Deering Goodtime 2 5-String Banjo, Left-Handed

After a lot of research and looking around, I settled on the Goodtime 2 left handed banjo. I received it promptly from Amazon on the day I was promised (Feb 21, 2014) and the box was in great condition. I was excited to try it out and tuned it immediately after I got home on the 24th (I work for an airline). It played and sounded great the first 3 times I played it. When I went to play it the next week after I got home, the 5th strong lost it's tune so I thought it was just a bad string. I went to the local SamAsh and purchased replacement strings. When I went to install the 5th string, I noticed the gear was tilted forward, but being new to banjos didn't think anything of it until I released tension on the string to replace it. Once I released tension and was taking the string off the gear, the whole gear came off in my hand!I'm guessing what happened is the first time I tuned it once I received it there was enough tension still there to hold it in place. Once that tension was released, the gear fell out. Upon testing putting the gear back in place, it was clear that the hole the gear goes into was drilled out too much and it spins in place. I'm guessing I could super glue it in place but not sure of the proper angle to do that so calling customer service tomorrow to see what they will do for me. I'll edit post and change my rating based on how customer service handles this manufacturing error. I gave it a 2 star instead of 1 because I do like the look and sound of the banjo and was totally happy until the gear fell off.EDIT UPDATE:I called customer service at Deering today (March 5, 2014) and they explained to me that the 5th gear coming off is a common thing to happen due to the wood expanding/contracting based on the difference of where it's made (San Diego, CA) from where I live (Orlando, FL). She advised me to put a small amount of super glue around the inner hole and let it set for 24 hours before I restring it. She said I should have no further issues but if I did, I could contact them again for assistance. Just thought I'd put this out there in case any one else has this happen to them and freaks out a little, like I did. :)

Nice Banjo. My music teacher was very impressed with how it sounded.

This is the first instrument I've ever owned so I'm no expert on rating this banjo, but I have had several compliments on it from the people at the music shop. What I can say is I am very happy I chose this model and brand and I am addicted to playing it. Instead of playing video games at night, I'm learning the banjo.

Liked the sound and the ease in playing

I love this banjo ,I'm not writing much , it cuts into my playing time.

The banjo was in great shape, was shipped safely and promptly, and plays wonderfully! The setup on this instrument was solid, and I have no complaints. It offers a bright sound and smooth playability.

Je l'ai acheté pour un cadeau. Mon mari est très content de ce produit.

NICE