gdoc - Posted - 01/29/2012:  20:16:01

So you want a good beach banjo..  You don't want to spend a lot because it's going to be heavly abused.  Buried in the sand with a towel over it while your swimming, sand and more sand, salt water and air, bad mittin racket, paddle, sun exposier,  who knows what's going to happen to it.  So that's exactly why I bought the Goodtime.

What I didn't expect was the most perfect feeling non sticky neck ever made.  It feels better than my Gibson's (2 of em) necks.  Sound is more than acceptiable.  Play ability is perfect.  The only things I changed on this banjo was the tail piece, (didn't really need to), the tuners, (didn't need to but I could stand the look of those side winders), and dropped the bridge to a 1/2" bridge.  Other than that it's stock.

So for about 3 1/2 bills including gig bag, I'm way more than happy.  If fact too happy, I play it way to much which means the 1926 Gibson sits in the case.  But this banjo is light, easy to grab, always out in a stand.  Feels good, sounds good, is good.

Short note on the Gibson.  I had to adjust the truss rod twice a year, spring and fall.  No big deal, but it had to be done. 

Ok, the Goodtime has to truss rod????  Now this banjo goes through some extreem changes.  It sits out 100% of the time.  80%-95% humidity (Cartagena Colombia) then closed doors and Air Conditioning which drys out the humidity.  This banjo should have turned green from spinning  back and forth.  No truss rod...hmmm.  I'm not careful with this banjo at all, didn't buy it for that.  So sometimes I'll be playing on the balcony and come inside for something, leaving it leaning back in a chair or something, in the direct sun, hot!

Take it to the beach, sand, salt air, sometimes rain, sun, shade, left under a towel, abused in every way.  Come out of the ocean and play it while I'm still dripping salt water...Hey that's what I bought it for.  I figured if I got a couple years out of it I'd be lucky.

So what's happened after such abuse?

First off, I've never had to adjust the action one time.  Never.  Never adjusted the head.  Never cleaned up the banjo after use.  Have to change the strings quite often due to the salt air, they just don't last.  The tension hoop is showing crosion/rust, but only on the top where I slober my adult beverage.  Other than that, and the small changes I mentioned, it's in the same shape as when I first got it.

This thing is built like Gomer's discription of the nucular bomb shelter.  It's just going to survive and keep on playing.

I can't believe the feel of that neck, how you can feel the vibrations of the music on the fret board, (well, there is not fret board, just a baseball bat shaved into the nicest feeling neck I've ever played.)  The power of the banjo, I"ve stuffed towels between the pot rod and head, and used a mute.  The tone of the banjo.  And that neck, did I mention how nice it feels?

So if you want a banjo to abuse, or a second for quick playing that can always be left out, reguardless of kids and dogs.  One that feels good, sounds good, priced more than right...

I'm telling you, you can't go wrong.

My congrantulations to the Deering Family (which includes all those "Kids" working in the sweat shop turning banjo out as fast as quality allows.  "Kids, did Gomer really say they had Kids working there?"  Labor laws, oh my.

Gary

ps, spell check said I didn't miss a word...... I ain't buying that...

pjfolino - Posted - 01/30/2012:  04:14:50

Nice one, Gary. Like you my GT gets played more than my $2,000 Eagle - so easy to play and so much fun.

Cheers - Pete

LouZee Picker - Posted - 01/30/2012:  05:15:15

I said it before and I'll say it again the Deering Goodtime openback is the best entry level travel,kick around banjo you can buy, hands down! If they're set up right you can't beat them.

Brian

DeanT - Posted - 01/30/2012:  08:02:19

My original Goodtime neck, which I'm still using on a different banjo, is the fastest most comfortable neck I've ever played. It's also been the most stable over the years. I only wish I could duplicate it's profile, stability and finish on my professional banjo.

tkocason - Posted - 01/30/2012:  08:19:34

I'd have to agree, my Goodtime 2, (resonator) sits out all the time here in Silver city where there's no humidity most of the time (maybe 20%), and I don't even have to worry about it. I keep my Maple Blossom in a case with a humidifier, but the GT just sits there and takes it. I play it way more because it's out. And once I got it set up where I wanted it, I haven't done anything but change strings and clean the head when needed. It's a work horse, great for learning new tunes on.

Dexter - Posted - 01/30/2012:  11:41:18

Okay....gdoc....after that endorsement you have to add a video with you playing your Goodtime....by the way, I own one to and agree with everthing you said...regards, Rick

gdoc - Posted - 01/30/2012:  18:33:56

quote:

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Originally posted by Dexter

Okay....gdoc....after that endorsement you have to add a video with you playing your Goodtime....by the way, I own one to and agree with everthing you said...regards, Rick

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 I guess your right, I should.  I'll try to get one done this week, but not sure I'll have time, being retired and all.....

