dpete210 - Posted - 03/21/2011:  13:05:37

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quote:

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Do all of the Hartford models have a pop off resonator, or can you get one with a standard resonator on it?

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EggSalad, you can get a Hartford with the standard pot attachment. Ms. Deering can fill in the particulars, but here is a link to their website and you can view their on line catalogue. deeringbanjos.com/

Click on the catalog link at the top of the page. You will find the Hartford model on pages 22-23. Both models, the standard and the pop on resonator, are discussed there. I own a 1992 Hartford (standard resonator) and it is a terrific banjo

quote:

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Does Deering sell Grenadillo tone rings seperately (without buying a hartford)? If so, can you point me in that direction

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This is from the Deering catalogue: "The Hartford tone ring comes standard on the John Hartford, David Holt, and Banjosaurus models, and can be ordered as a custom option on other models from the Sierra on up the line."

Janet Deering - Posted - 03/21/2011:  14:05:56

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Thanks, Dave. Good answer on the Hartford.
The data is on our website. Thanks for putting up a link.

Normally when you order a Hartford model you will get a regular style rim with standard Deering flange. The pop on feature is a special order item on our custom options list.

The pop on feature is a way of making the banjo lighter, weighing 2 lbs less with the tube instead of the flange and also allows a person to play the same banjo for bluegrass or clawhammer styles by adding or removing the resonator.

Janet Deering - Posted - 03/21/2011:  14:08:15

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Janet, thanks again for all your time on this thread!
I'd be interested to know which Deering models use the same rim dimensions as the Calico. More spicifically, I had a Pass woody rim made for my Calico, and am no longer using it in the Calico. I would like to know what other Deering models (especially a Sierra) it may fit in. Thanks!


You are welcome. It's my pleasure.
The Deering models that use the same rim dimensions as the Calico are the Sierra, Deluxe, Black Diamond, Maple Blossom, GDL and Ivanhoe.

Janet Deering - Posted - 03/21/2011:  14:15:54

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I just got a mint used Old Tyme Wonder and have a few questions:
1. the s/n is 0147107 J698...when was it made?
2. can't use my favorite Lakota Leathers straps because there's not enough room under the hooks; any suggestions for a strap?
3. is the head bearing on the rim or is there a brass hoop or a small ring? Can't really tell without taking it apart and the online catalog doesn't say


Congratulations, Don. Nice choice.
It was made in January of 2007 and was the 471st Vega Old Tyme Wonder we had made at that time.

Yes, we noticed the problem with the fit of the Lakota Leather straps, so we had a strap made for us that will fit under the hooks. The one to order is the #S-B5 the Deering Leather Cradle Strap in our new catalog. It says it fits the Goodtime and Boston banjos, it also fits the Vega banjos.

Yes, the head is bearing on the rim. Although it sounds like it has a brass ring in it, all that beautiful tone is coming from our high grade maple rim that we make in house. Quite surprising, isn't it.

Rindill - Posted - 03/21/2011:  15:14:47

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Seeing and hearing the Dropkick Murphy tenor just brouht up all the angst and ecstasy of my life - how I want a tenor! (Being majorly a celtic fiddleplayer, as well as old timey. No need to read tab, either - just my thousands of fiddle tunes (already in my head!) LOL!

Tell the universe everyone, if you find the time, Jenny wants/needs a tenor!
Perhaps there is a silk-lined leathren purse laying buried, in some forgotten corner ...

the-fish - Posted - 03/21/2011:  16:20:40

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I echo that comment on the Drop Kick banjer!! I want one too

DeanT - Posted - 03/21/2011:  17:25:49

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quote:

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You are welcome. It's my pleasure.
The Deering models that use the same rim dimensions as the Calico are the Sierra, Deluxe, Black Diamond, Maple Blossom, GDL and Ivanhoe.

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Thank you very much!
Oh the possibilities... and I swore I would never want for another banjo...

Gomer - Posted - 03/21/2011:  20:14:55

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quote:

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Originally posted by 1four5

[quote]. . .and I swore I would never want for another banjo...

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I am of the same sentiment Mr. Dean, but it appears that I will need one soon.
A question for you Miss Janet. . . Are the Hartford's also made with the new oak rim? I am thinking that selling mine was a mistake.

EggSalad - Posted - 03/22/2011:  08:36:17

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Thanks dpete and janet. One more question... If I bought the Hartford Rim/Tone ring could I put that into my 2009 Deering Deluxe?

Thanks.

