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Janet Deering - Posted - 12/05/2010: 18:46:52
Jen, You're great!
Here's a clip of how Jens Kruger brings a banjo to life and wakes it up. I filmed this in his kitchen after MerleFest last April. He caresses it, massages it and flows beautiful notes through it.
It's magical.
youtube.com/watch?v=YNIcAdO-g6U
Rindill - Posted - 12/06/2010: 00:47:45
My God!
I am ~so~ a sucker for classical to begin with - somehow I just found myself sliding along with those notes and bound to them with him - Truly life springing! (although I still can't remember how to spell imbuence/ance - but honestly, "spell" is another word that works, too!)
I laughed out loud at the grin at the end!!!
Thank you for that Janet! - I actually started the Sfpoctof (think Russian!) in response to another fine banjoist, who of course, loves to tease.
Currently, I am practicing attitudes - The drawl, the drool, the lazy, the grin, - that blank stare, the head rolling to one side - (the dead look), the bliss, the vacancy face, and the glare. As a clawhammer junkie, I want a full repertoire! LOL!
Tonite I just got back from playing a Sons of Norway Jul/Lutefisk fest - Norwegian Jul Carol - O Jul din med glede - courtesy of my deering. We were supposed to sing and clap around the tree, but kind of went more in the buckdancing direction! (which was good, because my norwegian is still pretty skitty! LOL! ) Good thing music speaks Every language!
And it is true - banjos will open up and flower - but oh the surprise when one takes the plunge and opens themselves up to IT!
(Yeeks! I sound like a preacher! Quick someone, get me a cable station!)
Edited by - Rindill on 12/06/2010 00:54:55
Deaf David - Posted - 12/06/2010: 20:15:22
quote:
Originally posted by Grey Dog
quote:
Originally posted by 1four5
... because it already has all my songs memorized 
Can I buy a Deering neck with songs pre-installed??
That's why instruments that were once owned by famous musicians cost so much--any idea what Bill Monroe's mandolin is worth?
Actually, when I was about four or five I owned a guitar that knew all the songs. It had a little crank down at the end. Maybe I need a crank on my banjo. It would give a whole new meaning to "rolls."
Rindill - Posted - 12/06/2010: 22:47:11
Well, you could also go "Hurdy Gurdy Banjoman!" LOL! I want one of THEM too! - but don't think Deering makes them yet ....
nematode! - Posted - 12/07/2010: 14:47:12
quote:
Originally posted by nematode!
I just bought a used Calico and it has a couple of chips in the finish on the peg head. What could I use to touch it up? Is the finish polyurethane or lacquer? I was thinking of using clear glossy fingernail polish, if it's a lacquer finish.
I don't know it's year of manufacture, but, the serial number on the sticker inside the resonator is #1239097-6402. The number on the back of the peg head is, 6402.
There are some strap rub marks in the finish on the heel, is there anything I can do to that? I'm not looking for a perfect finish, that would require a complete refinish job, just trying to pretty it up a bit.
Janet, thank you for your response.
correction.
Janet Deering - Posted - 12/08/2010: 06:43:09
If you just want to pretty it up a bit, you can fill a chip with instant glue - the brand I would recommend it "Jet Super glue"
This is the thicker glue than Instant Jet which is runny.
If you put just a drop into the chip and let it dry you can fill in the chip this way and if you do a good enough job it will look okay. This is a good quick fix if you don't need it to look perfect.
dbrooks - Posted - 12/08/2010: 17:48:10
Janet,
Thanks for the link to the video of Jens Kruger demonstrating his signature model banjo in his kitchen. It's mesmerizing to watch him play. It truly is play for him and for his audience.
The video brought back wonderful memories of a clawhammer workshop with Jens at Todd Wright's house in Nashville two years ago. I was so transfixed I enrolled in the afetrnoon bluegrass workshop just to listen to more of his playing, his ideas and his sheer love for the banjo and his music. And I don't play bluegrass music. I've been meaning to contact you about the workshop and may get around to it yet. I am sure that Deering was a sponsor for the workshop and it was a special day.
