Blackgrass Goodtime 5-String Banjo by Deering

Just like the Goodtime 2, but with a gothic twist. The instrument itself is beautifully crafted and has that famous and recognizable Goodtime twang. The all-black finish makes this the perfect addition to any emo-infused bluegrass group (or bluegrass-infused emo group), and it is also a practical choice for those of us looking to scare off campers in the middle of the night without being seen. Batman doesn't play the banjo but if he did, it would probably be this one.

This banjo, the blackgrass banjo, is assembled without much consideration for a high-dollar market. The price should reflect how this banjo is assembled. You can see from my photos that the product number is clearly shown on the metal ring. That should either be inside the ring or covered. It is distracting from the overall luxe of the banjo and says cheap. Secondly, there is a glaring gap where the neck meets the resonator. In my mind this should be flush and not a gap. This is about a quarter inch gap! The black grass banjo lacks an appeal because it lacks design and craftsmanship quality for the dollar amount that is charged for it. You get a better banjo with an Oscar Schmidt. It sounds like a banjo and plays like a banjo, but it is not of the quality for a $1000 or higher banjo. In my opinion this banjo is worth $300.

I am just learning ~65 yrs old after playing acoustic guitar for years but arthritis has slowed that down. I have only had the banjo for a week~learning new chord fingerings first~~can plunk out some of my favorite songs. Have NO problem fretting all four strings with these old fingers. The tone, wood quality and overall workmanship is worth every penny. Bought a beginners book which I’ll start soon for rolls, etc. Your never too old for music!

Love it

This is one gorgeous piece of machinery, and a pleasure to play. I’m super stoked.

Upgraded from my entry level Pyle banjo to the Deering Blackgrass. I didn't know what a banjo should sound like until I played this one. I did not get mine from Amazon. I got it from a music store for $899. Even at that price I though it was a bit high. I'm pretty sure I paid for the novelty of an all black banjo. However, it is very nice.