Looking to upgrade from my Good Time and I've narrowed it down to the Deering Maple Blossom and the Sierra Maple. On paper they look pretty similar. Just wondering if the Maple Blossom is worth the extra money. I don't mind paying if it's worth it, I plan on having it for the rest of my life. Any help would be awesome. Thanks
15 Comments |
 | Jimsong56 says:
3/27/2012 12:24:31 PM
I vote for the Maple Blossom, but be careful, when placing my order I wanted a deeper bass sound, and for an additional $400 investment went for the Golden Era with it's deeper resonator and pre-war specs. Enjoy the journey now that I threw a rock in your path :)
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 | JLB says:
3/27/2012 12:35:37 PM
The gloss finish on my Maple Blossom sure is pretty (we're not helping are we?) :)
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| Jimsong56 says:
3/27/2012 12:55:20 PM
Jesse, another comment if I may - You say "on paper" you can't determine the subtlety that you would if and when you actually hold them in your hands. the Maple Blossom with give you the volume that the Sierra Maple won't. Consider the "investment" as the amount you would spend divided by oh let's say 3 hours per week times how many years in the rest of your life? See how it is only pennies a day :)
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 | Vapor says:
3/27/2012 1:54:05 PM
I looked at several and the Golden Era (Maple) and the Golden Wreath(Mahogany) got me. It depends on what sound you want to hear. A lot of people like Calicos, Maple Blossoms, etc. Each to their own. I like the sound of the Golden Series. I found a Wreath that I liked more than the Eras I tried. I suggest if possible to try them before you buy if at all possible. Like Jim said, you will probably be playing this for a very long time.
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 | buckbybanjoboy says:
3/27/2012 1:56:29 PM
Maple Blossom, mine's awfully good, mind you I wouldn't say no to a Golden Era. Gets more complicated don't it !.......................Peter V.
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 | tkocason says:
3/27/2012 2:48:26 PM
If you're buying used, the best value could be the maple blossom. I got mine for $1500.00 used. But normally they go just under $2K. The Calicos seem to hold there value more from what I've seen, although there is one a little over $2k right now. But, the golden eras and wreaths were up for sale a bunch earlier this year, and depending on the age, some good deals there too. Though I'd confuse you a little more. I've lusted after the Calico for some time, but I can't part with my Blossom!
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 | Jesse13 says:
3/27/2012 4:25:26 PM
Thanks for the help everyone. Looks like the Maple Blossom wins. Though the Golden series and the Calico are all gorgeous they're a little out of the price range and well out of my skill range. I don't want to look like a 16 year old with a Ferrari, haha
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| Vapor says:
3/27/2012 7:34:05 PM
It doesn't matter what you choose. Deerings are good banjos. From what I have heard, people with the Maple Blossom love them. Have fun.
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 | SirRight says:
3/28/2012 9:09:11 AM
Consider a used Calico as you most likely will never want to upgrade; a keeper for the rest of your life.
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 | bkdraft says:
4/9/2012 6:17:19 PM
I bought a used 99 Maple Blossom and have been real happy with it.
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 | 1BadJamaMan says:
4/9/2012 6:24:42 PM
I'm Probly the only person that will tell you I prefer mahogany over maple haha go with the deluxe..very rich tone and surprisingly good sustain..just my two cents I just like the sweeter tone you get from it..but whatever your choice its a Deering so either way you're not gonna go wrong..you should really play both and pick whatever you like best! Who knows you might decide you wanna be part of the mahogany picker percentage too! Good luck!
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| Jesse13 says:
4/11/2012 6:20:16 AM
Thanks again everyone. I ended up getting a really good deal on the maple blossom and should be delivered tomorrow...which leads to my next question. Railroad spikes or Shubb?
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| 1BadJamaMan says:
4/11/2012 7:26:29 PM
Spikes if you know a good tech..but shubb has its advantages too..I put spikes on up to the 10th fret..might put one on 12th just for giggles...plus Earl used spikes..so I figured they had to be a good choice haha.
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| Jesse13 says:
4/12/2012 12:44:59 PM
Haha. I'm no where close to Earl and if they were good enough for him, they'll be more than good enough for me. I have spikes and my Goodtime now so I'm used to them, just didn't know if Shubb was an advantage. Thankfully, I know a good tech. I'm just scared to put holes in my new baby, haha
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 | MrBoyette says:
6/13/2012 1:19:08 PM
You really need to go to a dealer and test-drive one. I was in your same position last year. I bought the Deluxe. It is very pretty. When I actually started using it I found the glossy finish was really sticky when my hands got sweaty. I test-drove a Sierra with the satin finish and bought it. Absolutley no sticky to make my left hand drag when playing it. It's the little things that you don't get "on-paper" that make the difference whether it's a keeper or not. The pretty will last a little while but once the new wears off, the little things will be obvious and nag at you.
So I got a $1500 banjo that I think is superior in playing to my $3000 banjo. I could've saved a few grand by test-driving first rather than buying from the picture in the catalog.
If I was doing an interview where "pretty" was the objective, I'd use the Deluxe. If I was playing, where "ease of playing" was the objective, I'd use the Sierra.
Nothing on paper or nothing others recommend can replace you sitting down with the banjo in your lap and hearing/feeling it.
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