Best Deering Banjos 2025

Premium Deering banjos - legendary tone and craftsmanship

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Bluegrass For Country For Folk For Traditional Music For Celtic For Americana

BRANDS: Gold Tone Deering Harley Benton Ortega Gewa Richwood

Deering Goodtime Two Banjo Lefth. - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Deering Goodtime Two Banjo Lefth.

by Deering

Americana Folk Country

Key Feature:

• Great for fast picking techniques

✓ PROS

• Cuts through band mix well
• Traditional American instrument

✗ CONS

• Volume may overpower other instruments
• Tuning can be challenging

Deering Goodtime Two Deco Banjo Lefth., 5-String BanjoWith resonator for a brighter and louder sound. Easy to play with...

⭐ 4.8/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 601042

$824

Buy at Thomann View Details

Deering Sierra 5-String - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Deering Sierra 5-String

by Deering

Celtic Folk Country

Key Feature:

• Cuts through band mix well

✓ PROS

• Distinctive bright, percussive tone
• Cuts through band mix well

✗ CONS

• Limited tonal versatility
• Volume may overpower other instruments

Deering Sierra 5-String5-String BanjoFlagship model of Deering banjosSierra modelBody: American mahoganyNeck:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 205935

$3,079

Buy at Thomann View Details

Deering Eagle II 5-string Banjo - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Deering Eagle II 5-string Banjo

by Deering

Celtic Traditional Music Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Distinctive bright, percussive tone

✓ PROS

• Great for fast picking techniques
• Traditional American instrument

✗ CONS

• May not suit all musical styles
• Requires specific playing techniques

Deering Eagle II 5-String Banjo5-String BanjoMumford and Sons Signature ModelNeck: MapleFretboard: Ebony (Diospyros...

⭐ 4.5/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 302466

$2,749

Buy at Thomann View Details

Deering Goodtime Americana - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Deering Goodtime Americana

by Deering

Americana Traditional Music Folk

Key Feature:

• Distinctive bright, percussive tone

✓ PROS

• Traditional American instrument
• Great for fast picking techniques

✗ CONS

• Tuning can be challenging
• May not suit all musical styles

Deering Goodtime Americana Deco5-String Openback BanjoThe 12" rim and the Renaissance head make this banjo sound...

⭐ 5.0/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 601150

$747

Buy at Thomann View Details

Deering Phoenix A/E 6-string Banjo - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Deering Phoenix A/E 6-string Banjo

by Deering

Country Folk Celtic

Key Feature:

• Traditional American instrument

✓ PROS

• Cuts through band mix well
• Great for fast picking techniques

✗ CONS

• Volume may overpower other instruments
• Limited tonal versatility

Deering Phoenix A/E 6-String Banjo6-String BanjoNeck: MapleNeck colour/finish: Stained Golden HoneyFretboard: Ebony...

⭐ 4.5/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 302476

$3,519

Buy at Thomann View Details

Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo Maple - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo Maple

by Deering

Celtic Country Americana

Key Feature:

• Great for fast picking techniques

✓ PROS

• Great for fast picking techniques
• Cuts through band mix well

✗ CONS

• Requires specific playing techniques
• May not suit all musical styles

Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo Maple5-String BanjoFlagship model of the Deering banjosBody: American mapleNeck:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 269794

$2,748

Buy at Thomann View Details

Deering Deering Goodtime Banjo LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Deering Deering Goodtime Banjo LH

by Deering

Bluegrass Country Folk

Key Feature:

• Essential bluegrass sound

✓ PROS

• Great for fast picking techniques
• Cuts through band mix well

✗ CONS

• Limited tonal versatility
• May not suit all musical styles

Deering Goodtime 5-Str OB LH5-String banjoLefthand / lefthanded modelDesign: Open-back3-Plyblondeviolin grade maple...

⭐ 5.0/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 453252

$626

Buy at Thomann View Details

Deering Goodtime A/E Banjo - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Deering Goodtime A/E Banjo

by Deering

Bluegrass Country Celtic

Key Feature:

• Essential bluegrass sound

✓ PROS

• Essential bluegrass sound
• Distinctive bright, percussive tone

✗ CONS

• Limited tonal versatility
• May not suit all musical styles

Deering Goodtime Deco A/E Banjo5-String Open-Back Banjo with Pickup"Deco" model with new inlay designNeck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 601047

$934

Buy at Thomann View Details

Deering Artisan Goodtime OB 5 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Deering Artisan Goodtime OB 5

by Deering

Bluegrass Celtic Traditional Music

Key Feature:

• Great for fast picking techniques

✓ PROS

• Traditional American instrument
• Essential bluegrass sound

✗ CONS

• Limited tonal versatility
• Requires specific playing techniques

Deering Artisan Goodtime OB 55-String BanjoOpen back11" Violin Grade Maple RimNeck: MapleFretboard: Dark stained...

