lucydog - Posted - 04/13/2010:  09:26:20

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Janet:

I've been looking at the Goodtimes with the new tone ring, but they seem to be in short supply! My local dealer (Spruce Tree in Madison, WI) has one of the Classic Specials on order, but they must be tough to get.

I'm looking forward to try one out and giving everyone a quick review once my "baby" comes!

The Pope - Posted - 04/13/2010:  11:09:53

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The link to the new banjo gets me a 404 error...

Forrest - Posted - 04/13/2010:  12:24:26

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There are a number of broken links on the new Deering.com site. The big one being the link to 5 String banjos.

Janet Deering - Posted - 04/15/2010:  07:25:01

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Yes, we fixed the links yesterday. Still learning the ins and outs of the new site.

The new Special tone rings do take time to make. As orders have been picking up our team is working hard to keep up and get banjos out as efficiently as we can.

I'll be interested to hear your review when your Classic Goodtime Special arrives.

I'll check on it when I go in today.

lucydog - Posted - 04/15/2010:  07:37:29

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Thanks, Janet!

robin wells - Posted - 04/16/2010:  10:31:03

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Good Morning Janet, Just received my Calico neck back from your shop. Carolina was a great help in rectifying some neck inlay issues. However when I reinstalled the neck I now have a severe 5th string buzz from the seventh string spike that was reinstalled. Also the 9th and 10th fret spikes have been reinstalled in a way that makes it very difficult to slide the string under them. These items were not a problem when I first sent you this neck. First and for-most is the 5th string buzz, this is not acceptable. I now have an instrument that is in my opinion unplayable. If I were a professional musician I'd be up s--- creek. I live in Hawaii and there are no qualified banjo luthiers that can effect a proper diagnosis and repair. I paid shipping postage both ways to have a warranty and craftsmanship work done to this neck and NOW I'm left with this. Please explain to me the course of action you plan to rectify this problem.
Please reference Deering repair order #5183

Robin Wells

BoneDigger - Posted - 04/16/2010:  14:40:23

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I purchased my second Deering this week; a 2007 Sierra sold new (old stock) at Guitar Center. I have to say that this is one very nice sounding banjo. I like the simple elegance of the design and the satin neck is perfect. I also own a Goodtime Classic and it's a fun little banjo as well.

When I purchased the Deering there was a Gibson RB250 that I also played and they were both good sounding banjos but the Deering sounded a little better. I'm really happy with the Deering!

Good job on two great banjos!

Todd

---

Edited by - BoneDigger on 04/16/2010 14:41:55

vsiddhartha - Posted - 04/16/2010:  18:10:18

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I apologize if this has already been mentioned, as I'm only halfway through this thread, but Janet, I have some advice for your website. As a person who's in the entry-level banjo market at the moment (and currently leaning toward a Goodtime), I would really like to see sound clips (or better yet, video clips) of each banjo on your website. Each would have the same person, playing the same songs or portions of songs. The Goldtone website has this, and it's really a great tool for me to hear the difference between the models (e.g., what do different flanges, woods, tone rings, etc. contribute to the sound). As one of the Goodtime's main selling points is the quality tone, I think this would really help you sell more banjos. It would keep people on your website longer as well.

Gomer - Posted - 04/17/2010:  07:44:50

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by robin wells

However when I reinstalled the neck I now have a severe 5th string buzz from the seventh string spike that was reinstalled.
Robin Wells

