Deering Banjos has been making six-string banjos that are set up to play like guitars for many years. But with the exception of the Goodtime Solana 6, which has nylon strings, Deering’s six-strings have been high-end instruments, putting them out of reach for many musicians. Now Deering has introduced a pair of steel-string six-string banjos (one with an 11-inch pot, the other with a 12-inch pot) as part of its affordable Goodtime series, and we had a chance to check out the 12-inch version.

Like other Goodtime banjos, the Goodtime Six values tone and playability over elaborate appointments and exotic materials. Its maple neck and three-ply open-back maple rim will be familiar to Goodtime fans. Hardwood inlays serve as position markers in the fingerboard, and a set of enclosed guitar tuning machines do their duty on the peghead. The Goodtime Six has a clever tailpiece that allows you to use strings with either ball-ends or loop-ends, and the instrument comes set up with a set of Elixir XL .010–.047 guitar strings. Another great feature is the six-string version of Deering’s Smile bridge, which has slightly radiused feet that conform to the curvature of the head under tension.

The Goodtime Six was a lot of fun to play, creating banjo tones for guitarists without straying from familiar fingerings. The instrument’s slightly longer-than-usual scale makes for some fairly long stretches when played in first position, but overall, the playability was excellent. It has great volume and punch throughout its range and sounds especially nice played up the neck.

Overall, the Goodtime Six is a great addition to Deering’s line. Whether it’s used as an idea generator, studio tool, or live performance enhancer, having a high-quality guitar-banjo at an affordable price is bound to win Deering many new guitarist friends.

SPECS: Open-back six-string guitar-banjo. Maple neck and fingerboard. 12-inch pot with three-ply maple rim. Renaissance high-crown head. Steel tension hoop. Maple and ebony Goodtime Smile bridge. 26.25-inch scale. 1¹¹/₁₆-inch nut width. Enclosed chrome tuning machines. Made in USA. $775. deeringbanjos.com, goodtimebanjos.com

Deering Rustic Wreath New five-string banjo combines vintage and contemporary features. Read More

Deering Tony Trischka Silver Clipper Bill Evans demos the contemporary banjo master’s signature model. Read More

Deering Artisan Goodtime Special Banjo Bill Evans demos Deering’s newest Goodtime five-string banjo. Read More

Deering Julia Belle Banjo A unique low-tuned banjo inspired by John Hartford and co-designed by Alison Brown. Read More

Deering Goodtime Solana 6 Demo Nylon strings give this guitar-banjo a warm sound. Read More

Gold Tone “Bluegrass Heart” Béla Fleck Peghead Nation banjo instructor Wes Corbett demonstrates Béla Fleck’s new signature model. Read More

Gold Star GF-100JD Bluegrass Album Banjo Bill Evans demos a banjo inspired by a legendary RB-3. Read More

Deering Goodtime Tenor Banjo Ukulele A well-made banjo uke with a powerful sound and built-in pickup. Read More

Deering Goodtime Banjo Ukulele Fusion of a concert ukulele and banjo results in a fresh sound. Read More

Deering Goodtime Americana Banjo Bill Evans demos Deering’s new affordable banjo, which gets its rich bass sound from the company’s new Grand-12 rim. Read More