DeanT - Posted - 11/10/2010:  10:31:01

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Hi Janet,
Here is my not so dirt simple, yet not complex, solution to going between true open back, and resonator, with my Goodtime Special. I cut the flange apart into 16 pieces. Now I can remove and retorque each J-bolt, one at a time. (Just like your Boston model). Works like a charm, and I can make the conversion in about 10 minutes.

jwgreene01 - Posted - 11/11/2010:  09:25:02

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My 5th string tuner on my Deering Golden Era keeps popping out when I shange the strings any suggestions?

JLB - Posted - 11/11/2010:  11:41:08

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I bought a second hand Good Time 2 and it actually came with the 5th string peg hanging from the 5th string. My solution is not elegant and my be illegal in California. I cut a strip from one of those subscription cards that you find in magazines and wrapped it around the the taper on the peg and pushed the peg back into the hole. It has been that way for about 4 years and never moves when I shange the strings.

Hope this helps.

-Jim

wildboar - Posted - 11/11/2010:  15:33:53

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Janet,

I was in a local music store today and got to play the mahogany Sierra, and the Deluxe (mahogany, I think). I mentioned to the salesman how the tone was so different between the Sierra and Deluxe and he said the gloss finish on the Deluxe will make the sound noticeably different... is this true? I thought the Deluxe was basically a Sierra that has been 'prettied up' a bit, but the sound was vastly different. I didn't get a chance to mess with the setup on either, as I know that plays a big part, but does the finish play a part?

Edit: Also, I think the strings on the Sierra were older (a little 'rusty' from lack of use), so that may have played a part as well. Maybe I'll take some of my own strings next time I go.

-Dan K

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Edited by - wildboar on 11/11/2010 15:42:39

Janet Deering - Posted - 11/11/2010:  17:05:18

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Here is my not so dirt simple, yet not complex, solution to going between true open back, and resonator, with my Goodtime Special. I cut the flange apart into 16 pieces. Now I can remove and retorque each J-bolt, one at a time. (Just like your Boston model). Works like a charm, and I can make the conversion in about 10 minutes.

Very clever!

Janet Deering - Posted - 11/11/2010:  17:11:04

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My 5th string tuner on my Deering Golden Era keeps popping out when I shange the strings any suggestions?


The fifth pegs are put in with a friction fit. Jim's suggestion is a good one. Or you can put just a tiny drop of super glue into the far end of the fifth string hole and then put your peg back in. Just don't use too much glue because there are times when the fifth peg might need to be removed or changed like during a refret or refinish.

As long as it only falls out when you shange the strings it isn't a big problem to just put it back in.

It would become a big problem is if it falls out when you are playing it!

Janet Deering - Posted - 11/11/2010:  17:15:27

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I was in a local music store today and got to play the mahogany Sierra, and the Deluxe (mahogany, I think). I mentioned to the salesman how the tone was so different between the Sierra and Deluxe and he said the gloss finish on the Deluxe will make the sound noticeably different... is this true? I thought the Deluxe was basically a Sierra that has been 'prettied up' a bit, but the sound was vastly different. I didn't get a chance to mess with the setup on either, as I know that plays a big part, but does the finish play a part?


The difference in finish can play a part, but the set up and maintenance like the age of the strings plays a much greater part. I'd definately put on new strings and make sure the two are set up the same before I would figure the finish would be the whole answer.

Compass56 - Posted - 11/11/2010:  17:36:51

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Janet, I love my Deering Maple Blossom tenor banjo. Tenor is my main instrument, and I own only one tenor banjo--yours. I love it.

I'm not a great 5-string player, but I love that sound. I do about twenty simple arrangements of Scruggs-style standards, and I truly enjoy my time on the instrument (though I rarely do gigs on 5-string). Several times over the last couple of years I've heard 5-string sounds that were particularly exciting. Each time the player was playing a Deering Golden Era. Maybe one day I'll be able to afford one of those fine instruments. I love the way they sound and look.

Tony L.

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Edited by - Compass56 on 11/18/2010 18:25:04

Gomer - Posted - 11/11/2010:  19:28:48

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quote:

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Originally posted by Janet Deering

[i]
As long as it only falls out when you shange the strings

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Esoteric ribaldry of the highest order I need to shange mine this evening!