---

Dear Robin,
Before you fare further, first recast your eyes upon the resonator and gaze over the tobacco-honey hue that mesmerizes and beckons you. Remove each of the strings slowly. pluck them gently as the tone drops to that low breathy sound that unmistakably portends better things about to come. Take the neck in hand and pull the body close to you gently running your fingers over the pure white head checking that it is firm and responsive. Now it is time for your masterful and potent hands to check the neck square to the rim. re-tighten the neck with authority but not force. Feel yourself smitten by the waves of delight. Don't fight it! Have a smoke. Drink a glass of wine. put a little Gershwin like Rhapsody in Blue on the phonograph.
Get a feeler gauge from the auto parts store. It will give you time to clear your head and recover your thoughts.
Lay down a blanket. wrap a towel around a 2x4 to support the neck. Slide the .014 feeler gauge on the ebony under the spike. It is a very sensitive area, be careful and thoughtful. This is not a time to think of yourself. Tap lightly with a small ball-peen hammer with the feeler gauge in place under the spike. Note the top of the spike. Size matters and not all spikes have the compact head that is right for your sweetheart. Fortunately, the spikes are malleable. You can gently tap down the profile until clear of the strings. You will feel the love once again. Just thinking of this makes me ready to tighten up some rimhooks which is totally satisfiying to the more adventurous. Good luck,

---

Edited by - Gomer on 04/17/2010 15:35:35

troy_nov1965 - Posted - 04/19/2010:  06:39:15

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You know the photos of your Vegas dosent show the new style with the star inlay in the pegheads .

Janet Deering - Posted - 04/19/2010:  07:13:02

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Robin,

I understand your problem. somewhere in the handling your spikes are slightly out of adjustment.

Please follow Gomer's eloquent instructions and your banjo will be good as new.

What you experienced is exactly why we prefer to have people send in the complete banjo so that we can ensure all is perfectly aligned and set up when it is returned.

The amount you saved on shipping by just sending in your neck probably was not worth your frustration in trying to set it all back up and adjust it yourself.

However, the fix is fairly simple if you follow Gomer's instructions.

Give us a call if your have further questions. We are always happy to be of service.

kris_rasnake - Posted - 04/19/2010:  07:32:36

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I had the opportunity to play a new Deering Sierra this past weekend (4/16/10), and I mean brand new, the music store owner had not even open the shipping box yet. After setting the bridge and tuning it up, I have to say I was extremely impressed. Not only is the Sierra a great looking banjo, but it's a great sounding banjo too! I was even more impressed when I saw the price, I won't say on here how much it was but I will say that it was a lot lower than I expected after playing it. If you are looking for a new banjo, you should take a look at the new Sierra.

Janet Deering - Posted - 04/19/2010:  07:46:25

---

I purchased my second Deering this week; a 2007 Sierra sold new (old stock) at Guitar Center. I have to say that this is one very nice sounding banjo. I like the simple elegance of the design and the satin neck is perfect. I also own a Goodtime Classic and it's a fun little banjo as well.

When I purchased the Deering there was a Gibson RB250 that I also played and they were both good sounding banjos but the Deering sounded a little better. I'm really happy with the Deering!

Good job on two great banjos!

Todd,

Thanks!

Congratulations on your new Sierra banjo. Good choice.

It is an excellent compliment to your Classic Goodtime banjo.

I hope you enjoy playing your banjos for years to come.

Janet Deering - Posted - 04/19/2010:  07:53:28

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Thanks for the input on the website.

We will be getting video clips up on each model. There are many things to do to get everything the way we want it. I appreciate hearing what you want to see.

Thanks for the tip on the Vega models needing new photos that show the engraved stars that we added recently. We will get new photos taken and put up shortly.

I appreciate all the input. It really helps.

Janet Deering - Posted - 04/19/2010:  07:58:39

---

I have to say I was extremely impressed. Not only is the Sierra a great looking banjo, but it's a great sounding banjo too! I was even more impressed when I saw the price, I won't say on here how much it was but I will say that it was a lot lower than I expected after playing it. If you are looking for a new banjo, you should take a look at the new Sierra.

Kris, Thanks. I'm glad to hear from you about how the new Sierra looks and sounds. It is a tremendous upgrade with all the improvements we made in that model this year.

