What do banjos and African Elephants have in common?

The first significant similarity is they both have as their roots the great lands of the African content. It also turns out that they are both loved dearly by Jamie Deering.

Bringing them together and celebrating their shared ancestry it is my great pleasure to bring you this one of a kind African Elephant Goodtime Banjo!

The drum-head of this banjo was kissed by Chishuru, an African bull. Bearing the image of this majestic animal on the peghead and custom painted the warm grey of their strong skin, this banjo was made to contribute to the lives of the African Elephant.

The proceeds for this auction will be donated to the work of the Rory Hensman Conservation & Research Unit  who is a South African based non-profit researching and educating toward handling a wide variety of issues to better understand and help African Elephants continue to live healthy and safe lives. They have the mission to foster an environment of collaboration among experts, fueled by the common passion to conserve wildlife.

Conservation starts with understanding.

You can read more about this non-profit here.

About The Goodtime Banjo

Based on the Deering Artisan Goodtime this banjo is crafted out of violin grade maple rim that gives it a bright and clear tone. Designed and built by Deering Banjos at their factory in Spring Valley, California specifically for this auction.  

The stunning Artisan Goodtime banjos embody Greg Deering’s lifelong vision for the Deering Banjo Company – to make the best sounding, playing, looking, and best value U.S.A. made banjo that he possibly could. It is a never-ending quest that Deering pursues every single day.   

SPECS: 

NECK:  

• Slender Rock Maple Neck Custom Painted Elephant Grey with a Silky Feel.
• Pearloid White Artisan Style Inlays set in the Midnight Maple Fingerboard  
• 22 Pressed In Nickel Silver Frets  
• The Majestic Head of the African Elephant Branded Boldly on The Peghead.
• Planetary Tuners  
• Geared 5th String Tuner  
• Durable Satin Finish  
• Spikes installed at 7th, 9th, and 10th frets  
• Deering Fiddle Shaped Peghead  

POT:  

• 3-ply Violin Grade Maple Rim Custom Painted Elephant Grey with a Silky Feel.
• Steel Tension Hoop Nickel Plated 
• 11″ Frosted Top High Crown Head Kissed by African Elephant Chishuru. The Kiss Has Been Coated with a Protective Spray for Preservation.
• 5/8″ Maple/Ebony Goodtime Bridge  
• 16 Flat Hooks with 9/32″ Nuts  
• 16 Bracket Shoes with Screw Attachments  
• Deering Patented Goodtime Tailpiece Nickel Plated
• Steel Coordinator Rod for Adjustments  
• Durable Satin Finish  
• Nickel Arm Rest  (Not in Photo. Will Come Installed on the Banjo)   

TONE:  

Has a clear and bright sound of maple. Easy to play with clarity of note separation.  

TUNED:  

g,D,G,B,D in standard G tuning  

Can easily be tuned in other tunings as well.  

DIMENSIONS:  

• Neck Width at the Nut 1 1/4″  
• Scale Length Nut to Bridge 26 1/4″  
• Rim Diameter 11″   
• Overall Instrument Length 37 1/2″
• Weight Approx. 4.5 lb  

Also comes with a Deering Gig Bag Case 

WARRANTY:  

The trust and pride we share in our product gives us the confidence to grant every owner of a Goodtime banjo a 6 year warranty ensuring the quality of our materials and workmanship. 

*Custom and Duty fees paid by recipient