David
Gomer - Posted - 12/08/2010: 21:32:18
Well Miss Janet There is an order in to you st the behest of ARAU the irrascible, who after plying me for quite a time has closed the deal on a tenbrooks to my liking. Ultimately I chose the 06 over the Swiss ring. The way I figure is that if you set down a bottle of Lafite Rothchild bordeaux from 1952 and one from 1949, I would recognize them both as exquisite. I have had a bottle of 52. The wine was complex on so many levels that it would be difficult to describe. I have been told that the 1949 bottle is well worth the many hundreds of additional dollars it commands. That discussion goes way over my head. I think the same about the tonerings. I have to admit that the swiss ring discussion conjurs a image of these sackcloth clad monks walking about in silence with the bronze formulations locked in their heads. I see them each taking up a part of the production process. Shadowy figures all dressed in the same robes deliberately moving about the darkened foundry. There would be great ceremony and ritual associated with the production. Gregorian chants would fill the silent times between castings. Having said all of that, I have played the 06 and the Swiss side by side. At the end of the day, the huge difference between the two is lost on me. Any word that you can lay on your people to put that new piece on Santa's sleigh for me will be deeply appreciated.
Gomer - Posted - 12/14/2010: 07:30:13
Yep . . . just waitin'. . . Just sittin' here waitin' for an answer. . . Yep!. . There is a Santa Claus. . This is what I believe. . . just waitin'. . . . .Jus waitin' and being patience. . . yep. . . that's me there. . . Waitin' and bein patient.
Janet Deering - Posted - 12/14/2010: 17:56:05
Chuckle..... I tried to read this thread earlier today but Greg walked in with a project and I had to leave it before I knew what you were waiting patiently for..... I've been in suspense all day long. Finally, after dinner I came back on to read the earlier page and see what it is. To my delight it is about your Tenbrooks order. But I'm at home now and cannot check on it until tomorrow.
I know that Santa's Deering elves are hard at work.... working day and night. We are sold out for Christmas... but I know they are working to have your banjo to you as soon as possible.
Alas, I'll check on it in the morning and let you know. Sorry to have to make you wait overnight for an answer...
I'm sure Santa would ask.....
Have you been naughty or nice?
Gomer - Posted - 12/15/2010: 07:26:34
quote:
Originally posted by Janet Deering
Have you been naughty or nice?
There are just way too many temptations inherent in the possible answers to that question when asked by wide-smiled girl-next-door types. I think I will demure and say: "perhaps a little of each".
Thanks for any help in getting my order to the top of the stack. It would give me that sense of importance that we all need on occasion.
Scanbran - Posted - 12/15/2010: 10:24:02
I'm seriously considering the Goodtime Parlor as a 2nd/travel banjo. Are there any sound or video clips of this instrument available? I've done a search but couldn't find any. Thanks
Janet Deering - Posted - 12/15/2010: 12:00:56
Gomer, you understood me well. Big smile. I must say I'd answer Santa's question the same way.
I checked on your beautiful Saratoga Star with the radiused fingerboard and it is being carved today as I write this. There is some chance you could have it before Christmas. I have put a high priority on it.
We are sold out for Christmas and are working flat out until Wednesday of next week. Then we will break for the holidays and be off Thursday and Friday.
There is a chance that we can have it ready to ship on Wednesday, since you are in So. California, you may have it arrive on Thursday or Friday.
So much depends on everything being done perfectly and efficiently so that it moves through at the utmost of speed to get it to you on Santa's sleigh. We will put a priority on it and do our best.
Gomer - Posted - 12/15/2010: 16:46:51
Thank you Ms Janet. Do not spend so much time on it that you miss Mr. Scanbran's query above. He is afterall one of my Scot brethren. Here's tae Ye brae
Edited by - Gomer on 12/17/2010 07:25:12
peewee - Posted - 12/17/2010: 07:52:52
Hi Janet. I sent an email via your website for a quote on some repair work. This was a week ago. How long should the wait normally be to get a response? Thanks
Janet Deering - Posted - 12/17/2010: 09:16:57
You should get a response within 2 days when Carolina is in the shop.
We have been swamped for Christmas so this isn't the usual.
I recommend that you send an e-mail directly to Carolina at info@deeringbanjos.com and I'm sure you will get an answer quickly.