When we get something done I have to be patient because it takes a while for music stores to get them in and for people to become familiar with what we are currently doing. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

brundecarli - Posted - 04/19/2010:  08:03:33

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Hi Janet
I'm looking for a new banjo. The choice is between Sierra, Deluxe and the new Eagle II.
What about?
I make not only bluegrass but irish music and celtic too.
Thanks for help
Bruno

TB-4 Guy - Posted - 04/19/2010:  08:06:57

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gomer

quote:

---

Originally posted by robin wells

However when I reinstalled the neck I now have a severe 5th string buzz from the seventh string spike that was reinstalled.
Robin Wells

---

Dear Robin,
Before you fare further, first recast your eyes upon the resonator and gaze over the tobacco-honey hue that mesmerizes and beckons you. Remove each of the strings slowly. pluck them gently as the tone drops to that low breathy sound that unmistakably portends better things about to come. Take the neck in hand and pull the body close to you gently running your fingers over the pure white head checking that it is firm and responsive. Now it is time for your masterful and potent hands to check the neck square to the rim. re-tighten the neck with authority but not force. Feel yourself smitten by the waves of delight. Don't fight it! Have a smoke. Drink a glass of wine. put a little Gershwin like Rhapsody in Blue on the phonograph.
Get a feeler gauge from the auto parts store. It will give you time to clear your head and recover your thoughts.
Lay down a blanket. wrap a towel around a 2x4 to support the neck. Slide the .014 feeler gauge on the ebony under the spike. It is a very sensitive area, be careful and thoughtful. This is not a time to think of yourself. Tap lightly with a small ball-peen hammer with the feeler gauge in place under the spike. Note the top of the spike. Size matters and not all spikes have the compact head that is right for your sweetheart. Fortunately, the spikes are malleable. You can gently tap down the profile until clear of the strings. You will feel the love once again. Just thinking of this makes me ready to tighten up some rimhooks which is totally satisfiying to the more adventurous. Good luck,

---

That's a great explanation, Mr. Gomer. Thanks. Now I know the proper clearance under the two HO gauge RR spikes that were installed in my new to me 1992 Gibson ESS. I wondered about that. .014 it is, Captain, steady as she goes!

In my case, who ever did it, did it right since there are no buzzes and they actually work.

Regards.

Janet Deering - Posted - 04/20/2010:  07:56:31

---

Bruno,

The Deluxe, Sierra and the Eagle II are all great banjos. Not knowing your style, how you sound on each banjo it would be hard to be sure which would be the perfect banjo for you.

Each banjo responds uniquely to the person playing it. But, since you are in Italy you might want to visit Music Pool in Stradella where you can play and feel each banjo.

Knowing that you are in Italy, that you are playing a variety of styles of music, and that you want a beautiful banjo with the most economical price, you may want to try the Eagle II. Right now the nearest Master dealer with an Eagle in stock is Eagle Music in Huddersfield, England.

BanjoLink - Posted - 04/21/2010:  06:54:23

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gomer

quote:

---

Originally posted by robin wells

However when I reinstalled the neck I now have a severe 5th string buzz from the seventh string spike that was reinstalled.
Robin Wells

---

Dear Robin,
Before you fare further, first recast your eyes upon the resonator and gaze over the tobacco-honey hue that mesmerizes and beckons you. Remove each of the strings slowly. pluck them gently as the tone drops to that low breathy sound that unmistakably portends better things about to come. Take the neck in hand and pull the body close to you gently running your fingers over the pure white head checking that it is firm and responsive. Now it is time for your masterful and potent hands to check the neck square to the rim. re-tighten the neck with authority but not force. Feel yourself smitten by the waves of delight. Don't fight it! Have a smoke. Drink a glass of wine. put a little Gershwin like Rhapsody in Blue on the phonograph.
Get a feeler gauge from the auto parts store. It will give you time to clear your head and recover your thoughts.
Lay down a blanket. wrap a towel around a 2x4 to support the neck. Slide the .014 feeler gauge on the ebony under the spike. It is a very sensitive area, be careful and thoughtful. This is not a time to think of yourself. Tap lightly with a small ball-peen hammer with the feeler gauge in place under the spike. Note the top of the spike. Size matters and not all spikes have the compact head that is right for your sweetheart. Fortunately, the spikes are malleable. You can gently tap down the profile until clear of the strings. You will feel the love once again. Just thinking of this makes me ready to tighten up some rimhooks which is totally satisfiying to the more adventurous. Good luck,

---

Whew - after reading this, I had to go outside and take a smoke - and I don't even smoke!