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Edited by - Gomer on 11/11/2010 20:56:04

gdoc - Posted - 11/11/2010:  21:43:50

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quote:

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Originally posted by 1four5

Hi Janet,
Here is my not so dirt simple, yet not complex, solution to going between true open back, and resonator, with my Goodtime Special. I cut the flange apart into 16 pieces. Now I can remove and retorque each J-bolt, one at a time. (Just like your Boston model). Works like a charm, and I can make the conversion in about 10 minutes.

---

Another way to go is to drill (barely larger) the holes of the flang on every other hook. I had a Stweart Mac banjo kit a long time ago that was like that. Then you only have to take off every other nut, remove the flange, and put them back on. Of course, I would assume that will void any warranty... or send it to the factory and have them do it. Or better yet, buy another banjo!!!! Deering of course!

jwgreene01 - Posted - 11/13/2010:  07:33:09

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Thanks Jim & Janet. I'll try the magazine card trick 1st. Although it's hard to believe anything is illegal in CA.

John

jwgreene01 - Posted - 11/13/2010:  07:45:27

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quote:

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Originally posted by Gomer

[i]
Esoteric ribaldry of the highest order I need to shange mine this evening!

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Gomer;

And you wonder why your eye sight is failing?

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Edited by - jwgreene01 on 11/13/2010 07:47:30

Gomer - Posted - 11/13/2010:  08:35:43

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quote:

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Originally posted by jwgreene01
Gomer;
And you wonder why your eye sight is failing?

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It's not so much bad eyesight as it is strong liquor. Welcome!

Gomer - Posted - 11/13/2010:  08:45:51

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In orange county, my intructor, the mighty and mannificent ARAU is turning his studio into a Deering Tribute Center. He must have nine or ten different models all meticulously setup and preserved. It ws a surprise to try out a goodtime and fine that It sounds pretty good for costing as much money as I have tied up in tuner pegs on a single banjo.

satchel*jenkins - Posted - 11/16/2010:  00:02:43

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I have been looking into buying a banjo without a metal tone ring and recently I had a new Deering Old Time Wonder in my hands at a local music store. The instrument had a smooth feel and nice sound to it. When I recognized the price on this banjo I had to look the instrument over again to evaluate the quality of the instrument . In my fair estimate I recognize the banjo is made and put together well. However, along with the ebony fretboard why not also overlay the peghead with ebony and the heel to boot? Also, why not add some nice closed end round vega hooks to fasten to a notched tension hoop? These ideas along with some fretboard binding would bring the instrument up to higher standard to fit the price tag. Is this something your company might be willing to do? When I look at other music stores online I find that other open back banjos made by well known makers have these features as standards on their instruments and the price is often less that whats being asked for by Deering. Just some things to consider that I feel will help Deering's reputation for quality even more.

gdoc - Posted - 11/16/2010:  10:01:09

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Hi Janet,

Why did you choose to use 5/16 nuts on the Goodtime to tighten the head? I went to tighten mine the a while back and found the 1/4 inch was too small, and went out to my garage to get a nut driver of the right size, but it wasn't deep enough. Now I have to go buy a new wrench. Is there a price difference making the 5/16 cheaper?

It seems it would be inconviente(sp) too for your shop, as now they have to stock 2 sizes of hooks/nuts. Does the length have anything to do with it? If you have answered this before, I missed it.

Gomer - Posted - 11/17/2010:  08:11:03

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Well Ms. Janet, As long as we all all piling on here, when are we going to see Mother of Pearl truss rod cover, personalized with our names on the Goodtimes anytime soon? I can tell you that the one I have on my Roquefort makes me pretty much feel like Earl.

Janet Deering - Posted - 11/18/2010:  08:57:19

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In my fair estimate I recognize the banjo is made and put together well. However, along with the ebony fretboard why not also overlay the peghead with ebony and the heel to boot? Also, why not add some nice closed end round vega hooks to fasten to a notched tension hoop? These ideas along with some fretboard binding would bring the instrument up to higher standard to fit the price tag. Is this something your company might be willing to do?

Yes, we are willing to do most anything a customer wants to afford. We set the prices according to what it costs to make the banjo here in America and within the framework of paying for our employees health insurance and meeting all the California regulations and standards for doing business which raises the cost of making the banjos.

