Deering Calico
submitted 12/2/2005
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Submitter |
revdmike |
Where Purchased |
Hillbilly's (UK) |
Year Purchased |
2005 |
Price Paid |
2,320 (UK Pounds)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
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Sound
|
I wrote the first version of this review when I bought the Calico in mid-2005. I think that perhaps my playing has improved a bit since then, and now tests the instrument a bit more. I have made a few changes and now have a Kat Eyz bridge in place with Fults tailpiece. Obviously sound is subjective, but I believe these changes have improved what was already an awsome sounding banjo. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
|
I like a tight head and have found out by trial and error just how far I can go on that scrore - the second head is now installed after I broke the first! The way I have it now is much tighter that it was when delivered. As indicated in the 'sound' section, I have played around a bit, going from the original Deering bridge to a Snuffy Smith II, and now a Kat Eyz. I shall stay with the latter, and most probably with the Fults tailpiece I have just put on. |
Setup Rating |
8 |
Appearance
|
I love the appearance of the Calico. It is a delightful honey maple finish that corresponds well with the catalogue description. Mine is a standard production instrument with no custom features. It is not flashy with masses of complex inlays, but has a simple attractivenes, which in my opinion could not be bettered at the price. |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
|
I think I can now rate the reliability as good, if standing up to my tinkering is part of that! The only breakage has been a head, which I admit to overtightening. The instrument still looks pristine apart from a slight patina to some of the nickel plating, but I quite like that - makes it look used. Writing again in February 2007, I can say that everything hardware-wise is still in very good shape indeed, and I envisage no problems in the near future. |
Reliability Rating |
9 |
Customer Service
|
It is covered by the Deering lifetime warranty, which covers the first owner. So far my contact with Deering has been via a series of friendly e-mails, when I wrote to thank them for the instrument. My rating reflects my limited contact so far. |
Customer Service |
8 |
Components
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Parts seem very good quality - nothing cheap. As said elsewhere, I have changed the tailpiece and the bridge, but that is no refection on the quality of the Deering originals. |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
|
I love my Calico. It is probably the only top range instrument I shall buy, and I couldn't wish for better. My other two banjos are completely outclassed by it. I would recommend it to anyone at the price. Incidentally, the UK price may seem high by US standards, but it reflects customs duty, etc., imposed by our government. As an alternative to buying from Hillbilly's I priced up a private import and realised that I wouldn't save any cash, and I would forfeit excellent local dealer service. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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