Deering Saratoga Star
submitted 3/1/2010
|
Submitter |
T-Star |
Where Purchased |
Banjer Productions/Houston |
Year Purchased |
2009 |
Price Paid |
$$$$$ ($US) |
Sound
|
This banjo is very versitile. I ordered the 06 tone ring, which I perferred both in sound and in price. It has great sustain at both low and high volumes. Moderate playing brings out both the brightness of the maple along with the richness associated with the Deering Banjo line. Punching it really kicks out the volume without sacrificing the tone or balance of the sound. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
|
Set-up was perfect from the Deering shop. Head was tensioned evenly to 91 (drum dial). Bridge was perfectly placed. Not a single adjustment was required. |
Setup Rating |
10 |
Appearance
|
The quality of the product is better than any I've seen. The mother of pearl inlays and added abalone/ivoroid binding enhance the beauty and unique appearance of the Saratoga Star. The custom engraving and Texas carved heel are meticulous and flawless. The stain and gloss finish are perfectly suited to bring out the beauty of the curly maple neck and resonator. From peghead to tailpiece, this banjo is a work of art. |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
|
Deering's hardware is consistent among their professional line of banjos. Tuners are smooth and reliable. Tailpiece is well made and easy to adjust. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
|
Greg and Janet Deering were a pleasure to work with. Greg helped redesign a custom inlay that I wanted, and executed the pattern flawlessly. They were both very gracious and totally committed to make this a first class instrument. |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
|
I have no complaint about any of the components, including Deering's radiused bridge. I particularly like the ease of tuning with their planetary geared tuners. But of the overall "parts" of this banjo, my favorite is the V-neck. Having read a number of posted comments, I was concerned that the neck would be too fat for my hand. As it turns out, this neck design has a more natural feel that many of the slimmer designs. Maybe I'm lucky, but it fits "just right". |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
|
Its hard to see how anyone could go wrong with this banjo. It delivers exactly what it promises: amazing sound, ease of playing, and an apearance that is second to none. It's a lot of money to spend on a banjo, but then it's also a lot of banjo. If you can get over the sticker shock and decide to purchase the Saratoga Star, you won't be disappointed. It's an amazing banjo. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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