Deering Vega Senator Open Back
submitted 12/21/2011
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Submitter |
martinezgf |
Where Purchased |
Elderly Music |
Year Purchased |
2011 |
Price Paid |
1500 ($US) |
Sound
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I have been playing 3 finger style and have just started to learn how to play clawhammer. The banjo has a very bright sound and can be very loud. If there was a rating on "decibels/pound of weight" I think the banjo would be in the top 10%. When playing it in the 3 finger style, the high end response can be a bit too bright; however when played clawhammer it seems to be well balanced. |
Sound Rating |
9 |
Setup
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The set up is very good, have not made any adjustments. I'm just learnig how to claw-hamer and the action is perfect for that. I have been playing 3 finger style and consider the action just a little high when you get down to the tenth fret or so. I lowered the action by changing to a 19/32" bridge and reverted back to the 5/8 bridge because it a a good compromise for both styles. |
Setup Rating |
10 |
Appearance
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I love the apparance, ( I wish I knew the different woods but I don't). The pot and neck have a satin type of stain that lets the wood grain show. The inlay is very low key but yet powerful, the star inlay in the head really gets your attention. |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
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All of the hardware seems to be pretty robust. The chrome finish still looks like new and I have had it for about 10 months. I keep it outside the case and and live in South Florida near the water, where the air is always salty. The banjo stays in tune better than the other 2 banjo's I own. I like the fact that the banjo has dual coord. rods for making adjustments if necessary. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
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The banjo comes with a lifetime warranty; I have not had to deal with vendor on this Banjo but I have had good experieces with both the retailer and the manufacturer on other issues. |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
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As a point of information, the neck on this banjo is thicker than other banjos I own or have seen. I purchased this banjo on-line and the thicker neck did not bother me (I also play guitar). |
Components Rating |
9 |
Overall Comments
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I took a chance on buying this banjo without ever having played or seen one. I have had it for 10 months and Im very happy with the instrument. It is very lightweight and can hold it's own in a jam session with high end blue-grass banjos, it can get loud. It is very lightweight and I love that feature. The only change I have made to date is change the bridge to bring up the low end response and lower the high end. This is my preference and I did it because I like to play both 3 finger and clawhamer styles.
I bought an overseas banjo on-line 4 years ago and returned it immediately. I cant believe I did it again but It turned out alright this time |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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Dave Jakubiak
submitted 10/22/2007
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Submitter |
martinezgf |
Overall Comments
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Excellent instructor that works hard to make sure every lesson counts.
Has a good feel for when to push and demand more from the student and when to encourage and keep it fun. Well versed in music theory and will not settle for teaching one to play a repertoire of songs from wrote memory. His instructional C/D’s, which are based on actual recorded material, are an excellent learning tool. The material is presented as both a single instrument; banjo, mandolin or guitar, as well as duet combinations, up to tempo and half speed. This makes the material suitable for beginning through intermediate students. Unlike other instructors, Dave never “overbooks” and when you schedule a lesson, you can count on starting on time. At the same time, he is very accommodating and willing to work around shifting work schedules and personal issues to schedule lessons. The rates are consistent with other private instructions that I have taken in the past.
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Overall Rating |
9 |
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