Oh wait, 2 questions... Why did you make such a dang good sounding banjo as the Hartford? I've been so satisfied with my Deluxe, and then I go and hear a Hartford, and it is just a beautiful, beautiful sound.

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Edited by - EggSalad on 03/22/2011 08:38:29

Gomer - Posted - 03/22/2011:  18:33:26

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Egg, that Tone ring is glued on tighter than a Scot's fingers around his coin purse. Buy a Hartford and can hear it too.

EggSalad - Posted - 03/23/2011:  12:16:00

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I have the feeling I will own a Hartford sometime in the next year. My wife won't understand.

Gomer - Posted - 03/23/2011:  15:53:02

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Remember the stainless steel frets and the rest will take care if itself.

peter somerville - Posted - 03/23/2011:  19:34:48

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Hi Janet and anyone else with an opinion. i have an archtop maple blossom. with the coordinator rods not pushing or pulling, ie in neutral position, the action is fairly high, i'm wondering what the best way to lower it is without losing tone? i've got an 'archie 5/8th bridge on it. at the moment, i've put a thin metal shim between the neck and tone ring (just under the coordinator rod nearest the head. i thought that would be tonaly better than putting a shim between the end of the fret board and the head, although i've seen this done on another banjo. it's sounding pretty good but wondering if i've gone about this the right way.

Janet Deering - Posted - 03/24/2011:  11:27:24

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A question for you Miss Janet. . . Are the Hartford's also made with the new oak rim? I am thinking that selling mine was a mistake.

Yes, the Hartfords are also made with the new violin grade maple rim.
We've not used oak for a rim.

Janet Deering - Posted - 03/24/2011:  11:36:27

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One more question... If I bought the Hartford Rim/Tone ring could I put that into my 2009 Deering Deluxe?

Thanks.

Oh wait, 2 questions... Why did you make such a dang good sounding banjo as the Hartford? I've been so satisfied with my Deluxe, and then I go and hear a Hartford, and it is just a beautiful, beautiful sound.

Yes, a Hartford Rim/Tone ring would fit into your 2009 Deering Deluxe. It is a beautiful, beautiful sound. I agree!

Secondly, I have always been amazed by the sound of the Hartford tonering. When we first made them and I showed them to customers at festivals it was back in the '80s. At that time no one would even consider a banjo without a bronze tone ring - in fact, they wouldn't even try it if they knew it didn't have a bronze tone ring in it.

So, I would show them a few of our standard models and then slip them a Hartford without telling them what it was just to get their reaction. Most often their first reaction was an enjoyment of the sound, then they would really start looking at the banjo and were shocked when they noticed how light it was and listened to the tone and found out about the Hartford tone ring. I have gotten a lot of satisfaction in seeing artists expand their horizions in banjo possibilities through out the years.

It's like a game we play.... how much fun can you have in all flavors of banjos!

Janet Deering - Posted - 03/24/2011:  11:44:43

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Hi Janet and anyone else with an opinion. i have an archtop maple blossom. with the coordinator rods not pushing or pulling, ie in neutral position, the action is fairly high, i'm wondering what the best way to lower it is without losing tone? i've got an 'archie 5/8th bridge on it. at the moment, i've put a thin metal shim between the neck and tone ring (just under the coordinator rod nearest the head. i thought that would be tonaly better than putting a shim between the end of the fret board and the head, although i've seen this done on another banjo. it's sounding pretty good but wondering if i've gone about this the right way.


What you have done sounds like the best approach, assuming you didn't need a truss rod adjustment.
Usually the shim material we would use is a piece of a banjo head mylar, as this works very well as shim material.

However, you're enjoying the tone so you have you have done the right thing. There isn't a hard fast rule on shim materials.

Yes, Peter, you have gone about this the right way.

peter somerville - Posted - 03/24/2011:  13:43:50

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thanks Janet and i might use banjo head mylar next time.

Gomer - Posted - 03/24/2011:  20:16:48

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quote:

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Originally posted by Janet Deering

[i]
We've not used oak for a rim.