We had to put all repair work on hold this last two weeks, but we will be back on it after the New Year.
Janet Deering - Posted - 12/17/2010: 09:25:20
I'm seriously considering the Goodtime Parlor as a 2nd/travel banjo. Are there any sound or video clips of this instrument available?
Martin, When I saw your request I realized that we have not yet made any Youtube videos with the Parlor Goodtime. Yours is not the first request. I spoke with David, our artist in marketing, who plays both tenor and 5-string banjo and we agreed I would video him playing the Parlor and we would put it up.
Then he day went on in it's typical Christmas flurry and we didn't get it it yet..... We will put it up as soon as we are able.
You can play our Parlor Goodtime banjo at Eagle Music in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, England if you are ever out that way. But in the meantime, I will get a video up for you and link it to the Parlor banjos on our website.
Thanks for your interest. Greg played Christmas songs on the first Parlor banjo he made for himself and we all fell in love with the sound. Stay tuned and I'll put it up shortly if we are not all sold out of Parlors when I get to the shop this morning!
Scanbran - Posted - 12/17/2010: 12:34:11
Thanks, Janet. I spoke to Steve at Eagle Music and he's actually sold out of Parlors at the moment, although he's expecting to get his delivery in early January now, so hopefully I'll get one then. I'm sure it'll sound great, I just wanted to hear it before I bought it (the store is a few hundred miles from me).
Martin
randomman123 - Posted - 12/17/2010: 15:04:43
Can you put any videos up with a tenor or plectrum banjo?
Janet Deering - Posted - 12/17/2010: 22:19:22
I got with Greg today at the end of the day and talked him into making this video of the Parlor banjo.....
He played Jingle Bells, but David titled it Frosty the Snow Man, he will fix that on Monday. Anyway, here it is...
youtube.com/watch?v=nhf8e8IPW2s
randomman123 - Posted - 12/18/2010: 09:01:31
Cool, thanks! Do you know of any jazz tenor banjo videos with a deering?
Mango - Posted - 12/18/2010: 12:58:18
What is the weight of the standard 06 Tone ring?
Scanbran - Posted - 12/19/2010: 08:14:54
Thanks for the parlor video Janet
Gomer - Posted - 12/19/2010: 21:03:07
quote:
Originally posted by lethegoodtimesroll
What is the weight of the standard 06 Tone ring?
57 ounces
EggSalad - Posted - 12/20/2010: 11:23:50
I've had a Deering Deluxe for a month or so now, and I swear it sounds better everytime I play it (and not due to my talent level).
I'm toying with putting medium strings on it, as well as tightening the tail piece, and maybe replacing the bridge. None of these changes are needed, I'm just curious how the sound will elvove as I make them.
I wouldn't do all of these things at once. Thinking I'mm mess with the tailpiece, and see what I think, then maybe change the bridge in a month to see what happens.
Any other Deering owners have recommendations, or personal experience to share along those lines?
Janet Deering - Posted - 12/20/2010: 15:56:08
It never hurts to try various changes and see what you think of the sound.
Have fun with it!
dpete210 - Posted - 12/20/2010: 19:19:18
quote:
Any other Deering owners have recommendations, or personal experience to share along those lines
EggSalad, since Deering uses quality parts, there is little if any need to upgrade anything, but probably just about everyone, Deering banjo owners included, at some point does some experimenting with tailpiece, bridge, heads, tuning machines, etc. on their banjo. Tinkering with a banjo seems to be an unavoidable adventure for many. I have tried different bridges on my Deering banjos but really can't say that I have ever experienced a noticeable change or improvement. The conclusion I've come to is that since they are bridges from makers of good reputation, probably more alike than different in weight and wood quality, that I don't hear a big difference. Where I've noticed the biggest difference is in the head tightness and tailpiece pressure adjustments. In my opinion, the Deering tailpiece is a quality made one. I've tried a couple different styles, which worked fine, but didn't make a noticeable difference so changed back to the Deering tp on my Deluxe and Maple Blossom. Have fun experimenting to see if you come up with something you like better. You might be surprised, or you might find you already have the sound you like best. Good luck!
