It's been just two weeks since I got my 5-string Deering banjo and already I'm dreaming of the day when I can get a Deering 17-fret tenor banjo. It may be a while. I need to get somewhat proficient on my 5-string first.
But I would be interested to know if anyone in this group has a tenor banjo. What's it like? Is it a Deering also?
9 Comments |
 | RUSTYSTILL says:
3/17/2012 2:12:14 PM
Oh, ooh.....methinks you've been infected. Instruct your loved ones to take away your bank card, turn off paypal account, and block your computer from all music instrument sites including ebay and craig's list.
Seriously, would this banjo be for Celtic music or what other styles that you would need a tenor for? There are Deering models set up with 4 string necks. For starters, here is a link:
amazon.com/Deering-Goodtime-17...002AKKJIG
or to make you drool check out:
deeringbanjos.com/calico-19-fr...nor-banjo
On the plus side, instruments and even lesser expensive quality instruments are a pretty safe investment, especially if you intend to keep them for 10 years or more since by that time inflation will likely put their value close to what you paid for it today since new ones will be that much higher. And instruments are like ear candy. Unlike guns and boats that offer limited use enjoyment, good guitars and banjos can be picked anytime you have a couple of minutes (or hours) to spare rain or shine and cost relatively little to maintain or enjoy post the initial expenditure. Have at it. (FWIW, I just bought 2 new Martins within the last 3 months and I really didn't NEED either......but ....both are VERY NICE special guitars and fill a niche.)
Jim
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 | StephenARhodes says:
3/17/2012 4:40:42 PM
That Calico is truly sweet! But right now, it's well beyond my budget. The Classic Goodtime 2 17-Fret Tenor is more like it.
Good luck with the two new Martins. Sounds great.
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 | Grumpy1 says:
3/18/2012 5:42:33 PM
LOL - BAS, BAS, BAS, - GRIN. It's OK. Stand back and take a breath. Ask yourself - "Do I need this. Can I afford this. Do I want it really bad. Do I care - really?" OK go get it. To heck with the consequences. - GRIN -. I get BAS, then thin out the herd, then get it again, on & on & on. All the banjos I've had have not made me a better player though - GRIN. Remember, you are not alone!
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| StephenARhodes says:
3/18/2012 6:27:14 PM
Ha ha ha! BAS - that I sure do have. But I have more self-restraint at the moment. So I will wait... :)
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 | rdawsoniii says:
3/21/2012 6:29:42 PM
When I started playing banjo several years ago, I actually had no interest in Deerings whatsoever. That changed when I bought a Goodtime last year for my "knockaround" banjo.
My Goodtime is just so darn easy to play and sounds good to boot. I love the satin finish on the neck. Now I'm hoping to add a John Hartford as a third banjo.
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 | BDCA says:
3/27/2012 1:22:31 PM
I have a gold plated Deering GDl tenor and it's an amazing banjo! The finish and fit is perfect and the range of tones is incredible, from bell like tone near the neck to cutting and growling notes closer to the bridge. It's both a pleasure and a privilege to play this instrument!
Cya!
Bob
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| StephenARhodes says:
3/27/2012 1:45:50 PM
A gold plated Deering GDI tenor - now that sounds like a treasure!
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 | sctoney says:
3/31/2012 12:14:14 PM
I've always said you can't have too many banjos, trumpets, guns, or tools. Can't say my wife totally agrees on the first 3 items.....the tools can actually save you money if you know how to use them. Tight now I've got 5 banjos: the original Japanese banjo my folks bought me in 1966, which got me started. After putting it away for 30 years, I decided to start playing again, so I bought an almost-new Deering Deluxe on ebay, then got the itch for a practice banjo to keep at work. Well, now I have 2 Goodtimes w/resonators, and a Goodtime open-back. Bought the open-back at a pawn shop for $100, figuring I would resell it and make some $$$. Darn, it's the one I play the most, so I guess I'll stick with what I have, for now. Always looking, always wishing....... Ya, I got the fever...
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 | the grey picker says:
5/13/2012 2:32:48 PM
I am the proud owner of two tenors - an early 1930s Vega Whyte Lady Style R, with flange and piecrust resonator and a 2002 Deering Sierra. Both are 19 fret. The Vega is bright and toppy, even with 90 year old vellum in there. The Sierra has much more warmth (mahogany body, possibly). They are both thin necked and easy to play, but maybe the Deering is a fraction faster. In Irish banjo circles Deerings ( and Gibsons) are not widely appreciated, although Kieron Hanrahan plays a Calico. The big players go for English maker Clifford Essex Paragon models from the 20s and 30s, along with old Vegas, Paramounts and Epiphones, and modern ones made by Irish builders Clareen and Boyle.
I bought the Deering recently at a very low price, thinking to sell it on quickly, but somehow she has found a way into my heart and my over-sized collection.... John
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