If you are comparing our pricing to that of a builder who makes 10 banjos a year out of their home you need to take into consideration that he has considerably lower production costs.

And if you are comparing our pricing to that of what is made in China then you need to take into consideration the whole scene. They pay what are starvation wages here in America. I cannot compete with that on a pricing level.

What I can compete with is we can out do them hands down on quality, durability, and playability as well as the sound. You get what you pay for.

Janet Deering - Posted - 11/18/2010:  09:12:52

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Why did you choose to use 5/16 nuts on the Goodtime to tighten the head? I went to tighten mine the a while back and found the 1/4 inch was too small, and went out to my garage to get a nut driver of the right size, but it wasn't deep enough. Now I have to go buy a new wrench. Is there a price difference making the 5/16 cheaper?

It seems it would be inconviente(sp) too for your shop, as now they have to stock 2 sizes of hooks/nuts. Does the length have anything to do with it?

We use 9/32" nuts on the Goodtime banjos because we wanted to have the rounded traditional shape and detailing on the nuts. When we made a batch out of 1/4" size in the beginning they didn't work, the bead that was machined into the nuts broke off so this size was not workable for what we wanted. We needed a slightly larger diameter to make the delicate shape you find on the Goodtime banjos.

We didn't want to use the quarter inch nuts because the squared off end of the 1/4" nuts is uncomfortable when an open back banjo sits in your lap and the cost was higher. We wanted a nut that would work for both open back and resonator models while still being economical to make. The shorter length of the Goodtime nut does help keep the price down because less material reduces the price. It's all in finding the right balance between material and cost.

Many choices go into making a more affordable banjo in the USA.

I'm thankful that Greg Deering had that as one of his personal goals or the Goodtime banjo would never have been created. It took him ten years to figure out every aspect so that we could make these banjos and stay in business at the same time.

We have made about 30,000 Goodtime banjos and around 25,000 Deering banjos to date.

Janet Deering - Posted - 11/18/2010:  09:16:49

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Well Ms. Janet, As long as we all all piling on here, when are we going to see Mother of Pearl truss rod cover, personalized with our names on the Goodtimes anytime soon?

No problem!

deeringbanjos.com/truss-rod-cover

Anything else?

Grey Dog - Posted - 11/18/2010:  09:44:22

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quote:

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Originally posted by Janet Deering


...we can out do them hands down on quality, durability, and playability as well as the sound.
You get what you pay for.

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And I thank you *very* much for that!

lucydog - Posted - 11/18/2010:  10:10:54

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quote:

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Originally posted by Janet Deering

.
We have made about 30,000 Goodtime banjos and around 25,000 Deering banjos to date.

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30,000 Goodtime banjos? Wow.

What an excellent contribution to beginning banjo players - I would never have started to play if I didn't come across a used Goodtime.

Gomer - Posted - 11/18/2010:  11:37:07

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quote:

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[i]Originally posted by Janet Deering
Anything else?

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Good Lord Almighty, don't bait the lady no more! She has done rolled out a gallon pail of Whoopass and is on a roll!

I take back my question abou the MOP Truss rod cover and am running for the hills. I happen to like 5/16ths so please don't paste me with that one.

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Edited by - Gomer on 11/18/2010 13:44:11

Viktor Velthuijs - Posted - 11/18/2010:  12:03:09

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quote:

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Originally posted by Grey Dog

quote:

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Originally posted by Janet Deering


...we can out do them hands down on quality, durability, and playability as well as the sound.
You get what you pay for.

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And I thank you *very* much for that!

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Me too!

jwgreene01 - Posted - 11/19/2010:  06:18:46

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[Janet Deering][...we can out do them hands down on quality, durability, and playability as well as the sound.
You get what you pay for.

Precisely why I purchased Deering

Gomer - Posted - 11/19/2010:  07:31:20

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I was thinking more like hands down on sound as well as the quality, durability and playability. But then I coulc be dyslexic.

gdoc - Posted - 11/19/2010:  10:16:14

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quote:

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Originally posted by Janet Deering

[i]Why did you choose to use 5/16 nuts on the Goodtime to tighten the head?

