes, are there any signs that the non-reinforced neck will have a shorter life?
How big an improvement in sound does the all-maple rim give? I can hardly imagine better sound in this price range.

Maybe a caution to you about the many varieties in the Goodtime line. It can be a little bewildering: original Goodtime, 2, Classic, Special and now the Midnight etc.,plus the improved models. Don't let the Goodtime name get too generic.

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/10/2010:  16:48:22

I had also read that light strings are recommended due to stress on the neck, but it was in the maintenance guide provided on the deering website.

I looked into this further and here is what I found out. Greg said he has never tried a set of medium strings on a Goodtime banjo. Since beginners have tender fingers we decided to use light strings to make the banjo easier to play while they are developing calluses. Since that is what we went with, we have recommended that people use the same strings just because it is a known commodity.

I asked everyone in our sales office if they have ever heard of anyone having a problem with medium gauge strings on a Goodtime banjo. They said they have spoken with many customers who have been using medium gauge strings on their Goodtime banjos. Some have been playing with medium gauge strings for 10 years and have had no problem with their banjo.

Sometimes things just kind of fall into place and without questions like you are bringing up - it is never re-examined.

You are free to put medium strings on your Goodtime banjos without fear of a problem. It is a hard rock maple neck and it will be fine.

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/10/2010:  16:53:30

The Goodtime Opry banjo I have come across said on the peghead x of 50, it was an openback. Did you run 50 openbacks and 250 resonator models or and I remembering this wrong?

Milkman, I have to chuckle. I remember when we started out we did put 1 of 50, then 2 of 50, then 3 of 50.... the Opry model became so popular that we didn't want to quit. So we asked the Opry if we could continue the model. They agreed. I checked the serial number book. The final number was not 250 it was 205.

I didn't recall making any openback Opry models. Maybe we did, but half the art work was on the resonator. Most of them were Goodtime 2 models with the resonator.

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/10/2010:  17:09:36

Thanks for this service to your customers! Deering deserves an award from somebody for showing the USA how to compete with cheap imports, and not trying to imitate them. I think the best selling point for the Goodtime line is simply the sound and playability, that is what sold me. Your best advertising is simply to get them in the shops where they can be played and heard.

Thanks, Yumagah. You are right. People playing them is our best advertising.

Good point about keeping it simple. Actually it is simple. We have 4 Goodtime basic models: the openback, the resonator, the Tonering with Resonator and the Tonering Openback.

The names of the four versions are: the Goodtime, Goodtime2, Goodtime Special and Goodtime Special Openback.

There is the four blond models that are a lower price as named above.

There are the four dark stained models called Classics which also feature the planetary tuners, spikes at 7,9, and 12 and white detailing.

The Midnight Special is a unique black version of the Classic, and it looks like it's wearing a tuxedo with the black and white detailing. It stands alone.

What really confused things was when we tooled up to make all the different styles! Now Goodtime banjos in the 8 basic models (4 blond and 4 dark stained) are available in not only 5-string but also Parlor, Left Handed, 17 fret Tenor, 19 fret Tenor, and Plectrum!

We've all adjusted to the magnitude of varieties of Goodtime banjos, and it's all in the pursuit of pleasing customers. But, what is really funny is that in the beginning it was to be just the one Goodtime Openback!

Now we released two models in packages - The Crow Goodtime Package which comes with Steve Martin's Grammy Award winning Crow CD and book by Tony Trischka, and a strap, picks and a gig bag.

And we released last month the Electric Goodtime Package which comes with Alan Munde's book Banjo Method One, a set of picks and a strap and it plugs right in with a wonderful humbucker style pickup mounted in the head. And it works!

I guess, the Goodtime line has become diverse..... It sure has been a popular banjo. Other makers have thanked me for making it because it has boomed the number of people who are succeeding in playing the banjo.