Goodtime Two 5-String Banjo

Overall rating: 4.9074073 / 5 from 54 reviews.

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Does this banjo come with a hard case?

Hello, this model does not come with a hardshell case.

Are there dual coordinator rods or a single rod in the Goodtime 2?

Hi Tracy, the Goodtime 2 uses a single coordinator rod.

Does the Good Time 2 have a tone ring?

Hi Jay, Thank you for your interest in the Goodtime 2. This model does not have a tone ring. The Goodtime Special is the model that has the Goodtime Special Tone Ring. https://www.deeringbanjos.com/collections/goodtime-special-banjos/products/goodtime-special-banjo

Looking at the questions, one of the most recent questions is regarding spikes (05/05/17). Are spikes standard on the Goodtime Two now, or is it still a custom request as stated in an answer for a question dated 05/09/16?

Hi JC, spikes are still a custom option on the Goodtime Two banjo and is $39 for spikes to be installed at 7,9, and 10 as a custom factory option. The only Goodtime banjos that have spikes as a standard feature are the new Artisan Goodtime banjos. Thanks for asking for clarification. - David V.

I have had my Goodtime Two for a few months now and for the first time i noticed i think three small metal "spikes" on the neck along the fifth string and was wondering if those are for capo"ing" the fifth string. I was having trouble squeezing the string in so i quit and thought i should find out before ordering a shubb capo. Thanks so much for helping out this wanna be banjo player.

Yes, those are for A,B, C tuning at 7,9,10. If they are a little snug, put a very narrow file under them and that should just lift it up enough to make it easier to put the string under.

The fifth tuner on mine is not parallel to the fretboard. It is angled slightly toward the rear.is this normal?

Yes, it is back angled towards the peghead slightly so that there is a little tension on the fifth string so it comes into contact with your 5th fret for best intonation. IT IS NORMAL. Thanks for asking.

Does the Goodtime Two come with spikes at 7, 9, and 10? If not, what is the cost to have you add them prior to shipment?

No, the blonde Goodtime Two does not come with spikes installed. The spike upcharge was $39 for the traditional spots of 7,9,10. Thank you for asking.

What is the gap measure between the fret board and the strings, can it be lowered to 1/8 inch all the way down the fret board?

The action is set at the factory at 1/8" from the bottom of the string to the top of the fret at the 22nd fret. You can adjust this by using the nuts on the inside and outside of the rim by the tailpiece. You will not find that 1/8" all the way up and down the fingerboard. In point of fact, it is lower at the area of the first three frets and tapers to 1/8".

In the picture there is clearly a chrome armrest, but on some online music store websites there is not. Does the Goodtime 2 come with an armrest? Thanks!

Yes, the Goodtime Two comes with an armrest included and it is nickel plated, not chrome.

Could a tone ring be installed in this banjo later on if desired?

No, the rim is not made to accommodate the tone ring.

I am wanting to buy a goodtime resonator banjo but was concerned to see that there is no truss rod - is this standard practise for these banjo's? how important is it to have a truss rod?

The Goodtime banjos are not made with truss rods. The frets are cut right into the maple of the neck and are quite stable. It is the same sort of construction that was used on the old Stratocaster necks and the neck joint is still used on Taylor Guitars. I have had mine for over 15 years now and it is still very lovely to play on. You just need to be sure to use only light gauge strings so you don't stress the neck.

Does this banjo come with dot fret markers instead of the bowtie? Or, did an earlier version come with a different headstock (wave-like?) and dot markers?

No..only the classic goodtime banjos get dots. The original Goodtime had a different peghead and dots but we no longer make them that way in the natural finish.

Can you get the Goodtime II with planetary tuners?

Yes, it is a $99 custom charge.

Can the resonator be easily removed, in case you want to play with an open back?

While you can easily remove the resonator, you still have the flange sitting against your lap. It is not comfortable for long periods of play. You can remove those flange pieces but it takes time and you won't want to do it often.

What type of strap is the best to use for this specific banjo?

The web strap for $12.95 is fine. :-) Or the woven cradle strap or black eagle logo strap if you want that type of strap.

Does anyone know if there is any significant difference between the goodtime 2 and the goodtime 2 classic (http://www.deeringbanjos.com/collections/store/products/classic-goodtime-two-banjo)? I am looking at the two but haven't decided yet which one I'd like.

The tone is the same but the classic has spikes and side dots along with planetary tuners...all good playing features.

How much dus the goodtime sprecial parlour weigh?

7 pounds

Which finger pick should a beginner use, double or single wrap?

Double wrap is more comfortable.

does a goodtime 2 have a tonering

No...that would be the Goodtime Special.

Is a tone ring the same thing as a resonator? Thanks.

No...the resonator is the back part of the banjo that increases volume by reflecting the sound. The tone ring sits above the rim and changes the sound/voice of the banjo depending on what it is made of: wood, steel, bell bronze.