Steve Martin may not have taken home the IBMA Banjo Player of the Year Award, but he is taking his own Deering Goodtime Banjo model with him on the road this month. Deering has created a special headstock brand for these banjos, which will only be offered for sale at Martin’s live appearances with Steep Canyon Rangers during their current tour.

The Goodtimes family of banjos are a budget-minded bunch, built by Deering in their shop near San Diego, CA. 12 different models are available, starting at just under $500.

We’re not sure which model(s) will be available at the Steve Martin concerts, or whether they are likely to hold collectible, limited-edition value over time.

You can find all the tour info online.

Deering has reintroduced their popular Sierra banjo, with a new inlay pattern in the neck.

The Sierra is Deering’s least expensive tone ring banjo ($2699), making it perhaps the lowest priced professional model banjo made in the US. It is offered as a traditional five string model, as well as an open back, tenor or plectrum. A left handed Sierra is also available.

To demonstrate the newly reconfigured Sierra, here is Deering endorser and banjo marvel Jens Kruger, who walks us through the new features and gives us a tune.

Deering Banjos has announced their newest model here at IBMA, the Terry Baucom signature banjo.

This is a walnut banjo, and the first Deering model to be introduced with the new rim and lightweight tone ring designed by Greg Deering and Jens Kruger. Deering has also created a new inlay pattern for the Baucom model, which Greg describes as a regal design.

Terry was understandably proud to receive the first Baucom Model at the Deering Showcase Tuesday night (9/30).

“I am extremely excited about the opportunity to partner with Deering Banjos at this stage in my career. Greg and Janet have provided me with a professional level instrument that is well suited to my style.

I feel fortunate to be included in the Deering Banjo Family.”

Deering will have more photos and details available soon on their web site.

Just a quick reminder that the Deering Banjos episode of John Ratzenberger’s Made In America program on the cable network Travel Channel is scheduled to run on Tuesday, March 7. The show airs at 9:00 p.m. (EST), but as always, it is best to check your local cable listings to double check.

As we posted a few months ago, the Made In America crew visited Deering’s shop in early December and filmed all day for this segment. The show highlights companies that create and manufacture unique and distinctly American products here in the United States.