Deering: The Great American Banjo Company
Oct 09, 2025
From their affordable Goodtime Banjo, which offers incredible craftsmanship and value (this is our FAVORITE beginner banjo to recommend), to their commitment to quality across a range of budgets, Deering has something for everyone.
They’re also a family-run business with an eye for detail and perfection, making each banjo feel special. They partner with some of the biggest names in banjo music, and their banjos are a favorite amongst many professional musicians.
Interested in learning banjo? Check out our article How to Learn Bluegrass Banjo in 10 Easy Steps.
Founded in 1975 by Greg and Janet Deering, the Deering Banjo Company began with a mission to produce high-quality, American-made banjos accessible to players at all skill levels. The company grew quickly, gaining a reputation for expert craftsmanship and innovation.
The machines used (in conjunction with the hand-crafted aspects of the building process) were designed and built by Greg Deering, a feat of incredible creativity and engineering, outside of the feat of building such a successful business.
Today, Deering is the largest banjo maker in the world, having made more than 100,000 banjos in just over 44 years
In 2019, Jamie Deering (daughter to Greg and Janet) took over the role of CEO, previously held by her mother.
BANJO SERIES & LINES:
The Goodtime Series is highly accessible and known for affordability and ease of use, making it ideal for beginners.
The Artisan Goodtime Series builds on this line with richer aesthetics and upgraded features.
The Sierra Series is popular, offering professional-quality sound and durability at a mid-range price.
The Eagle II and Vega Series cater to more experienced players with specific sounds for bluegrass, folk, and old-time music enthusiasts.
Their Calico and Deluxe Series showcase premium craftsmanship and tonal complexity.
The Artist Series features signature models co-designed with notable musicians.
Lastly, do you have tens of thousands of dollars to spend on something beautiful? Their Private Collection is breathtaking.
STYLES OF BANJO:
Their open-back banjos are light, great for clawhammer and old-time styles (although they are great for Bluegrass as well, particularly if you aren’t playing on a stage).
Resonator banjos are built for bluegrass, delivering a bright, powerful sound, ideal for performance settings.
Deering also produces 6-string banjos for guitar players wanting a banjo sound.
4-string tenor and plectrum banjos work well for jazz and Irish music.
Deering’s lines also include 12-string banjos and banjo ukuleles for unique, hybrid sounds suited to niche styles.
The wood selection often includes high-quality maple, mahogany, and walnut, which offer rich tonal characteristics and improved resonance.
Precision components like high-grade tone rings—such as Deering’s proprietary ’06 tone ring—deliver a clear, vibrant tone.
Deering’s high-end models showcase intricate inlay designs, often made from abalone or mother-of-pearl, and hand-finished necks for smooth playability.