Janet Deering - Posted - 04/21/2010:  08:53:38

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Yes, I had to go out for a smoke too and I don't smoke either!

I'm looking forward to seeing some of you at Merlefest.

If you are going to Merlefest you will have the opportunity to compare all the new models there. Our display will be in the Vendor Tent to the left of Main Stage. I'm very interested in hearing feedback on this new patent pending tone ring.

I look forward to hearing what you think about the comparative sound of our new twenty ten tone ring on the Eagle to the '06 tone ring, the Hartford tone ring, the Tubaphone tone ring, the new patent pending Goodtime Special tonering and the Goodtime 3 ply grade maple rim. Wow, have wee been busy this past year!

I'll have a great array of banjos so you can put your hands on all the new models.

Steve Martin just purchased a Clawgrass banjo from us, like the banjo Mark Johnson plays, and we shipped it last week. He is playing it on tour. He will be on main stage on Saturday night at Merlefest.

David Holt just got our new Kavanjo pickup in a fiberskyn head and put it onto his Deering. He is very pleased with the tone and performance of this new magnetic banjo pickup. He will be performing plugged in with the Kavanjo pickup at Merlefest.

It will be a great festival. I hope to see you there.

---

Edited by - Janet Deering on 04/26/2010 06:05:11

Mango - Posted - 04/21/2010:  13:16:53

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Janet what humidity level do you keep the shop?

Janet Deering - Posted - 04/23/2010:  06:56:23

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San Diego East County humidity level. Luckily we live in the best climate on earth for building musical instruments. We are 15 miles from the ocean so the humidity stays even keel most of the time. We have drying ovens for the wood to cure it before we work with it.

The average is around 70% humidity.

---

Edited by - Janet Deering on 04/24/2010 07:13:43

Janet Deering - Posted - 04/26/2010:  07:09:31

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For those of you who haven't seen it, this is the peghead of the new Clawgrass Model. It's hand inlaid and engraved by our Master Craftsman. If you go to Steve Martin's concerts this tour you will be able to hear him playing his new Clawgrass banjo that we finished for him this month.

Here is an article about one of his recent concerts.

kansascity.com/2010/04/23/1898...-the.html

If you have an opportunity to see him perform it is well worth the price of a ticket!

---

Edited by - Janet Deering on 04/27/2010 11:19:29

Clawgrass Peghead

Clark-a-holic - Posted - 04/27/2010:  13:59:13

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I must be old-fashioned. . . that Clawgrass Peghead looks too busy. . . I prefer the old Deering Designs.

Mistah Bee

Deaf David - Posted - 04/27/2010:  18:41:48

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Hi Janet,
I sold my Vega Bluegrass Wonder and bought a (very slightly) used Deluxe, which I love. i have two questions:

1) Is there a simple adjustment to give the Deluxe a slightly faster decay without loss of tone?
2) Is there a way to get the Deluxe registered so that it can be identified if, heaven forbid, it should ever become separated from me? (I can't imagine willingly let this thing go.)

I've been wanting to get railroad spikes installed but I haven't found anyone I trust to work on that wonderful neck; and I don't think I could take the separation anxiety if I had to ship it to California from Kentucky! Guess I'll have to learn to play without a capo.