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My bad. I meant to say maple but I must have been thinking about smoking meat. Thankyou for your information.

healingbalm - Posted - 03/25/2011:  05:45:34

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Hi Janet! I have two questions and want to thank you in advance!!!!
I have a Crossfire I recently purchased used. The bridge had been replaced with a 9/16" bridge by a previous owner. I ordered a new head and bridge from you to do a complete set up on the banjo (which played nice the way it was). The 5/8" bridge (which I was told is the correct bridge from Deering) raised the strings considerably and in order to correct the issue required shimming the neck. It solved the problem and the banjo plays beautifully now with the 5/8" bridge. Can you tell me if crossfire's are shimmed from the factory? Im curious if someone just removed the original shim or if other forces may be at play here.
Also, I ordered the metal strip which goes under the head for the bridge pickup (it was missing when I got the banjo). Can you tell me the exact location it should be located (directly under the bridge, just in front of the bridge, behind)??? I tried directly under and it seemed to be overdriving the signal. I then moved it to just in front which improved it but Im curious where you put them from the factory.
Thank you!!!!!!
Dan in CT

don wiseman - Posted - 03/26/2011:  07:19:22

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Janet, thanks for the reply. I called, orderred, and the strap is on the way

dcb - Posted - 03/26/2011:  18:39:48

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Picked up my john Hartford last saturday.. Granadillo tone-ring".
This is my first maple and the 2nd banjo i own.
I have a 1968 gibson Bowtie that I love. It took a heck of a banjo to beat it out.
Thanks Deering

dustinTN - Posted - 03/26/2011:  18:56:10

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If someone has compromising pictures of any sort involving the Deerings, could you please send them my way? I, too, want a Harford model but fear that my aversion to hard work has limited my earning potential to the point that I can only acquire one through blackmail or other nefarious means. Thanks in advance for any help in this matter!

Dog Break - Posted - 03/26/2011:  19:22:06

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I found this...

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Edited by - Dog Break on 03/26/2011 19:35:55

dustinTN - Posted - 03/26/2011:  20:58:39

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Dangit, Dog Break! Now it's already in the public domain (and you can't even edit the post anymore!) A lot of good that does me... The point of blackmail is to WITHHOLD the incriminating evidence until you get what you want. Please send further pics to my personal email account.

(Janet does look awfully happy to be in Lord Vader's presence, though, doesn't she...)

Gomer - Posted - 03/27/2011:  07:55:58

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quote:

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Originally posted by dcb

Picked up my john Hartford last saturday.. Granadillo tone-ring".
This is my first maple and the 2nd banjo i own.
I have a 1968 gibson Bowtie that I love. It took a heck of a banjo to beat it out.
Thanks Deering

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Congratulations Dave!
You know, I got a flannel shirt from my wife about ten years ago for Christmas. It was one of those lumberjack shirts that was stiff as a parson's collar. At first I didn't even want to wear it save for my desire to preserve marital harmony. I wore it more and more since I stated getting compliments from people and I have a deep need to thrive on attention and acceptance. Once day I realized that this was the most comfortable shirt I owned. Soon enough, it was about all I would wear. It grew soft as a baby's bottom and hung comfortably. I asked the lovely Mrs. to stop ironing the shirt and just to let it hang dry. I hated to even put it into the wash. About a year ago it vanished. I was crestfallen. I would love to have a story about throwing it to a topless dancer on stage, but I can't even claim that. It's just gone and I have learned to live with it.
I started my new career as a legendary banjo picker with a new Hartford. It was a great sound to begin with. It wasn't until I was playing it for a time that I realized that the sound was changing. My banjo instructor ARAU the Zen Master lavished over the sound so much that he bought one for himself. (his only setup mistake was installing a Shubb 5th string capo which are quite dangerous). For almost 4 years. I played that Hartford day in and day out. One day a lady bought it for $500 less than what I wanted to sell and $500 more than she wanted to pay. It was a fair deal all the way around. Why anybody would want to sell such a piece is beyond me, but then I am a republican.
You have a remarkable piece. It will grow on you like a thick flannel shirt and become part of you soon enough. Keep your eye on it and don't play around fast women.

dannnjo - Posted - 03/27/2011:  08:26:32

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Guys i havent looked at the hartford but ive owned a BOSTON for 10 years and i am Totalling happy with it and it rings out so beautifully
Dan

Grey Dog - Posted - 03/27/2011:  08:49:09

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"(his only setup mistake was installing a Shubb 5th string capo which are quite dangerous)" -- Gomer

A huge majority of the re-selling Hartfords I see '"Used" have this installed, and it's a complete deal-breaker for me personally. But why is it so popular for the Hartford model to have this 'upgrade'? Did Hartford himself use this type of capo, and people are respecting John's setup?

Just curious. We all got our preferences.

dpete210 - Posted - 03/27/2011:  10:19:46

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Hartford does indeed have the sliding 5th string capo on his banjo in the DVD lessons that he did with Homespun (The Banjo According to John Hartford). My guess is that he may have preferred that 5th string capo to the railroad spikes because he incorporates a lot of 5th string notes into his playing and the spikes can interfere with clean notes at the frets they are installed. I have banjos set up both ways, with railroad spikes and a couple with the Shubb 5th string capo. Both installations work just fine. It would take something much more than a Shubb capo already installed to be a deal breaker for me if I were looking for a used Hartford. Just goes to show you that some like the Shubb, some don't. The nice thing is each of us gets to decide what we want on our banjo.

