Deering’s line of Goodtime banjos has been a huge success ever since it was introduced in 1997. The Goodtime Americana is one of the newest members of of this family of affordable banjos, which includes several open-back and resonator models.

Like all Goodtime banjos, the Goodtime Americana features high-quality materials and excellent craftsmanship and is made in Deering’s facility in Spring Valley, California. The fundamental difference between the Americana and the original Goodtime open-back is the Americana’s larger 12-inch head (the original Goodtime has an 11-inch head) and the new Grand-12 rim, a 12-inch rim with thick three-ply walls. This new profile gives the Americana a richer, bassier sound than a typical open-back banjo.

As Peghead Nation banjo instructor Bill Evans demonstrates, the Americana sounds great for traditional clawhammer-style playing and holds its own when played bluegrass style with picks. It would also be an excellent choice for accompanying a singer.

SPECS: Open-back banjo. 12-inch pot with three-ply maple rim. 12-inch Renaissance head. Maple neck with 22 frets. Enclosed chrome geared tuning machines. Made in USA. $599.deeringbanjos.com,goodtimebanjos.com.

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