TB-4 Guy - Posted - 04/27/2010:  19:14:57

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Deaf David

Hi Janet,
I sold my Vega Bluegrass Wonder and bought a (very slightly) used Deluxe, which I love. i have two questions:

1) Is there a simple adjustment to give the Deluxe a slightly faster decay without loss of tone?
2) Is there a way to get the Deluxe registered so that it can be identified if, heaven forbid, it should ever become separated from me? (I can't imagine willingly let this thing go.)

I've been wanting to get railroad spikes installed but I haven't found anyone I trust to work on that wonderful neck; and I don't think I could take the separation anxiety if I had to ship it to California from Kentucky! Guess I'll have to learn to play without a capo.

---

My new to me 1992 Gibson ESS was fitted with two HO gauge RR spikes at the 7th and 9th fret. I had ordered a new banjo and my intention was to not have the spikes installed but when this banjo became available I acted quickly, RR spikes to the contrary notwithstanding.

Since the banjo came with 2 spikes installed, I will leave them. Whoever did it, did a perfect job. In any case, I also got a regular Shubb capo for strings 1-4 and one of the tiny Reagan 5th string capos which also works very well for those who may have 'spike aversion".

By the way, Stewart MacDonald Co. sells black Cyanoacrylate (super glue) for filling in old spike holes and repairing small defects in ebony. It is terrific. So, if I ever decide to remove the spikes, that and some ebony dust could fill the little holes. While I doubt that I'll ever do that, I also won't be adding any more spikes. LOL.

---

Edited by - TB-4 Guy on 04/27/2010 19:17:03

kirbonite - Posted - 04/27/2010:  19:16:17

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Why don't you see if you can get Arthur Hatfeild to install the spikes if you're in Kentucky. Loads of positive comments on the hangout. Only danger, you may like one of his banjos. There also some reputable people like Chris Ciaffo around Nashville. short drive from KY.

K.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Deaf David

Hi Janet,
I sold my Vega Bluegrass Wonder and bought a (very slightly) used Deluxe, which I love. i have two questions:

1) Is there a simple adjustment to give the Deluxe a slightly faster decay without loss of tone?
2) Is there a way to get the Deluxe registered so that it can be identified if, heaven forbid, it should ever become separated from me? (I can't imagine willingly let this thing go.)

I've been wanting to get railroad spikes installed but I haven't found anyone I trust to work on that wonderful neck; and I don't think I could take the separation anxiety if I had to ship it to California from Kentucky! Guess I'll have to learn to play without a capo.

---

vsiddhartha - Posted - 04/28/2010:  06:39:49

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Janet,
Is it a normal manufacturing variation, even after setup, for there to be a small gap between the neck heel and rim on one corner of the heel where it attaches to the rim? I have a new Goodtime, setup, and the gap is visible and measures 0.005”. Thanks, Josh.

Grinnin&Pickin - Posted - 04/28/2010:  17:35:49

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by vsiddhartha

Janet,
Is it a normal manufacturing variation, even after setup, for there to be a small gap between the neck heel and rim on one corner of the heel where it attaches to the rim? I have a new Goodtime, setup, and the gap is visible and measures 0.005”. Thanks, Josh.

---

).005" is not a "Gap" on a wood product.... Sounds like an excellent match to me....

---

Edited by - Grinnin&Pickin on 04/28/2010 17:36:23

kirbonite - Posted - 04/28/2010:  18:05:19

---

there is a youtube video with Terry Baucom where he says he likes his heads tuned to A.

quote:

---

Originally posted by lethegoodtimesroll

Janet, I have a Baucom model. What note do you tune the head to for this Banjo model when you set it up?

---

vsiddhartha - Posted - 04/28/2010:  18:57:42

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Grinnin&Pickin.005" is not a "Gap" on a wood product.... Sounds like an excellent match to me....

---

It is a visible gap...see photos:

heel gap 2

heel gap

Deaf David - Posted - 04/28/2010:  19:10:20

---

[quote]Originally posted by kirbonite

Why don't you see if you can get Arthur Hatfeild to install the spikes if you're in Kentucky. Loads of positive comments on the hangout. Only danger, you may like one of his banjos. There also some reputable people like Chris Ciaffo around Nashville. short drive from KY.