Gomer - Posted - 03/27/2011:  10:21:18

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Scott, I think you raise a very important point. I think that perhaps Brother Hartford knew what many of us only suspect. It is a free country and if you want to take a drill to the neck, it becomes your own business. The problem it that a loose capo on the slide can be accidentally flicked into some-body's eye and blind them forever. Should a person risk having that type of blood on their hands? And let's not even go to the increased possibility of lightning strikes. With all that metal on the neck, you are certain to get your arms and hands burnt beyond recognition. Finally, how do you go about tuning those to the same tap tune as the drum head. It's just a huge, dangerous can of worms.
I am with Shakespeare's Hamlet when he looked upon one and said:
"Ay, there's the Shubb"
They can deny it and debate it, but nothing should detract from the Spartan lines of a Hartford except maybe an MOP truss rod cover with your name engraved on it.

Grey Dog - Posted - 03/27/2011:  12:14:44

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Gotcha.
Thanks for the info!

Ralph Stanley legend - Posted - 03/27/2011:  14:48:11

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Hi Janet
Much is made about the UNPLATED ring you put into your GW model. If it is so good, why do you not use it in all your models ?

Thanks Janet
Davey

EggSalad - Posted - 03/27/2011:  17:55:18

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I am toying with the idea of getting that Hartford rim and tone ring. If anyone would be interested in the 2010 tone ring and rim in my deluxe please let me know. Might work on swapping those out.

Gomer - Posted - 03/28/2011:  15:44:22

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quote:

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Originally posted by EggSalad

I am toying with the idea of getting that Hartford rim and tone ring.

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That reminds me of my road bike which is an aluminum Raleigh. It was a good bike for what I wanted and kept up with the pack, so I started hanging the high-end Dura-Ace compnents along with the Selle-Italia Titaniumk Saddle and the Synergy Carbon Fiber rims and the racing tires that you can pump up to 130. So know I have entry level bike with a bunch of really expensive crap hung on it, when I should have just buckled and bought the Trek Madone in the first place. The worst part is that I am recovering from surgery on my knee and have to lood at all that expensive outdated Dura-Ace stuff every day.

EggSalad - Posted - 03/29/2011:  12:24:13

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Good point Gomer. I should just save up, bite the bullet, and buy a Hartford. Such a beautiful banjo too.

Gomer - Posted - 03/29/2011:  20:35:47

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Egg, just keep your eyes peeled. If you find the good deal, jump on it!

Darcy - Posted - 04/04/2011:  08:20:29

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I thought it may be appropriate to post this here. I have a 1979 Deering Deluxe up on ebay right now. It's a great banjo. The bad news is the headstock has been broken off. It has been professionally repaired and is solid. If anyone wants a great Deering for a good price, here is the link. If anyone from banjohangout buys this banjo, please let me know and I'll donate accordingly to the banjohangout. I would have put it in classifieds, but I'm not really sure how much the headstock breaks affects the price.

cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...586869627

Bob Murphy - Posted - 04/06/2011:  06:15:25

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Janet

I was excited to read that Eric Gibson in now playing a Tenbrooks. Which tone ring does he have in his Legacy?

It is great that more pros are discovering the tenbrooks line, as well as Deering in general.

Bob

rminke - Posted - 04/07/2011:  11:18:06

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Hey Gomer - in your quest for the "ultimate" Deering Tenbrooks did you ever get a chance to compare the Maple / Saratoga Star to the Mahogany / Legacy? I am toying with the idea of a Mahogany Saratoga Star. I really like the inlays on the Saratoga Star but am partial to Mahogany banjos for their warmer tone. I notice Eric Gibson has a new Legacy - I assume he is a Mahogany fan as well since he has been playing an RB3. Of course there is nowhere any where around here to test grive any Tenbrooks so I am flying blind {or deaf} so to speak!

                                                                                                Just thinkin'

Gomer - Posted - 04/07/2011:  19:18:19

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Hi Robert. I did not try a Legacy, but have no disagreement.  The first banjo that I heard from less that 10 feet away was the Tenbrooks that belongs to my intructor ARAU the Belicose. Nothing would have stopped me from the Swiss Tone ring until I heared the 06 in a tenbrooks.  If you want mellow Deering maybe you ought to hook up with a GDL which I think is one of the best banjos they make. Its walnut and beautiful all over. The sound is a warm as a lover's hand.  The mighty ARAU has one of these as well.  You should figure out a way to compare the two. Regards

justdrawinglines - Posted - 04/11/2011:  06:50:37

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Hi, Janet.