DeanT - Posted - 12/20/2010: 19:25:10
Be carefull with the tailpiece. MAKE SURE it's up off the tension hoop, before you try pivoting the tailpiece closer to the head (with the little adjustment screw). Failure to do so could bend the tailpiece.
EggSalad - Posted - 12/21/2010: 13:20:20
quote:
Originally posted by 1four5
Be carefull with the tailpiece. MAKE SURE it's up off the tension hoop, before you try pivoting the tailpiece closer to the head (with the little adjustment screw). Failure to do so could bend the tailpiece.
I'm glad you posted this. I also came across another post on BHO of yours regarding set up adjustements to a Deering tailpiece. You mentioned that you will raise the tail piece the height of a credit card over the tension hoop.
While I was at home earlier today I checked my banjo, and sure enough the tailpiece is mounted right against the tension hoop. So I thought, well that will be a nice adjustment. I'll get it up off the tension hoop, and bring it down to about 1/4" off the head.
Before I was going to do this tonight, I went to the Deering site, and printed out the support manual. The manual actually says to keep the tailpiece flush against the tension hoop.
So my question is, flush against the tension hoop or just a hair over that?
EggSalad - Posted - 12/21/2010: 14:06:20
Disregard my last question. I just did a forum search, and found this same discussion in several places, most notably about a dozen pages back in this thread. :)
Thanks for everyone's help. I'll tinker with the tail piece, and see what sounds best to me.
capsholler - Posted - 12/21/2010: 14:12:06
I liked my Deering tailpiece a credit card thickness over the tension hoop and also tried Dean's tips on using spacers to lock in the adjustment which worked and kept the adjustment locked in . Finally though I bit the bullet and purchased a Fults 1934 tailpiece so I could tweak the adjustment if needed yet have any adjustment I made stay locked in place. With Dean's help and advise I settled on the 1934 and have never looked back. I am quite happy with the performance of the Fult's. It was also nice to be able to buy one of the few things crafted here in the USA and the Fults tailpiece is truly a work of art.
DeanT - Posted - 12/21/2010: 16:14:00
EggSalad, Check this out for a more indepth discussion and some interesting replys.
I'm with capsholler, if Santa is good to me (or the tax man) I'm hoping to have SS frets and a Fults tailpiece on my Calico soon
Edited by - DeanT on 12/21/2010 16:19:07
Janet Deering - Posted - 12/21/2010: 22:26:00
Gomer..... It's coming along beautifully. You will have it for Christmas.
dmiller - Posted - 12/21/2010: 23:02:20
I have to agree with Dean about the Fults tailpiece. There's nothing like them anywhere.
It's in a league of it's own. It doesn't touch the flange, or the tension hoop at all.
It attaches to the hooks/ is completely adjustable/ and allows the banjo to 'sing" unimpeded.
I have two of them and they have "upped" the performance of my banjos considerably.
One banjo is a 1962 Gibson RB-250, and the other is a 1974 GTR.
I don't know why more folks (banjo makers) don't offer Fults as a stock item.
It might add 100 bucks to the price of the banjo (versus a "regular" tailpiece")
but you'll get more than 100 bucks worth of sound out of it.
As usual - - - Just my imho.
Gomer - Posted - 12/22/2010: 07:59:22
quote:
Originally posted by Janet Deering
Gomer..... It's coming along beautifully. You will have it for Christmas.
Well Ms. Janet, that'll be lovely.
It is an interesting challenge to describe the allure of the Tenbrooks to the non-believers , the unknowing and insensitive. I think that the Saratoga is emblematic of "Luxury Banjo for the working man". It is the Rolex of 5 strings. The gold platings and the Mother of Pearl fretboard and the heel carvings may suit some and be attainable by others, but I am confidently content to have my Saratoga with its discreet appointments and attractive tone. I was going to make a sojourn to the south to pick it up, but the weather outside is frightful.
My very best wishes to you and those close to you. More to come.
Edited by - Gomer on 12/26/2010 09:15:27
rubicon - Posted - 12/22/2010: 08:53:29
I have a question for you Janet have you ever considered A goodtime model with a fretboard I know this is your entry level instrument but I love mine and was curious if it ever was a thought .I know it is quite different to play with and with out one thanks
Janet Deering - Posted - 12/22/2010: 15:17:49
We have considered it. However, to date we have built many thousands of Goodtime banjos.
