slickstrings - Posted - 08/22/2010:  23:30:30

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Will Deering add a Whyte Laydie openback model?

slickstrings - Posted - 08/22/2010:  23:54:29

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I've played lots of Goodtimes in my local music store, and there is no comparison to my oscar schmidt ob-5 that I got off Amazon for 148$. Even though it costs more, I will always refer people to the Goodtime, because the sound is great. My next banjo after my custom archtop, will hopefully be a Deering. Also, because my ob-5 is so bad it will probably be the first and last asian banjo I buy.

Rindill - Posted - 08/23/2010:  01:33:58

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Hey! For those of us eeking it out through the economy, (thank gawd music is free! I have found my pen tops, and Woowie! I had forgotten how great this little fix is!
Maybe I will get spikes someday - but right now, !st priority is feeding the cat!
(besides - lazy as I get, some of those A tunes sound real good in G - whilst excercising the fingers a mite stretchier -

Jen/Rindill

Janet Deering - Posted - 08/24/2010:  10:17:11

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I checked with the guys in the shop who make our tubaphone tone rings.

Yes, we can make an openback Whyte Laydie banjo.

You can order a custom banjo with a Whyte Laydie tone ring.

Just select the banjo model you prefer and order it with the custom option of the Whyte Laydie tonering.

The cost of this upgrade is $ 395 for custom making and fitting the Whyte Laydie tone ring to any model.

We can customize Deering, and Vega banjos in this way.

Janet Deering - Posted - 08/24/2010:  10:23:22

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Gomer, I'm glad you like your stainless steel frets. Thanks for your comments.

It's good to hear more from a players perspective the benefits of stainless steel frets.

gdoc - Posted - 08/24/2010:  10:47:51

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quote:

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Originally posted by Janet Deering

I checked with the guys in the shop who make our tubaphone tone rings.

Yes, we can make an openback Whyte Laydie banjo.

You can order a custom banjo with a Whyte Laydie tone ring.

Just select the banjo model you prefer and order it with the custom option of the Whyte Laydie tonering.

The cost of this upgrade is $ 395 for custom making and fitting the Whyte Laydie tone ring to any model.

We can customize Deering, and Vega banjos in this way.

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Why is it always an up-grade and never a down grade (for less money)

Gomer - Posted - 08/25/2010:  07:51:27

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quote:

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Originally posted by gdoc

[quote]

Why is it always an up-grade and never a down grade (for less money)

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That's on account of their marketing guy not telling them to refer to such items as options istead of upgrades. The problem with the work upgrade is that the base offering is impliedly not the best for your money. I will be sending a bill for that.

After really blistering my fingertips for this evening's lesson with two banjos, I feel that the SS frets on my Roquefort are faster and easier to play that the Tenbrooks with the 18% nickle. All further instruments will have SS.

One very important option that has not been discussed is the engraved wrist rest. The engraver that Deering has is da bomb. I would take my firearms down South for that kind of detail. Pricey? Yes! But when it comes to my very own special Banjo Hero in the mirror, No price is to great!

Janet Deering - Posted - 08/28/2010:  16:47:45

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When we put an order through that has to have very special handling by one of our top craftsmen to make sure all the alignment features work to give you a perfectly aligned and playable banjo with customized features that can have us changing dimensions, making special parts and fitting them for your customized banjo, naturally this will affect the price.

You can order a Vega Little Wonder and have us install the Whyte Laydie tone ring and have a very economical Whyte Laydie banjo.

slickstrings - Posted - 08/29/2010:  11:59:17

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Sorry for asking alot of questions, and this is probably none of my buisness. Have you really sold any of your banjos that are over 15,000$? I'd be afraid to play something that's 62,000$ and that nice looking. If you don't want to, you don't need to answer.

Gomer - Posted - 08/30/2010:  07:24:35

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I do not own any of the stratospheric banjos, but I am going to guess that if you that if the price strikes you more than the objet d'art of the instrument, that you should not ask. I was thinking about commissioning a one-off where a mural on the neck would reflect my contributions to humanity and the realized that there would be much more inlay if I just brought a Hartford, so I opted for the latter. If you think about it, the world's most expensive banjo is Earl's and it hasn't sold yet.