Banjo Studio - Posted - 01/31/2012:  14:16:31

We agree 100%!

banjostudio.com

info@banjostudio.com

BigRedWarEagle - Posted - 01/31/2012:  15:14:54

...and I spent last Saturday taking a wood file to my banjo to scoop out a frailing scoop...and I wasn't even scared to do it! I've been playing it pretty regularly since the weekend and I'm loving. every. freaking. minute. I love the feel, too, and love that I could finally tell my kids, "play the banjo anytime you want to." They have taken me up on it and they're loving it!

$170 for a like-new banjo and gig bag? Uh huh. Life is good.

gdoc - Posted - 02/04/2012:  21:33:34

quote:

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Originally posted by BigRedWarEagle

...and I spent last Saturday taking a wood file to my banjo to scoop out a frailing scoop...and I wasn't even scared to do it! I've been playing it pretty regularly since the weekend and I'm loving. every. freaking. minute. I love the feel, too, and love that I could finally tell my kids, "play the banjo anytime you want to." They have taken me up on it and they're loving it!

$170 for a like-new banjo and gig bag? Uh huh. Life is good.

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 That's exactly what I like about this banjo, you don't have to be afraid of it.  And good lord, the quality that is in it!  I think a lot of players will buy this banjo, and never buy a "pro" model because they really don't need to.

South Hills - Posted - 02/05/2012:  05:32:12

I love my Goodtime.  Easy to play and great sound.  Excellent starter banjo that you will want to keep even if you look to buy up.

Old Man - Posted - 02/05/2012:  06:47:21

I have had one since I started and it  will be the last one to leave.

Paulf - Posted - 02/07/2012:  14:01:00

Thanks Gary and and all the others who commented.  I've just started learning with an ultra chinese cheapy and have really been looking at a Goodtime for my next banjo and this thread has just confirmed that decision.  Where I live it can get to 40 degrees celcius during summer and  I was wondering how the Goodtime would handle that.  My SX cheapy doesn't.

Cheers, Paul

gdoc - Posted - 02/07/2012:  18:19:18

Paulf,

You'll be blown away by this banjo.  Good move!  I've been playing for 35-40 years and wish they had something like this when I first started as compared to the junk I tried to learn on.  Heck what am I saying, I'm just glad they have it now.

Paulf - Posted - 02/07/2012:  18:49:48

Thanks Mate.  About 4 - 6  weeks before I put the order in to Deering.  The Goodtime Classic open back is the one I will be getting.  

Paul

professir - Posted - 02/08/2012:  12:38:43

I am about to pull the trigger on a Goodtime, maybe with the scoop in about 4 weeks. Will be my second Deering and currently my only banjo. I just love these things. MUCH better now with the new fiddle heads too!

Thanks Greg and Janet!

Paulf - Posted - 02/08/2012:  13:08:54

I do have one worry about the Good time though and that is it does not have a truss and just a single coordinator. Do any problems occur in keeping it set up correctly with these.

Paul

pjfolino - Posted - 02/08/2012:  14:30:50

None that I've encountered.

Paulf - Posted - 02/08/2012:  14:44:49

quote:

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Originally posted by pjfolino



None that I've encountered. 

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Thank you.

Paul.

knownrider - Posted - 02/08/2012:  16:44:41

Love my Goodtime 2. It seems to play best with the Deering Light strings. It has fantastic action, stays in tune and is easy to play.

gdoc - Posted - 02/13/2012:  06:44:25

I'm wondering now, with as stable as the neck is with NO truss rod, why they even use a truss rod on their expensive models?  My banjo has been put through more than 90% of the people would ever put their banjos through, and is still a perfect neck.

So, I serioulsy wonder why bother with a truss rod at all?

DeanT - Posted - 02/13/2012:  07:59:07

I have had to make one maybe two truss rod adjustments per year to my Deering Calico since I bought it. Usually in the spring. I also used the truss rod to level the fretboard for it's re-fret. I have no idea how the Goodtime does it without a truss rod! But my Calico certainly needs one!

erikforgod - Posted - 02/13/2012:  08:04:02

My Goodtimes are the bestest most purtiest, funnest banjers in the whole wide world.... the best invention since the light bulb

dpete210 - Posted - 02/13/2012:  10:02:30

quote:

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Originally posted by gdoc

I'm wondering now, with as stable as the neck is with NO truss rod, why they even use a truss rod on their expensive models?  My banjo has been put through more than 90% of the people would ever put their banjos through, and is still a perfect neck.

So, I serioulsy wonder why bother with a truss rod at all?