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Now that is truly thinking a product thorugh! I was thinking it was just a lower cost hook & nut, and kept cost down for the Goodtime. But that is why your are the makers of a Deering banjo, and I am the buyer!

ps..... I might just buy a nice truss rod cover for my Goodtime just to fool with ol' Gomers mind!!!! Kind of like the Winchester House.

satchel*jenkins - Posted - 11/22/2010:  11:28:03

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"What I can compete with is we can out do them hands down on quality, durability, and playability as well as the sound. You get what you pay for."

I would expect you to say this Janet in defense of your company but I respectfully disagree that Deering out does the open back banjos I looked at "hands down" in quality and sound.

Rindill - Posted - 11/22/2010:  12:55:21

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Hi Janet! et al:

An Simple Ode to Deering

When I first picked up a banjo - (dropped off by a moving non-playing friend) - I was in the wilds of AZ, and didn't really have a clue about them - except to fiddle with (literally). It was a no-name with a resonator, and I did what any clueless fiddler did, with no manual and no playing neighbors - I figured it out like a fiddler - I had no clue what to do with the 5th string - but had a high old time anyway - bluegrass was not my thing - notey melodies, Celtic and Old English was -

When I left AZ, I left it with my friend. Here in Reno, I got the hankering, and got an inexpensive banjo hut beginner model - I knew more about the 5th string, but still didn't manage to get it together - (Playing wise - the brand x book I had wasn't real clear on frailing stroke)

So being in the "romantic" banjo phase - (Where you drink everything you can about banjos,
at the immortal banjo fountain, although you still can't really play...) - I saw a gently used Goodtime on Craigslist, (Brain sends up !!??) - and bought it . It sat in my closet for over a year. (Because I still couldn't play on the cheaper one, and had no clue that the Hut's version's low action on all strings straight across had something to do with it.

Between Dan Levenson, and a comment about higher action on the 5th, and the Goodtime (Still in perfect tune after a year+) I reverently hauled it out, and very shortly after, I was a frailing freak.

It's been a few years, and I am still in love with it, still holds perfect tune perfect for the economy with almost no maintenance needed - is great and light to haul around to all my various things, and is perfect for late night playing when one is in the lone clawhammer mode -. (with tenants above) Loud or soft, it does what I want, and it is still going strong. Built to last, and gets my point across. So well loved, that the banjo pixies have taken up permanent residence, keeping it finely honed. It sits by my couch, unless traveling, and gets a workout every day -
I must have gotten one with that truly magical imbuence from the banjo gods.

Thank you, Deering! The craftsmanship on mine is beyond exquisite - And someday, when my pockets are not sewn shut to save laundry fees, I will be coming for my upgrade.
Maybe the pixies will start leaving money in it - LOL!

Jen/Ladymuse(FHO)

Gomer - Posted - 11/22/2010:  16:43:40

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A simpler ode (with profuse aplogies to my cowboy laureate friends)

Thar I was walking 'neath the sun and the sky,
with not water nor food, most afraid I might die.
The wind was a howlin' and the sun was a searing,
Alone in the desert,
Jes me and my Deering.

The night come upon me , then come night critters
the rattlin of rattlers is what give me the jitters
I picked up some tinder and made me a clearing.
And sat myself down
Jes me and my Deering.

Off in the distance the coyotes was howling.
The bobcats was stirring, the bear was a growling.
I started a strumming as I heard them a nearing
And scared em away
Jes Me and My Deering

As I picked and I shouted and shouted them off
They stopped at the ridgeline and started to scoff.
"you got no business playing, from what we are hearing.
Leave this place soon.
Yes, you and your Deering

Its me and my banjar, the two we are one;
friends almost brothers whether drama or fun.
mellowist tone ring, 1 to 4 gearing
a man can't do better than me and my Deering.

Mullie - Posted - 11/22/2010:  17:01:08

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Jen, great story and well put. I tried pretty much every banjo I could get my hands on during my search for an inexpensive, travel/lightweight banjo; and when I finally played the Goodtime...it was love at first sight! Much better IMO than the many other banjos that I tried. I still have my Scruggs Mastertone, sold my old Stelling Staghorn (one of my alltime favorites), play my Goodtime most every day, and now have a Deering Sierra that to date is the best sounding banjo I've owned.