⭐ 5.0/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 380705

$934

Buy at Thomann View Details

Deering Goodtime 17-Fret Tenor - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Deering Goodtime 17-Fret Tenor

by Deering

Bluegrass Folk Country

Key Feature:

• Great for fast picking techniques

✓ PROS

• Cuts through band mix well
• Distinctive bright, percussive tone

✗ CONS

• May not suit all musical styles
• Limited tonal versatility

Deering Goodtime 17-Fret Tenor4-String Tenor BanjoBuild: Open BackBirch and maple rimSlim maple neckFretboard: Maple17...

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 205942

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Deering Goodtime Banjo - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.4/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Deering Goodtime Banjo

by Deering

Bluegrass Folk Americana

Key Feature:

• Traditional American instrument

✓ PROS

• Distinctive bright, percussive tone
• Traditional American instrument

✗ CONS

• Volume may overpower other instruments
• Requires specific playing techniques

Deering Goodtime Deco Banjo, 5-String Openback BanjoEasy to play with clear note separation and a round, full...

⭐ 4.4/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 573551

$626

Buy at Thomann View Details

Deering Vega Senator 5-String Banjo - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Deering Vega Senator 5-String Banjo

by Deering

Bluegrass Americana Celtic

Key Feature:

• Distinctive bright, percussive tone

✓ PROS

• Distinctive bright, percussive tone
• Traditional American instrument

✗ CONS

• Tuning can be challenging
• May not suit all musical styles

Deering Vega Senator 5-String Banjo5-String Open Back BanjoNeck: Maple (brown stained)Neck profile: Slim VegaFretboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 357825

$2,419

Buy at Thomann View Details

Deering Goodtime Two 17 Fret Tenor - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.6/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Deering Goodtime Two 17 Fret Tenor

by Deering

Country Celtic Americana

Key Feature:

• Great for fast picking techniques

✓ PROS

• Essential bluegrass sound
• Traditional American instrument

✗ CONS

• Requires specific playing techniques
• May not suit all musical styles

Deering Goodtime Two 17 Fret TenorTenor Banjo17 Frets"Blonde slender rock" maple neckFretborad: Maple3-Ply...

⭐ 4.6/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 322364

$824

Buy at Thomann View Details

Deering Boston 6 String Banjo - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Deering Boston 6 String Banjo

by Deering

Celtic Bluegrass Traditional Music

Key Feature:

• Cuts through band mix well

✓ PROS

• Essential bluegrass sound
• Great for fast picking techniques

✗ CONS

• Volume may overpower other instruments
• Requires specific playing techniques

Deering Boston 6 String Banjo6-String BanjoResonator: MahoganyHead: 11" Frosted Top Medium Crown Head (article no....

⭐ 4.6/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 205932

$2,639

Buy at Thomann View Details

Deering Goodtime Special Banjo - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 5.0/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Deering Goodtime Special Banjo

by Deering

Americana Bluegrass Country

Key Feature:

• Essential bluegrass sound

✓ PROS

• Cuts through band mix well
• Distinctive bright, percussive tone

✗ CONS

• Volume may overpower other instruments
• Limited tonal versatility

Deering Goodtime Special Deco Banjo5-String BanjoImproved Goodtime Special Tone Ring for a powerfulbright tone with...

⭐ 5.0/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 601052

$1,154

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Banjos

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced banjos typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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TOP

Best Deering Banjos 2025

Deering Goodtime Two Banjo Lefth.

Deering Sierra 5-String

Deering Eagle II 5-string Banjo

Deering Goodtime Americana

Deering Phoenix A/E 6-string Banjo

Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo Maple

Deering Deering Goodtime Banjo LH

Deering Goodtime A/E Banjo

Deering Artisan Goodtime OB 5

Deering Goodtime 17-Fret Tenor

Deering Goodtime Banjo

Deering Vega Senator 5-String Banjo

Deering Goodtime Two 17 Fret Tenor

Deering Boston 6 String Banjo

Deering Goodtime Special Banjo

How to Choose the Best Banjos

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying banjos?

How much should I spend on banjos?

Are expensive banjos worth the investment?

What are the best brands for banjos?

Should I buy banjos online or in-store?

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