Janet, The stainless are faster to play and do not affect tone. My local instructor Andy helped my to drop the strings as close to the deck as possible. My Roquefort has become about the most enjoyable piece to play in the county.

Janet Deering - Posted - 08/30/2010:  19:47:13

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Yes, we have sold several of them. The comment we usually get is that it was well worth the wait, as it takes some time to complete an instrument of that calibre.

gdoc - Posted - 08/30/2010:  19:50:10

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quote:

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Originally posted by slickstrings

Sorry for asking alot of questions, and this is probably none of my buisness. Have you really sold any of your banjos that are over 15,000$? I'd be afraid to play something that's 62,000$ and that nice looking. If you don't want to, you don't need to answer.

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The first time I met Mrs. Deering was at the Grass Valley Bluegrass Festival a couple years ago. She was very kind, taking the time to have a friend of her's play different banjos so I could stand a few feet away and listen to the different sounds. She also had me play a few, although at the time, I was pretty rusty. She was plesant and smiling.

But when I mention I saw a banjo in a catalog for Stelling going for something like 80k... and I looked her straight in the eyes and asked her.."who would ever buy a banjo that cost that much.." She just kept smiling, her eyes twinkled just a little more, and I found out what my foot tasts like when I later found that the Deering too, sell those extremely high end banjos.

Although she kept smiling, and never insulted me with an answer, I do believe I saw a little ballon image just over her head with the picture of a toad inside it.

But for me, that's just toooooo much money. Perhaps if I were a lawyer or doctor... I'd need something like that to play on my yaht... and there are plenty of people who own very expensives boats. So, I think, although Mrs. Deering never did say.... Yes, they sell a few...

Janet Deering - Posted - 08/30/2010:  19:51:03

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Gomer,

I'm glad that you have your banjo with stainless steel frets set up just right and are enjoying playing it.

Your contributions to humanity are innumerable for all the great chuckles you inspire with your quick wit.

Janet Deering - Posted - 08/30/2010:  20:21:46

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Yes, Gdoc.

We appreciate it when we have the opportunity to build a top of the line banjo and put our heart and soul into the making of a one of a kind banjo that is both artistic in craftsmanship and beauty while also being an exquisitely playable banjo.

Some makers only make the beauty and claim it's not to play. We believe it should be both beautiful and playable.

For us, it is a privilege to be able to take the time it requires to do this kind of high calibre work. It takes the craft we do for a living and allows us to expand and bring to life the full range of our skills.

It does cost a lot of money to find the most exquisite materials and to commit the hours of labor of our top craftsmen to making one banjo until it is perfect. That is just exactly why they cost so very much. I'm glad there are people who can afford them.

When you enjoy the great art work of the world, and the great architecture man has achieved, isn't it wonderful that there have been people who could pay to have it made so that all mankind can enjoy it?

While most people can't afford the top end banjos, I'm thankful for those people who can because we enjoy bringing such an amazingly wonderful banjo to life. It becomes a prize that will be marveled at and enjoyed by future generations.

And for everyone else, we make many models with less labor that are affordable.
That is the bulk of what we do.

And that's great too.

Rindill - Posted - 08/31/2010:  00:06:19

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Ahhh Artists and true craftsmen - gotta love 'em! - can't live without 'em.

Mango - Posted - 08/31/2010:  16:07:40

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I just received notice that my Tenbrooks Legacy is on it way home..its been at the factory for a Violin Maple rim retrofit.. and a neck reprofile.Chrismas in September..I cant wait!!

Janet Deering - Posted - 08/31/2010:  16:58:10

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Yes, it shipped today. Let me know how you like it when it arrives.

lucydog - Posted - 09/01/2010:  06:06:43

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Hello Janet! I have a powerhouse GT Special Classic OB that I love. It was one of the first batch of banjos with the new tone ring, and it has a lot of zip. That said, I'm seriously considering a resonator retro fit kit to add a little more versatility. I see that the current kits are only in the blond maple - are there any plans to offer a kit with the same brown stain of the classic? I'm in love (well, at least infatuated) by this banjo, particularly at its price point.