Janet is correct - quality, durability, playability, and sound...........'hands down". At a very fair price and made in the USA.

edit: Gomer.........great "ode"!!

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Edited by - Mullie on 11/22/2010 17:01:47

Gomer - Posted - 11/23/2010:  08:08:58

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A question for you Ms. Janet. I am presently locked in combat with ARAU the Enlightened One.
Is there any reason a radiused fretboard might not suit the Deering neck profile?

vsiddhartha - Posted - 11/23/2010:  13:35:42

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Ugh, I can't be the only one thinking this. Can we start a separate "Deering Adoration" thread? I think I'm gonna be sick. Yes I have a Goodtime, and I like it...but Odes on a Banjo Company??? At least Keats didn't pick brands.

Gomer - Posted - 11/23/2010:  14:11:26

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Great Idea! hadn't thought of it until you just raised it. Go right ahead.

Janet Deering - Posted - 11/23/2010:  14:20:20

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I appreciate the Odes, it is heart warming. Thanks.

You guys and gals are great poets and terrific people. You gave me quite a chuckle with your poetry.

Gomer, there is no reason you could not order any Deering neck with a radiused fingerboard. We can do it.

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Edited by - Janet Deering on 11/23/2010 14:22:22

Bizdoc - Posted - 11/26/2010:  12:14:46

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Does anyone know why Deering uses a RR spike on the 5th string as opposed to a Pip? I'm always afraid I'm going to rip a finger when doing a long slide on the 4th string if I stray too far toward the 5th string/fret.

Mullie - Posted - 11/26/2010:  13:23:57

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The Deering "Little Wonder"? I missed that model somehow

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Edited by - Mullie on 11/26/2010 15:48:42

Grey Dog - Posted - 11/26/2010:  13:58:49

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quote:

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Originally posted by Bizdoc

Does anyone know why Deering uses a RR spike on the 5th string as opposed to a Pip? I'm always afraid I'm going to rip a finger when doing a long slide on the 4th string if I stray too far toward the 5th string/fret.

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Interesting....My Deering GE has an awesome pip that brings it all the way up parallel with the other 4 strings. Love it! Curious to see the variations.

EggSalad - Posted - 11/28/2010:  11:37:41

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Is the only difference between a Sierra and a Deluxe the cosmetics? (assuming maple/maple, mahogany/mahogany)?

I've also read the reviews on this site, but curiousif anyone that owns a Deluxe can share any additional thoughts on them for me. Thanks.

dpete210 - Posted - 11/28/2010:  15:13:48

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EggSalad, from the Deering catalogue that can be found on their web site: "One of the things about the Deluxe is it's cosmetically just a bit nicer than the Sierra. It's exactly the same pot as the Sierra and it has a gloss finish. We hand sand and hand buff our finishes so it has a very personal touch on it. We put extra black white stripes on the back of the resonator. This is the same binding that is on the top of a Martin D-28 and I love the way a Martin D28 looks and it's also the same as my Taylor 810. And so it costs a little bit more than the Sierra and people ask why they should buy the Deluxe and it's because it's just a bit nicer."
By the way, you can find the on line catalogue here: deeringbanjos.com/
Look across the top and you'll see a green menu button that says, "Catalog" Click on it and you will get two choices.

satchel*jenkins - Posted - 11/29/2010:  06:55:48

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Janet, Thank you for your honest reply. Would you be so kind to answer me another question that I have? I have decided I really want your little wonder model. I was comparing it between your goodtime model and came to this conclusion. Correct me please if I am wrong. It seems the little wonder model is not much more than a goodtime with a nice dark stain, different peghead shape, ebony fingerboard, a few MOP dots, and some extra hooks. Everything else appears exactly the same? I am thinking $800 is a fair price. I am also thinking at this fair price you'll sell these little wonders so fast you won't be able to keep your dealers supplied very long, what do you think about this idea? I have researched other threads on this website and many
others also conclude that Deering Vega models are overpriced. Just a thought.

snakeherd - Posted - 11/29/2010:  11:34:54

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I'm not speaking for Janet, but I'd assume that supply and demand help determine what price Deering sets for the Little Wonder. If enough people are buying them, they must not be overpriced! I've got a personal list of things that I'd like to buy - if only they sold them at the price that I would like to pay.