I have been wanting to make that trek to Arthur Hatfield's famous shop. I'm in far western Kentucky and the best I can tell its about four hours away. Some day I'm going to make it! My work, farm and kid raising schedule just haven't allowed it yet.

TB-4 Guy - Posted - 04/28/2010:  19:20:14

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by vsiddhartha

quote:

---

Originally posted by Grinnin&Pickin.005" is not a "Gap" on a wood product.... Sounds like an excellent match to me....

---

It is a visible gap...see photos:

---

It appears that the radius of the neck doesn't match the radius of the rim at that point. It could be eased in by a repair person very easily.

vsiddhartha - Posted - 04/29/2010:  05:25:38

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by TB-4 Guy
It appears that the radius of the neck doesn't match the radius of the rim at that point. It could be eased in by a repair person very easily.

---

It's just one corner of the heel, not a whole "side", meaning the other corner (up nearer the head) on the same side sits flush.

TB-4 Guy - Posted - 04/29/2010:  07:35:18

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by vsiddhartha

quote:

---

Originally posted by TB-4 Guy
It appears that the radius of the neck doesn't match the radius of the rim at that point. It could be eased in by a repair person very easily.

---

It's just one corner of the heel, not a whole "side", meaning the other corner (up nearer the head) on the same side sits flush.

---

Well, yeah. I don't know if you are correcting what I said or not. The radius of the neck is irregular since the pot, which was turned on a wood lathe is generally round.

That could easily be corrected by a skilled repairman (or woman) with some fine sandpaper mounted on the outside of the pot and some careful sanding motion.

That's the way that bridges are fitted to mandolins and arch-topped guitars that have curved surfaces to which parts must be matched.

If it bothers the OP, I would think that it would be handled under a warranty of some sort. It could certainly be easily fixed.

Gomer - Posted - 04/29/2010:  08:17:37

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by vsiddhartha
It is a visible gap...see photos

---

Not any more than the beauty mark above Maryilyn Monroe's lips would be considered an ugly dark spot.

---

Edited by - Gomer on 04/29/2010 16:19:49

Jack Russel - Posted - 05/01/2010:  10:31:09

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Josh

I don't think there's very much wrong there. Perhaps you could check whether the neck is properly seated - ie that the coordinator rod and 3/8" nut are both run up nice and tight on their threads against the inside of the pot

milkman - Posted - 05/02/2010:  16:35:25

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Janet,

I just saw Kevin Nealon playing a goodtime banjo on the show 'Til Death. You guys have made prime time on fox now!!!

bigal37 - Posted - 05/05/2010:  12:23:26

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I bought my new Deering about 2 months ago... how long does it usually take to get my nifty Gold Warranty Card?

Gymbal31 - Posted - 05/05/2010:  16:36:30

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by milkman

Janet,

I just saw Kevin Nealon playing a goodtime banjo on the show 'Til Death. You guys have made prime time on fox now!!!

---

There was an episode of "Malcolm in the Middle" where someone was playing a Goodtime.

ltjgcag - Posted - 05/06/2010:  05:04:36

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Janet - Just wanted to let you know that your staff is great. I had a problem with your website when trying to order parts for the the old Goodtime I recently picked up. A phone call to your desk sent me to Carolina to explain the issue, and then to Charity to take my order. Everyone was very helpful, professional and all sounded happy! My kudos to all. Chris

psikes - Posted - 05/06/2010:  10:40:38

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Dear Janet and Deering friends,

I just wanted to thank you for making such great instruments. I had a Deering Basic model back in the early 80's and just loved it. I had to quite playing anything about 10 years ago due to a problem with my left wrist so I sold my Deering. A couple of months ago a friend came by with a new banjo he had bought and I found I could play again. Not well, but I could play. I went looking and found a good deal on a used (2004) Golden Era and I am just amazed at the sound coming from this instrument. The only problem is in putting it down. It is nice to be back in the Deering fold again.