Well, what do you think? Is it possible to get a GT classic brown stain resonator retro fit kit?

Cheers!

Jeremy.

Deering_Dude - Posted - 09/01/2010:  11:43:51

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quote:

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Originally posted by Janet Deering

I have one here showing the sound of the Kavanjo pickup a six-string banjo.

We will make a video with a five string banjo and post it shortly.

youtube.com/watch?v=c0yVMcXO7Q4

This was taken at Merlefest in April playing our B-6 with a Renaissance Kavanjo head.

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Hello again. Though I'm sure y'all are busy running my favorite banjo company, I sure would love to hear a quality sound clip of the kavanjo on a 5-string :-) David

Janet Deering - Posted - 09/01/2010:  13:43:19

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Yes, you can purchase a Classic Resonator retro fit kit for $268.

Janet Deering - Posted - 09/01/2010:  14:35:31

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Here is a fellow at Merlefest trying out the electric Goodtime...

youtube.com/watch?v=GhThDtyofZo

UK - Posted - 09/01/2010:  16:23:23

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Hiya Janet please could you help I am after a (B) capo for my Deering Calico I sent an e-mail to Elliot Capo's the reason being that I respect Gomer's knowledge about banjo's and I know that Gomer has an Elliot elite on his banjo. I asked Gomer for his expert advice and I sent Gomers kind reply to Elliot Capo's but they require further measurement please can you help I have there reply here it is,

Each banjo neck varies so we would need to know the measurement of the neck
at the 4th fret. We make capos 1.375, 1.400, 1.450, 1.500. After we
receive the measurement we would know which capo you would need.

Gomer please do not be offended that I have asked for further information but living in the uk and paying for shipping I have to get it right. Janet please could you also advice on the size for the C capo also.

Gomer Thank You for all your help and please do keep giving your answers of wisdom to us.

Thank You Janet and also Gomer for advice readily given Steve UK

Janet Deering - Posted - 09/01/2010:  16:33:55

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The measurement of the Calico neck at the 4th fret is 1.40.

At the fifth fret the width of the Calico neck is 1.66.

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Edited by - Janet Deering on 09/01/2010 16:39:52

UK - Posted - 09/02/2010:  02:09:10

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Thanks Janet for your very quick response I can now go ahead and order without worry.

Once again thank You steve.

Gomer - Posted - 09/02/2010:  16:55:59

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quote:

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Gomer please do not be offended that I have asked for further information

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Quite alright, Lad! I don't trust my advice either. It's always marginal, mostly useless and is wrought of blind speculation. You can take that to the bank.

Gomer - Posted - 09/03/2010:  08:16:28

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I think that me be the case since it is the Recording King Chicken. They are very funny about that stuff.
Off topic: I went to a soccer camp in Florida for a week that was sponsored by Addidas. All of the instrucors had taped over anything with a soccer brand and put three stripes on it.
Now back to the Deering Discussions. .

Grey Dog - Posted - 09/03/2010:  08:18:28

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Mmmmm...Pre-war chicken patties.

I little chewy, but pickers will pay top dollar for 'em!

UK - Posted - 09/03/2010:  16:40:53

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Janet I have sent for the capo Elliot Elite one more bit of info please can the DEERING David Holt 'Tree of Life' 5 string banjo be played for bluegrass style music?
Steve

Gomer - Posted - 09/06/2010:  14:12:29

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Buying an Elliot Elite for your Calico is like buying a a gold Rolex for your significant other. A wedding ring just means you have made promises even if the diamond is a big as a house. Giver her a rolex shows commitment, affection and lets her know that you are really in love.

UK - Posted - 09/06/2010:  16:05:34

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Gomer I really look forward to your replies of wisdom this site is fantastic and its down to guys such as yourself putting a different happier slant on things. Its great when people reply to what sometimes must look like a dum question to the experts of this site, but to us mere mortals it helps stop us from making sometimes the wrong expensive purchase.