Mullie - Posted - 11/29/2010:  12:53:40

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Wouldn't it be great if buying banjos was a "name your price" process!!?? Unfortunately the real world of supply/demand and paying a decent wage got in the way!

rtyrie - Posted - 11/29/2010:  15:44:37

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Janet,
I had the pleasure of seeing Eddie and Martha Adcock this weekend at the Sertoma festival. Eddie took the time on stage to show off his Golden Era and talk about how much he has enjoyed the endorsment relationship with you and Greg. He put in a plug for the entire line from Goodtime to Ivanhoe. Towards the end of the set he called Mark Johnson up on stage to play Clawgrass style on a couple of songs with them. I don't think you could get better advertising at any price.

Ron

dpete210 - Posted - 11/29/2010:  16:29:51

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quote:

---

Does anyone know why Deering uses a RR spike on the 5th string as opposed to a Pip? I'm always afraid I'm going to rip a finger when doing a long slide on the 4th string if I stray too far toward the 5th string/fret.

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Bizdoc, I don't know why they use the spike, maybe tradition or personal preference, but Deering isn't the only banjo maker using the spike to anchor that 5th string. My Nechville Classic DLX also has the spike on the 5th string rather than the pip. Because I've never had any problems moving on the fourth string with my Deering or Nechville banjos, your question got me to wondering if indeed that spike has any likelihood of being in the way. I purposely slid up and down on that fourth string in the neighborhood of the spike and that is not any issue at all - not with a Deering Maple Blossom, or my Nechville Classic. Unless a person has huge and wide fingers that overlap onto the 5th string, I doubt there will be problems ripping a finger. Good luck!

Bizdoc - Posted - 11/29/2010:  17:56:38

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I emailed Deering. I was told it was Greg Deerings decision to use RR spikes in place of the PiP. He felt the use of the RR spike gives better intonation.

My slides sometimes wonder side to side, I press too hard, and a tough habit to break. One of these times I'm going to snap the neck, I hold that C chord so tight.

satchel*jenkins - Posted - 11/29/2010:  19:42:31

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C'mon folks the little wonder is nothing more than a brown goodtime with a different shape peghead, some planetary tuners, and an ebony fretboard. That doesn't justify an $800 price hike. If anyone has really taken a good look at the two you would agree. Supply and demand... yeah....right. It's more like greed. I'm the guy that tells it like I see it so please don't be offended if you can't handle the truth. I'm just using my right of freedom of speech to point out the obvious. Deering=overpriced subpar quality banjos, my opinion. No wonder there is 25 Deering banjos up for sale in the classifieds. Poor folks know there are better banjos to be had at much better prices than what they paid for their deering.

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Edited by - satchel*jenkins on 11/29/2010 19:51:23

Mullie - Posted - 11/30/2010:  05:37:57

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quote:

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Originally posted by satchel*jenkins

.......Deering=overpriced subpar quality banjos, my opinion.

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That's more like it satchmo! Why didn't you just state your opinion a couple of weeks ago rather than trying to be all cutesy about it by editing, deleting, reposting snide comments that you had made under the guise of appearing sincere? Just state your opinion like above and be done with it and quit with the nonsense. Unfortunately for you it IS a matter of supply and demand or Deering wouldn't still be in business, making banjos in CA. If the banjos are overpriced they wouldn't sell and there wouldn't be a massive bunch of Deering fans that are playing and enjoying their quality banjos (amateurs and pro's alike) as seen on this site. I'm sure you already know this, but there are multiple Deerings in the classifieds because there are many, many Deering banjos already in the marketplace. Basic economics - it's not that difficult. (you almost sound like a sour grapes competitor with your last post...all generalities and no substance)

I've played pretty much all of the manufacturers out there and own or have owned Gibson ESS, Stelling, Imperial, an Ome briefly, and others. I'm one of those "poor guys" that you mention and IMO Deering makes the best banjo for the money of all of them and their customer service and professionalism is second to none. To each their own satch,....but just say it rather than playing games.

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Edited by - Mullie on 11/30/2010 05:42:03

randomman123 - Posted - 11/30/2010:  07:14:54

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You guys make great banjos. I think that you should advertise four string banjos more because they are slowly going away. Lots of people will see the joy of jazz banjos and will want to learn how to play one!