---
title: What Are the Differences Between the Goodtime and Artisan Goodtime Banjos?
description: One of the most common questions we get from our customers is “What is the difference between the Goodtime and the Artisan Goodtime banjos?” Learn the differences here!
---

[Hooks & Nuts - Deering Banjos Blog](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com)

# [What Are the Differences Between the Goodtime and Artisan Goodtime Banjos?](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/what-is-the-difference-between-the-goodtime-and-the-artisan-goodtime-banjos)

 Written by [David Bandrowski](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/author/david-bandrowski) | Sep 28, 2018 6:27:24 PM

One of the most common questions we get from our customers is “What is the difference between the **[Goodtime](https://www.deeringbanjos.com/collections/goodtime-banjos-blonde)** and the **[Artisan Goodtime banjos](https://info.deeringbanjos.com/artisan-goodtime-banjos)**?” There are several key differences, with most being aesthetic but there are a couple mechanical differences also. Even though they appear different the tone between the Goodtime and the Artisan Goodtime banjos are the same.

The key differences are as follows:

## Stain

Both types of banjos are made of maple, but the standard Goodtime banjos are unstained and showcase the beautiful blonde maple wood, while the Artisan Goodtime banjos have a brown stain on them.

## Tuners

The Goodtime banjos have sealed guitar tuners while the Artisan Goodtime banjos have **[planetary tuners](https://www.deeringbanjos.com/products/planetary-banjo-tuners)**. The guitar style tuners stick out to the side and have a 14:1 gear ratio while the planetary tuners stick straight back from the peghead and have a 4:1 gear ratio. Although the planetary tuners have less of a gear ratio, thus making them harder to fine tune, they are the preferred type of tuner for banjo players mainly because they look traditional.

## Fingerboard

The Goodtime banjos do not have a separate fingerboard, The neck is all one piece of maple. The Artisan Goodtime banjos have a separate Midnight Maple fingerboard. Watch a video to learn more about the [**Midnight Maple fingerboard here**](https://info.deeringbanjos.com/deering-midnight-maple-fingerboard-video)!

## 5th String Spikes

On 5 string banjos players most often use model railroad track spikes placed in the neck under the 5th string usually at frets 7, 9, and 10 to act as a capo for the 5th string. The Artisan Goodtime banjos come with these preinstalled.

## Armrest

All of the Artisan Goodtime banjos come with an armrest installed. The **[Goodtime Two](https://www.deeringbanjos.com/collections/goodtime-two-banjos)**, **[Goodtime Special banjos](https://www.deeringbanjos.com/collections/goodtime-special-banjos)** (both [resonator](https://www.deeringbanjos.com/collections/goodtime-special-banjos) and [openback](https://www.deeringbanjos.com/collections/goodtime-special-openback-banjos) versions), and [**Goodtime 6 string banjos**](https://www.deeringbanjos.com/collections/goodtime-6-string-banjos), and **[Goodtime Americana](https://www.deeringbanjos.com/collections/goodtime-americana-banjos)** come with an [**armrest**](https://www.deeringbanjos.com/products/goodtime-banjo-armrest).

## Inlays

The Goodtime banjos come with hardwood bowtie inlays. The Artisan Goodtime banjos come with vintage artisan style inlays.

[View full post](https://blog.deeringbanjos.com/what-is-the-difference-between-the-goodtime-and-the-artisan-goodtime-banjos)

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