Can you tell me why you recommend almond oil for the fret board instead of lemon oil?  I have both a Tibet stick as well as expeller pressed almond oil that I normally cook with.  I presume either could be used?

Thanks again for getting back to me so quickly this weekend.

Kathy

Gomer - Posted - 04/12/2011:  19:16:46

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I don't have the slightest what Ms. Deering might say about it, but almond oil is prized for its beautiful Amaretto smell.  Lemon oil leaves a player thinking about martinis, Just thinking about almond oil liberally slathered over the dry fretboard is about enough for me.  The aroma therapy folks have been writing about this stuff for years. I don't even need to enter the debate. Get a bottle; oil your fretboard, rub some into your hands and face. . .  Enjoy.   Fret Ease of Fast fret has been working for me too but nothing like almond.

rminke - Posted - 04/13/2011:  05:35:55

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Most "Lemon" oil" is not pure lemon oil but contains carriers, usually petroleum distillates which may not be good for the finish on your instrument.

"Tibet Almond Stick" & "Fast Fret" are pure Almond oil products with no contaminating carriers. I would assume your expeller pressed "food grade" Almond oil to be pure (edible) & so should work the same for cleaning / lubricating your strings & fret board. REM

justdrawinglines - Posted - 04/13/2011:  06:10:46

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Thanks, Gomer and rminke.  Funny thing about the smell, Gomer, is that almond oil essentially has no smell and a Tibet stick most definitely doesn't smell like amaretto (it kind of has a medicinal smell).  But I like the idea of my fretboard smelling like amaretto!  Maybe I can mix a little pure almond extract with the oil?  

dpete210 - Posted - 04/13/2011:  08:27:25

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Questions about instrument care pop up from time to time.  I remembered reading what luthier Scott Zimmerman, who goes by desert rose on this forum, recommended so I looked on his web page for that info.  He recommends to NEVER use linseed oil because it will build up and turn gunky on a hot day.  Here is what he has to say about fingerboard care:

As far as what is good- there is no one answer. The things like Fingerease etc. are good. Lemon oil is good. Any LIGHT oil should be good. I learned a trick from the master repairman at McCabes years ago who was Japanese. He swore by sesame oil. and thats what I've used for 20+ years. Its big advantage is that it WON'T leach out of the wood on hot days, and it smells great! As with all these oils, apply a little, let it sit for a minute or so and wipe off the rest

You can read the entire tip here:   

 desertrosebanjo.com/index2.htm 

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Edited by - dpete210 on 04/13/2011 08:28:39

Gomer - Posted - 04/13/2011:  21:13:07

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quote:

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Originally posted by justdrawinglines

  But I like the idea of my fretboard smelling like amaretto!  Maybe I can mix a little pure almond extract with the oil?  

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 Take a couple of slugs of Amaretto while you are oiling up the fretboard. then you will smell the Amaretto AND play a little better too!

dmiller - Posted - 04/13/2011:  21:17:00

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Sounds like a Geoge Strait song - - -  "Amaretto By Morning"

Gomer - Posted - 04/14/2011:  06:46:02

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Or Whiskey before Breakfast.  Say Ms Janet, On the Hartford 24 fret, about how much away from the rim does the bridge sit as opposed to a regular neck??  Inquiring minds want to know! . . .Regards.

daytripper - Posted - 04/19/2011:  05:58:36

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Just a quickie - are the neck dimensions on the Goodtime & Boston the same..?

 

ta!

justdrawinglines - Posted - 04/19/2011:  06:07:25

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quote:

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Originally posted by daytripper

Just a quickie - are the neck dimensions on the Goodtime & Boston the same..?

 

ta!

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You can look up the specs on deeringbanjos.com.   Which Goodtime are you looking at?  Below are the dimensions for the Boston and Classic Goodtime Special.

Boston Dimensions:

Neck Width at the Nut 1 1/4”,

Scale Length Nut to Bridge 26 1/4”

Resonator diameter 13 7/8”

Overall Instrument Length 38”

Weight Approx. 9.6 lbs

Classic Goodtime Special Dimensions:

Neck Width at the Nut 1 1/4”

Scale Length Nut to Bridge 26 1/4”

Resonator diameter 13 7/8”

Overall Instrument Length 38”

Weight Approx. 8 lbs