The tone lives up to its billing fully. It is not at all tinny or twangy as you get with most of the assembly line banjos in this price range. This has truly superb sound and craftsmanship without the frills. It is so simple it is elegant. This is the fourth banjo I have owned and I didn't even know the instrument could sound this rich. If you want a sample, go to Deering's web site and download some sample audio. What you hear is exactly what you'll get at home. (Assuming your computer sound system is good enough to capture the high quality) If not, you're in for a wonderful surprise at home. If you're undecided as I was between the open-back Goodtime and the resonated Goodtime 2, I highly recommend this one. For a few more bucks you actually get BOTH banjos in the Goodtime 2. Removing the resonator is very simple and then getting the flange off the pot is easy enough if you take your time on the R&R of the hex nuts on the j-bolts. Deering's excellent web site folks will tell you via email how to do it. I wasn't completely clear on how to remove the flange without messing up the head tension so I phoned the Deering factory in California. The very first person who answered the phone was able to tell me immediately, in clear, simple detail, how to R&R the resonator and flange. I was never on hold for even a second and didn't have to wait for her to look up the instructions somewhere. The whole conversation lasted less than a minute and everything went exactly as she said it would. At Deering, the experts pick up on the first ring. This is a relatively young company (25 years) which in my book is well on its way to becoming the C.F. Martin & Co. of banjo makers. I have a Martin guitar, and Deering is very much in their class with regard to rich tone. If you're looking at a Goodtime 2, chances are you're a hobbyist as I am. You can't go wrong. No matter how advanced you are, get the Goodtime 2. When they call it "Goodtime," they really mean it. When they call it Goodtime 2, they don't mean Goodtime II, as in second generation. They mean two different Goodtimes in one package.

I'm so pleased with myself for having made the decision to purchase a Deering Goodtime 2. It's beyond being a great starter banjo, it's simply a great playing and sounding 5-string resonator banjo for anyone to own, beginner or not. I don't think you could find a better crafted banjo for twice the price. After having contacted the Deering Banjo Company by e-mail with a question, I'm even more impressed than before. They wrote me back and answered my question thoroughly and personably. Great folks.

All the other reviews here are 100% right. I think that because Deering made the making of this banjo primarily an expression of philosophy rather than imitation, its physical components are pure, and the player can overlay any memories or hopes onto his or her own instrument. It is a new thing, and the player is not locked in to a servitude to previous forms. This makes learning and playing a joy - a truly good time. The design and philosophy also reflects the fact that it is USA-made, and USA ideals are present and reflected in the banjo's design. It contains the soul of the Ur-banjo. It goes where no banjo has gone before - into the player's mind. Now what can we3 do with that beautiful box it came in?

After researching on the internet, speaking with musicians and feeling samples of banjos, I truly fell in love with this Deering banjo. It looks, sounds and feels the way I've always wanted a banjo to sound to me. Holding the instrument you can see the care that it was made with. It was made with love. Any one that does see and play this banjo will become a banjo player for life.

Well worth the $400. I had to set this entire instrument up myself, but thats ok because I'm qualified. If you not have these skills prepare to have some one who can, or the banjo is useless.Once you get it set up, you'll have one kick but twang axe. All quality parts and hardware,even a gigbag. You can't go wrong with this banjo.