This neck design is one of the most reliablly stable instruments on the market.
Out of 5,000 we make yearly we may have 10 necks that need replacement.
If it is working, why would we change it?
DeanT - Posted - 12/22/2010: 15:58:53
My Goodtime Special's neck still remains the fastest, most comfortable neck on any banjo I've owned or played.
But with that said, I still think there is a gap in the banjo world that no one has filled... and the Goodtime Special is soooo close. I would call it the "Telecaster" gap. The banjo world doesn't have a Telecaster model. A solid workhorse tank, that has all it's parts, but no fluff. A simple banjo that a beginner that can take to their first lesson, then first gig, and still be gigging with it 30 years later (Think Bruce Springstein's or Keith Richard's Telecasters). Take a Goodtime Special... it already has the perfect rim and tone ring. The tailpiece is a work of art, I believe the best in the industry. Give the neck a skunk stripe and truss rod, SS frets, and add the second co-rod. With the right name, flange hole shape, and marketing, you've got it. I've always thought it was a shame that such a good rim and tone ring was tacked onto what the banjo world considers a "beginner" banjo line. Reading this forum every day for going on six years, I still say that the Goodtime Special is the banjo worlds best kept secret, that blows away everything else in it's price range, but always seems to get burried and overlooked because of it's woody brothers.
Edited by - DeanT on 12/22/2010 16:04:51
gdoc - Posted - 12/22/2010: 20:06:40
My vote is Don't even change the Goodtime, don't mess with it, leave it alone, it's perfect as is, a not frills great easy to play banjo. The neck is more comfortable than any other neck I have played including my Deering Deluxe. I have 3 other banjos in the professional catagory, and I end up playing the Goodtime more often than the others. It's light, sounds good, and as said before, comfortable and easy to play. I only wish you had started building them back in the 60s.
DeanT - Posted - 12/23/2010: 01:18:51
I completely agree about not changing the Goodtime! But don't hide the special rim/tone ring in the overlooked end of the Goodtime line. By the time people spend that kind of money on a "starter" banjo, they are looking at RK-80 and GoldStars etc. The Special tone ring/rim is superior, but trapped in a banjo with the "starter" stigma.
Edited by - DeanT on 12/23/2010 01:42:42
Scanbran - Posted - 12/23/2010: 11:36:53
I was looking at the Goodtime Parlor, but heard someone play a Goodtime Special at a folk club the other night, and it really sounded great.
I ordered one today (an upgraded Special open back from Eagle Music in the UK) and with a lot of luck, it might even arrive tomorrow!
DeanT - Posted - 12/23/2010: 13:27:55
I always like hearing about others playing out with their Goodtime Specials! Mine has played more gigs than all the rest of my banjos, past and present, combined.
Cuzzin Donny - Posted - 12/23/2010: 18:05:11
Thats right ,If it aint broke ,don't fix it
Scanbran - Posted - 12/24/2010: 11:17:33
Amazingly, my GT Special arrived today! Woohoo!
and it's fantastic...
dpete210 - Posted - 12/24/2010: 11:19:57
Good for you Scanbran! Good choice! You will indeed have a merry Christmas.
Bizdoc - Posted - 12/24/2010: 11:22:07
I really like the rennaisance head on this. Wish mine had that. I have the frosted white. The Rennaisance head really adds to this banjo.
What's the word at the top of the banjo, peg head?
Scanbran - Posted - 12/24/2010: 11:31:59
Thanks.
It says 'Leader', which is a custom Goodtime. This one has the ren head, railroad spikes, planets and no knot tailpiece. The retailer calls it 'The Southern Queen'
I've also just added a Sosebee bridge.
Rob MacKillop - Posted - 12/24/2010: 13:18:54
Nice one, Martin. A happy Christmas in your house this weekend.
Deering have a good relation with Eagle Music, a shop in England, and Eagle Music have their own 'make', the Leader Brand. So this banjo is a special for that store only. Looks great, and probably sounds great too.
Scanbran - Posted - 12/24/2010: 18:08:49
Cheers, Rob, and a Merry Christmas to you!
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