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 resonator banjo from Deering adds extra-manicured class 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. Sweetwater guitarists find the Artisan Goodtime Six-R resonator 6-string banjo useful for expanding musical horizons ? you can layer it into your recorded tracks for a touch of twang or embrace your folksy side by making it a primary instrument. Don’t settle for a decent time: have a Goodtime with a USA-made Artisan Goodtime Six-R resonator banjo from Sweetwater!





Snappy maple tonewoods





The Artisan Goodtime Six-R boasts inspiring tonewoods finished in artisan stain, including a body and neck crafted from maple. A resonator built from poplar and maple ensures a punchy, competitive sound when played hard that conversely hums with subtle, nuanced depth when played with feeling and dynamics. Hard rock maple, a favorite tonewood for folk instruments, also composes this Goodtime banjo’s neck. A maple neck adds a nice bite to any banjo’s attack when digging in; more importantly, the Goodtime banjo’s neck facilitates effortless, comfortable fretting courtesy of its “D”-shaped neck carve rounded out by a smooth satin finish.





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.





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 Resonator 6-string Banjo Features:


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


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