Back to navigation


Artisan Touches Yield Magnified Goodtime Six Qualities





This article was


Written By





Our Product Research Team





Get to know them!





The Artisan Goodtime Six-R acoustic-electric resonator banjo from Deering adds extra-manicured class and special banjo electronics to a top-selling 6-string banjo. All the craftsmanship and foundations of a Goodtime Six-R banjo are present, including generous cuts of hard rock and violin-grade maple found throughout the resonator, rim, neck, headstock, and saddle. The Artisan version boasts a 6-string pau ferro fingerboard with shapely block inlays that not only look great but also help guitarists feel at home when strumming this banjo. The headstock features rich Artisan series tweaks to the classic Goodtime logo and is packed with eye-catching details that denote a banjo made in the USA. When gigs or recording opportunities present themselves, a preinstalled Kavanjo humbucking pickup allows PA, amp, or effects chain connections, leaving audiences to enjoy the hum-free sound of your Goodtime banjo’s rich timbre. Don’t settle for a decent time: have a Goodtime with a USA-made Artisan Goodtime banjo from Sweetwater!





High-performance hardware





Deering goes the extra mile, outfitting instruments with patented hardware designs and an attentive focus on playability and performance. A series of soundhole perforations on the flange’s surface direct sound toward audiences to make sure you’re heard. The Artisan Goodtime Six-R resonator 6-string banjo’s tuning machines feature a sealed-back design that wards off humidity and grime, so strings stay in tune for longer. Moreover, patented appointments ? a “Smile Bridge” carved from maple/ebony and a “Quiet Metal” tailpiece ? keep strings smooth, responsive, and free of buzz (complete with modifications tailored for precise six-string performance). A single coordinator rod facilitates setup adjustments if needed, meaning perfect playability is always within reach! An 11-inch Frosted Top banjo head anchored with 16 heavy-duty J-Hook brackets finalizes this banjo’s credentials, ensuring a tight, resonant bond between tonewoods and strings for tone that’s memorable.





Premium appointments





The Artisan Goodtime Six-R resonator banjo is as easy on the eyes as it is on the ears. Inclusions such as violin-grade maple double as candy for the eyes, while pearloid block fingerboard inlays add elegant looks seemingly plucked from vintage mail-order catalogs. Moreover, the headstock boasts a richly detailed Artisan Goodtime series logo and a country-of-origin star engraving for permanent proof this instrument was made in the USA.





Hum-free Kavanjo amplification





Since the dawn of amplification, players have struggled to amplify banjos without harshness or hum. With the Artisan Goodtime Six-R's acoustic-electric Kavanjo system, the struggle is now over. A passive magnetic humbucking pickup voiced for banjo and banjo alone, the Kavanjo reproduces your banjo's full frequency range in vivid detail. The Kavanjo's custom voicing resolves the harsh treble players often face with lesser designs. Esteemed players, including four-time Grammy winner David Holt, trust this pickup's flawless hum-free performance onstage, even in extreme scenarios that pit banjos against loud accompaniment. And the best part? The Kavanjo is a completely passive pickup, so battery swaps and sudden power issues never impede pickup performance!





Deering: decades of banjo excellence





From professional-grade parts and exciting accessories to an impressive range of banjo series befitting players of all calibers, Deering is heralded as “The Great American Banjo Company” ? and for good reason! Since 1975, Deering has shown an unrivaled dedication to top-tier American-made quality and innovation in the banjo domain. Today, Sweetwater is proud to walk alongside Deering ? but we aren’t alone! Numerous bluegrass, folk, and country stars spanning the past and present, including Scott Avett, Keith Urban, and Jeff DaRosa, have engaged in the Deering banjo revelry. Are you ready to join the ranks?





Deering Artisan Goodtime Six-R Acoustic-electric Resonator 6-string Banjo Features:


Upgrades the Goodtime Six-R with Artisan appointments, including a rich dark brown finish


Passive Kavanjo electronics deliver amplification with hum-free performance optimized for banjo


Frosted Top banjo head delivers a classic, balanced banjo sound that players trust


3-ply poplar/maple resonator increases volume and resonance


3-ply violin-grade 11-inch maple rim supports plucky warmth and authenticity


Smooth, hard rock maple neck with a clean satin finish for playability


15-inch-radius pau ferro fingerboard with 22 nickel/silver frets and stunning pearloid block inlays


16 upgraded J-Hook brackets safeguard tone and enhance performance


Patented Deering hardware customized for 6-string performance


Sealed guitar-style tuners keep strings in tune for longer


Engraved headstock logo and certification stamp declare a USA-made instrument