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From what I've read on previous occasions this question has come up, the Goodtime banjos don't require a truss rod because the neck is one piece hard rock maple.  The other banjos have a separate fretboard made of ebony or perhaps Rosewood which is glued to the wood used to make the neck.  This then lessons the stability of the neck, thereby requiring a truss rod to prevent the kind of movement resulting from environmental conditions.  

erikforgod - Posted - 02/13/2012:  14:59:52

quote:

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Originally posted by dpete210

quote:

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Originally posted by gdoc

I'm wondering now, with as stable as the neck is with NO truss rod, why they even use a truss rod on their expensive models?  My banjo has been put through more than 90% of the people would ever put their banjos through, and is still a perfect neck.

So, I seriously wonder why bother with a truss rod at all?

---

From what I've read on previous occasions this question has come up, the Goodtime banjos don't require a truss rod because the neck is one piece hard rock maple.  The other banjos have a separate fretboard made of ebony or perhaps Rosewood which is glued to the wood used to make the neck.  This then lessons the stability of the neck, thereby requiring a truss rod to prevent the kind of movement resulting from environmental conditions.  

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Spot on with this Pete...the Goodtime banjo doesnt need a truss rod because two different pieces of species/densities of wood are not being glued together...most people dont realise this...when you do that, a neck is actually "destabilized" thats why it needs the re-enforcement.

gdoc - Posted - 02/13/2012:  16:36:15

quote:

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Originally posted by erikforgod

quote:

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Originally posted by dpete210

quote:

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Originally posted by gdoc

I'm wondering now, with as stable as the neck is with NO truss rod, why they even use a truss rod on their expensive models?  My banjo has been put through more than 90% of the people would ever put their banjos through, and is still a perfect neck.

So, I seriously wonder why bother with a truss rod at all?

---

From what I've read on previous occasions this question has come up, the Goodtime banjos don't require a truss rod because the neck is one piece hard rock maple.  The other banjos have a separate fretboard made of ebony or perhaps Rosewood which is glued to the wood used to make the neck.  This then lessons the stability of the neck, thereby requiring a truss rod to prevent the kind of movement resulting from environmental conditions.  

---

Spot on with this Pete...the Goodtime banjo doesnt need a truss rod because two different pieces of species/densities of wood are not being glued together...most people dont realise this...when you do that, a neck is actually "destabilized" thats why it needs the re-enforcement.

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 I don't know that's right or wrong, as I'm not an engineer, but plywood is stronger than regular wood as I understand, and reversing grain "I think" is stronger, not sure though.  But assuming it makes the neck weaker, why not just put in a T-bar like Martin used to do on their guitars.  Do they still do that by the way?   Seems less fuss and no truss rod  adjustments or problems.

Then again, skip the fret board!

gdoc - Posted - 03/08/2012:  11:02:50

Life in Cartagena Colombia.......................good!

erikforgod - Posted - 03/08/2012:  11:31:27

Its pretty cool knowing that you and I are probably the only two folks on the entire continent of south america that have Goodtime banjos....shucks I feel darn special right now!!

The only part that kinda sucks is its always warm where you are...and as you can notice it gets chilly down here at the south end in Argentina...got my hoodie on! Aint goin in the water here in Argylandia anytime soon with any of my banjos!

Edited by - erikforgod on 03/08/2012 11:34:33

enjoying my new Classic Goodtime!!

My and my Crow in the park here in Argentina

gdoc - Posted - 03/08/2012:  11:33:44

quote:

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Originally posted by erikforgod

Its pretty cool knowing that you and I are probably the only two folks on the entire continent of south america that have Goodtime banjos....shucks I feel darn special right now!!

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 And  you should feel special!

erikforgod - Posted - 03/08/2012:  11:38:44

quote:

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Originally posted by gdoc

quote:

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Originally posted by erikforgod

Its pretty cool knowing that you and I are probably the only two folks on the entire continent of south america that have Goodtime banjos....shucks I feel darn special right now!!

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 And  you should feel special!

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I do!!! because I have me a latin honey too....nuthin better than them latinas They sure are lookers!!

My wife Cecilia in our apartment ( Mar del Plata )

The beauty of Argentina!! ( my wife )

gdoc - Posted - 03/08/2012:  21:04:07

quote:

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Originally posted by erikforgod

quote:

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Originally posted by gdoc

quote:

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Originally posted by erikforgod

Its pretty cool knowing that you and I are probably the only two folks on the entire continent of south america that have Goodtime banjos....shucks I feel darn special right now!!

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 And  you should feel special!

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I do!!! because I have me a latin honey too....nuthin better than them latinas They sure are lookers!!

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 Really special!  And besides their good looks, they know how to take care of their man!  I'm spoiled rotten

kc8tby - Posted - 03/09/2012:  00:35:03

I have a Goodtime also!! I LOVE this banjo!! Kudos from me as well to the folks at Deering for continuing to make a well built, 100% good old "Made in America" banjo!!