Thanks - Phil

Janet Deering - Posted - 05/10/2010:  09:33:59

---

Phil,
Welcome back into the fold! I completely understand what you are experiencing. I played guitar and banjo when the kids were little, then became so very busy with the business that I quit playing regularly.

Last week I started playing again and I realize how much I have missed it. Music adds such a wonderful quality to life! It's great to experience it on a very personal basis. It is a very important aspect to the most ideal lifestyle in my opinion.

I'm glad you are playing banjo again!

Janet Deering - Posted - 05/10/2010:  09:36:16

---

bought my new Deering about 2 months ago... how long does it usually take to get my nifty Gold Warranty Card?

We send them out twice a year. You should be getting yours in June or July.

dpete210 - Posted - 05/10/2010:  17:45:02

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Ok, Janet, you probably anticipated this question, so here it comes. Having the luxury of choosing from all those terrific Deering banjos, which model or models do you play for your personal playing?

Gomer - Posted - 05/11/2010:  06:30:26

---

David, I certainly don't mean to untoward, but do you really want to ask such a private question of a lady without having the honor of an intimate acquaintance? I am wondering if there is line that we, as gentlemen, should not dare to cross. I am not making the accusation, only asking the question. There are some things that are best left to imagination and some subjects that perhaps ought be left to private speculation and a man's own fantasy.

vsiddhartha - Posted - 05/11/2010:  09:17:00

---

Janet, did you see my question at the top of page 22? There are also photos a few posts down if that helps. Also, I have another question. Is it normal for the fretboard part of the neck to be touching the counterhoop? Most banjos seem to have a gap here. The neck is snug and aligned properly.

dpete210 - Posted - 05/11/2010:  10:56:52

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In response to Gomer's objection, while I certainly agree that Mrs. Deering's favorite or favorites is none of my or anyone's business but her own, my question was certainly not meant to offend or be interpreted as any kind of intimate acquaintance. My apologies to Mrs. Deering if my post is interpreted as such. The only motivation was curiosity and for discussion purposes. Things have kind of slowed down on this thread and it occurred to me this might add something positive to an already interesting thread. I own 3 Deering banjos, a John Hartford, a Deluxe, and a Maple Blossom, and I have not been able to decide which I like best, however, I do have a special fondness for or connection to my Deluxe as I found it necessary to resurrect it from some serious neglect by its previous owner in order for it to be playable. There are reasons why a person gets attached to an instrument and while those reasons are none of my business, it could lead the way to some interesting history discussion. I like all of my Deering banjos and on some days I like one over another, but as soon as I pick up the next one and start to play, I find myself very satisfied with that banjo. The bottom line is they all sound great.

No, my intention is not to put Mrs. Deering on the spot or attempt to "trick" her into divulging secret information about any certain model. Mrs. Deering is among the few who, because of access and opportunity, could form an opinion on picking a favorite or favorites based on having the availability to play all of the models. A preference for one over the other may have nothing to do with the particular style or sound, but may have more to do with the development of that banjo or a special bond created through adversity or some other circumstances. I am not interested in any intimacy angle. However, I wouldn't be surprised if a reply mentioned a special liking for the Maple Blossom which uses her inlay design, or the GDL (Greg Deering Limited) which bears both the Deering name and that of her husband. The possibility exists there is a JDL (Janet Deering Limited) one of a kind model specially made for her. While I say that in jest, lest the reader misunderstand, if true wouldn't surprise me in the least. That would be a terrific honor for the contributions she has made to the Deering company success. But that is a whole different topic.

EDIT - dang speeling errors!

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Edited by - dpete210 on 05/11/2010 15:16:09

Grey Dog - Posted - 05/11/2010:  10:58:57

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OoooOoooooo....A JDL.

I like it!