Lorilee - Posted - 07/15/2022:  08:05:21

Does anyone know if Deering ever made (or makes) a Goodtime Artisan Open Back Fretless?

Edited by - Lorilee on 07/15/2022 08:06:17

mjt0229 - Posted - 07/15/2022:  08:51:41

I can't answer the question, but I did just happen to notice this very cool Buckbee fretless in the classifieds: banjohangout.org/classified/94363

mrphysics55 - Posted - 07/15/2022:  09:38:07

quote:

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Originally posted by Lorilee

Does anyone know if Deering ever made (or makes) a Goodtime Artisan Open Back Fretless?

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Yes they do ... Approximately $900 (I think)

Edited by - mrphysics55 on 07/15/2022 09:45:50

mrphysics55 - Posted - 07/15/2022:  09:53:47

quote:

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Originally posted by Lorilee

Does anyone know if Deering ever made (or makes) a Goodtime Artisan Open Back Fretless?

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You may wish to consider this fretless …

banjohangout.org/classified/90524

It is a very substantial banjo from an excellent small shop builder.  IMO a much better value.

(I have no connection to the sale.)

mjt0229 - Posted - 07/15/2022:  09:57:30

quote:

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Originally posted by mrphysics55

quote:

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Originally posted by Lorilee

Does anyone know if Deering ever made (or makes) a Goodtime Artisan Open Back Fretless?

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You may wish to consider this fretless …

banjohangout.org/classified/90524

It is a very substantial banjo from an excellent small shop builder.  IMO a much better value.

(I have no connection to the sale.)

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Agreed. Once you get up to that kind of price point, the value proposition of most larger manufacturers starts to fall away, and there are plenty of skilled builders who can do wonders. I love that bocote overlay.

Lorilee - Posted - 07/15/2022:  10:01:35

quote:

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Originally posted by mrphysics55

quote:

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Originally posted by Lorilee

Does anyone know if Deering ever made (or makes) a Goodtime Artisan Open Back Fretless?

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Yes they do ... Approximately $900 (I think)

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Thanks, Eddie.

mrphysics55 - Posted - 07/15/2022:  10:05:50

The Builder Demonstrates!

That tunneled 5th string is The Cat's Meow.

m.youtube.com/watch?v=DU299_6u...299_6uz4I

My Wife implores You to buy it.

(She has no connection to the sale either. )

Edited by - mrphysics55 on 07/15/2022 10:15:20

JollyRogers - Posted - 07/16/2022:  04:57:02

I’d go with Nate’s fretless way before a Deering, though I do not care for tunneled 5th strings.

I had a fretted Artisan, and it was no more than a Goodtime with a little polish. No truss rod (only light strings recommended), low action over fretboard and head, frosted head, cheap feeling tuners, single coordinator rod, unusual tailpiece connection, RR spike holding 5th string instead of a pip (so 5th is LOW making it hard for the thumbing in CH IMO). I sold it.

chip arnold - Posted - 07/16/2022:  05:30:29

The one in the classifieds that Mark T linked is far and away superior to a Goodtime. If I was looking in that price range, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

Lorilee - Posted - 07/16/2022:  07:06:37

Well, for the past couple of weeks, I looked for a fretless in the classifieds. Didn't find one beyond a couple of 1880s models. I didn't want to spend a bunch of money because what if I don't like a fretless banjo? Besides, I just bought another openback last week (Love it!). I didn't want to spend a ton of money since I just plunked down almost $2K. So last week I called Deering (my very first purchased banjo was an openback Arisan. I sold it a few years ago.). They had a showroom model of the fretless Artisan that they offered to me at a very reduced price. The reason for my question about whether they make them anymore is that I cannot find them on their website anywhere. Anyway, to make a long story short, it should be here Monday. I'm really sorry I missed that fine looking fretless you all are telling me about--it really hurts my heart a little that I didn't grab it but I never saw it listed or I would have. The bright side here is that if fretless doesn't work for me, I won't need to rehome that beautiful banjo. The Deering will be easy for me to let go if I don't like playing fretless or even if if I love it, and then I will search for another lovely jewel like the one it looks like I've missed out on. Ah well. But thanks all, you succeeded in opening my eyes to a wonderful new builder. Also, I appreciate all of your input about this as well as your assessment of the Artisan. I understand and agree with you about it, but I can't unring that bell right at this point. But I think this little banjo will serve--for now.

mrphysics55 - Posted - 07/16/2022:  18:31:37

quote:

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Originally posted by Lorilee

Well, for the past couple of weeks, I looked for a fretless in the classifieds. Didn't find one beyond a couple of 1880s models. I didn't want to spend a bunch of money because what if I don't like a fretless banjo? Besides, I just bought another openback last week (Love it!). I didn't want to spend a ton of money since I just plunked down almost $2K. So last week I called Deering (my very first purchased banjo was an openback Arisan. I sold it a few years ago.). They had a showroom model of the fretless Artisan that they offered to me at a very reduced price. The reason for my question about whether they make them anymore is that I cannot find them on their website anywhere. Anyway, to make a long story short, it should be here Monday. I'm really sorry I missed that fine looking fretless you all are telling me about--it really hurts my heart a little that I didn't grab it but I never saw it listed or I would have. The bright side here is that if fretless doesn't work for me, I won't need to rehome that beautiful banjo. The Deering will be easy for me to let go if I don't like playing fretless or even if if I love it, and then I will search for another lovely jewel like the one it looks like I've missed out on. Ah well. But thanks all, you succeeded in opening my eyes to a wonderful new builder. Also, I appreciate all of your input about this as well as your assessment of the Artisan. I understand and agree with you about it, but I can't unring that bell right at this point. But I think this little banjo will serve--for now.

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Enjoy that new banjer! 

Don't worry too much what we have to say.

Lots of OT folks love small shop builders. You usually get a great banjo and significant fellowship there. It is tough to snuggle up to a factory and a  CNC Machine in quite the same way.

Factory builds have their advantages, one of which is ready availability.

Remember, "All things banjo are fun."

Let the Hangout know if you need something in the future.

mrP