Thanks to all once again UK.

Viktor Velthuijs - Posted - 09/07/2010:  09:57:29

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Dear Janet,

I'm incredibly curious about the 200 plus years old wood. I can hardly wait! :-)

Smiles,

Viktor

Beardog - Posted - 09/07/2010:  18:29:53

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Hey Janet,

Would you consider bringing a Hartford banjo to IBMA? I would love to try one with the pop-off resonator! Do you have a list of what banjos you are bringing to display that week?

Gomer - Posted - 09/08/2010:  18:07:40

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Mr. UK, I am deeply humbled by your compliments although I can assure you they are undeserved. I have been told that the only really dumb question is the one you don't ask. I do not like to plop down money. I give it up along the lines of a prisoner of war being tortured for information. When you care enough about yourself to get only the very best, you should ask around. It is plain to me that you care about yourself by the banjo you keep.
Mr Beardog is on the hunt. The Hartford is an enigma. I have played on three of them, each one with a different voice. All are the same; they amazingly different. A Hartford is sort of like your best friend Go-to-Hell buddy, walking down the back road taking turns at kicking stone along the way, the same thing that you have been doing together since you were boys. You might be a little competitive about some things, especially girls, but, at the end of the day , you have got each others backs.
My own Roquefort has become just about like that . Its all growed up now, but still looks the same to me.

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Edited by - Gomer on 09/08/2010 21:26:01

Janet Deering - Posted - 09/10/2010:  13:24:52

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Good description, Gomer!

You do have a way with words! I enjoy it tremendously.
_______

Here's catch up with a week of my being out of town:

Janet I have sent for the capo Elliot Elite one more bit of info please can the DEERING David Holt 'Tree of Life' 5 string banjo be played for bluegrass style music?
Steve

Sure, the Holt Tree of Life banjo can certainly be played for bluegrass style of music.

Would you consider bringing a Hartford banjo to IBMA? I would love to try one with the pop-off resonator! Do you have a list of what banjos you are bringing to display that week?

I would consider it, but I went throughout the shop looking in every possible place to see if I had one that we could finish up to bring and we don't. Every Hartford we have made has been sold.

I'd have to start another one from scratch and we don't have time to work it in before IBMA. Sorry.

Pop-on resonators take a bit more time to produce so I'd need about 4-6 weeks to have one ready.

Janet Deering - Posted - 09/10/2010:  13:25:53

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By the way, I thought you might enjoy seeing this:

This week Taylor Swift opened at the 9/9 NFL Kick off with her banjoist playing a Boston 5-string banjo :

youtube.com/watch?v=udCit-QK5uU

bayouland - Posted - 09/10/2010:  13:58:03

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What a great way to open the show!!!

David

eagleisland - Posted - 09/10/2010:  17:40:32

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quote:

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Originally posted by bayouland

What a great way to open the show!!!

David

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Agreed. As I age, I become more jaded about what passes for charting pop songs, but that song is a GOOD one and well executed. I liked it the first time I heard it and like it even more now.

As for the vid... well, it sure doesn't sound like a banjo - but what the hey. As long as people THINK it's a banjo and give it respect, it's all good.

Beardog - Posted - 09/10/2010:  19:52:27

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quote:

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Originally posted by Janet Deering

Would you consider bringing a Hartford banjo to IBMA? I would love to try one with the pop-off resonator! Do you have a list of what banjos you are bringing to display that week?

I would consider it, but I went throughout the shop looking in every possible place to see if I had one that we could finish up to bring and we don't. Every Hartford we have made has been sold.

I'd have to start another one from scratch and we don't have time to work it in before IBMA. Sorry.

Pop-on resonators take a bit more time to produce so I'd need about 4-6 weeks to have one ready

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DARN!

But thanks for looking into it, anyway!

Deaf David - Posted - 09/10/2010:  21:46:11

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Thanks for the link to Taylor Swift. I'm not a fan, but it will give my banjer some cred with my teenagers!

DIV - Posted - 09/12/2010:  11:38:19

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Hey, I have to announce that I'm really loving the tone from my recently acquired 2003 GDL. The tone from the stock set-up (old no-hole tone ring and regular rim) is amazing. I love it. It has quickly become my favorite banjo. The shallow resonator adds to the "punch" of the tone.
Even before it arrived, I was planning on sending it to Deering to upgrade to the violin maple rim and 06 tone ring, but it would have been a mistake...this GDL is wonderful in every way!

Grey Dog - Posted - 09/12/2010:  17:47:42

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I agree with you 100% DIV: I prefer my pre-06 ring setup also.

Gomer - Posted - 09/12/2010:  20:12:55

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I agree with you on the GDL. It just sounds real good, I wonder if it has something to do with the name. Initials are just hard to get your head around.
You say Calico, and I can immediately drum up a picture of meeting up with a whisky-voiced forest nymph, clad in jeans and flannel plaid shirt open just one button more that a proper girl ought to. When you say GDL, I am thinking about a Dow Jones company. The fact is that the GDL is a handsomely appointed walnut banjo that has the whole package. As good as it sounds, I would rather be explaining to my friends what I was doing with the forest nymph rather than the Dow Jones Company.

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Edited by - Gomer on 09/14/2010 21:22:16

mountiepicker - Posted - 09/15/2010:  05:46:24

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quote:

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Originally posted by lethegoodtimesroll

I recently sent my Tenbrooks Legacy to the Deering Factory and upgraded to a Violin Maple rim.I also had the neck reshaped to the current Deering specs( alittle slimmer then the original neck shape)I wasnt happy with the factory set -up.The head was cranked up to a "B" note..which I think is too tight among other things.I feel if they charge you $120 to put the neck back on they should take the time to dial the Banjo in. Anyway after a proper set- up and some settling the Banjo really sounds great..strong volume, tempered by a sweet warm tone..with a strong fundamental and some pleasing overtones. I recommend it..plus you get to keep your old rim you could always switch back...but I wont

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Is that because you are selling it?

Gomer - Posted - 09/15/2010:  08:07:02

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Now Boys, Boys Boys. . This is a happy thread and there are are ladies present. I have sent my Roquefort to the factory in the past and asked for a particular set-up and gotten it back perfect. Then I mess with it so that I can take the credit for knowing more than the factory guys.
A question for you Ms. Deering. Hows do you go about selecting and vetting different woods. HOw do you test moisture etc.

gdoc - Posted - 09/15/2010:  10:08:52

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quote:

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Originally posted by Gomer

Now Boys, Boys Boys. . This is a happy thread and there are are ladies present. I have sent my Roquefort to the factory in the past and asked for a particular set-up and gotten it back perfect. Then I mess with it so that I can take the credit for knowing more than the factory guys.
A question for you Ms. Deering. Hows do you go about selecting and vetting different woods. HOw do you test moisture etc.

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Gee Gomer, you should know by now.... they hold it over an open flame, and if it survives, it's good to go! Espically if it's Rosewood.

Gomer - Posted - 09/15/2010:  10:21:10

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Nah, I have an agenda. I have a client that makes rifle stock blanks. He sell to Boss Firearms in England. He also sells burl stumps to Mercedes and BMW. He offered me pick of the litter on some straight grain that lights up with purple, green and blue when you hit it with alcohol. I saw him sell a piece for $1500.00 over the phone on the strength of a picture sent on the internet. You know where I am going!

JLB - Posted - 09/15/2010:  12:20:00

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You gonna make a banjo that changes color when you spill your beer on it?

UK - Posted - 09/15/2010:  13:50:23

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It would be very rare mine would change colour as it is very rare I spill my beer HaHAHAhA!

Janet Deering - Posted - 09/15/2010:  14:16:00

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A question for you Ms. Deering. Hows do you go about selecting and vetting different woods. HOw do you test moisture etc.

We have an electronic moisture meter. We test the wood often, and when it reaches 6% humidity we are ready to use it.