Gomer - Posted - 09/07/2011:  20:31:39

This is nothing to fret about.

dmiller - Posted - 09/07/2011:  20:59:25

Friend of mine (a member here at the BHO) was banjo picker for this band.

Gomer - Posted - 09/08/2011:  19:34:46

What a great name for a banjo model. Sounds like Dreadnought.

Say Miss Janet!, did I happen to mention that I have a Tenbrooks! Oh Yeah!

Let me not to the Tenbrooks admit impediment. . .

 Well. . . Shakespeare I am not!

erikforgod - Posted - 09/09/2011:  07:14:01

It would be interesting to see a fretless version of the classic goodtime open back as well.

tpg11 - Posted - 09/09/2011:  08:29:14

I just received my 2011 Goodtime Special Open Back banjo and am very happy with it. Thanks to the Banjo Hangout website (and this thread), I was able to find out information about the various Goodtime models and how they changed over the years.

One thing I did not find on my banjo was the 'P' stamp on the outside of the wood rim. I looked at all angles under the tailpiece & even loosened the tailpiece to see if it was hidden. I couldn't find any impression on the wood rim.

- Was that practice discontinued in 2011 on the open back model ?

- I found a close up picture of the inside of an older GT special open back & it looks like the old tone ring angled down & met very close to the inside edge of the wood rim.
On my banjo, the tone ring appears to have less of an angle and touches near the middle of the wood rim.
Is that a good way to distinguish between the old & new tone ring without removing the head ?

Thanks, Tom

Janet Deering - Posted - 09/09/2011:  14:50:44

- I found a close up picture of the inside of an older GT special open back & it looks like the old tone ring angled down & met very close to the inside edge of the wood rim.

On my banjo, the tone ring appears to have less of an angle and touches near the middle of the wood rim.

Is that a good way to distinguish between the old & new tone ring without removing the head ?

 

Yes, you definitely have the new patent pending Special tone ring.   We no longer stamp every rim since we've been building the 3-ply rims and installing the new tone rings for a year now.  We mainly mark things during a time of transition.  From your description you do have the new tone ring.

Yes, that is a good way of distinguishing between the old and new tone ring.  And the three ply rim can be identified by simply counting the plys.

Janet Deering - Posted - 09/09/2011:  14:59:07

It would be interesting to see a fretless version of the classic goodtime open back as well. 

Any model can be made in a fretless version.  I agree, that would be an interesting banjo to see. 

I  have not even tried playing a fretless. They go out as soon as they are made and I never picked it up to try it out, sans frets. I guess I was lacking curiosity.

 I'll check it out personally next time we make one.

EggSalad - Posted - 09/09/2011:  17:33:54

Does anyone have a fults tailpiece on their deering? If so, any thoughts on how it changed the sound? Any tips on set up?

I've got a 34 parallel on the way.

capsholler - Posted - 09/09/2011:  22:23:27

quote:

---

Originally posted by EggSalad



Does anyone have a fults tailpiece on their deering? If so, any thoughts on how it changed the sound? Any tips on set up?



I've got a 34 parallel on the way.

---

I have a 1934 on my Sierra and like it it is very ajustable which is why I got it. Mine is not the parallel but I'm quite happy with it vs the stock Deering tailpiece that came with the banjo.

dmiller - Posted - 09/09/2011:  23:47:26

quote:

---

Originally posted by EggSalad



Does anyone have a fults tailpiece on their deering? If so, any thoughts on how it changed the sound? Any tips on set up?



I've got a 34 parallel on the way.

---

I've got both a 34 parallel and a regular 1934 Fults for two of my banjos (GTR and Gibson).  I used to have a Deering, but had to sell it (money problems at the time).  IMO - - the Fults will open up the sound of the banjo (regardless of make) better than any other tailpiece out there.  Since it connects to the tension hooks ONLY, it doesn't come into any contact with either the tension hoop or the flange either one. It gives your banjo a freedom to resonate more than otherwise, and the tonal qualities (along with volume) increase more than you would've thought possible.

I FAIL to understand why companies (such as Deering/ and others)

don't use the Fults tailpieces as stock equipment.

Any company using Fults (as stock equipment) would immediately intensify the quality of any model they offered for sale.  Both my banjos (with the Fults tailpieces on them) sounded DRAMATICALLY different immediately after I put them on.  The Fults tailpiece is that good.  It can enhance the sound of ANY banjo, hands down.  

The Fults is a tailpiece that should be stock equpment and not "aftermarket" as it is now.

 

Edited by - dmiller on 09/09/2011 23:55:40

Janet Deering - Posted - 09/14/2011:  21:22:07

That sounds like an advertisement.?

peewee - Posted - 09/15/2011:  06:12:06

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janet Deering

That sounds like an advertisement.?

---

No it dosen't, Sounds like good advice.  I changed my Calico tailpiece to a Fultz 34p, and it made a major difference over stock.

and, if you look at other regular posters here like "Gomer" they have changed to Fultz as well

Edited by - peewee on 09/15/2011 06:26:26

starhopper - Posted - 09/15/2011:  06:36:45

After reading a review posted on 8/26/2011, not sure I wanna chance purchasing the Fults tailpieces. I was considering it until I saw that particular review on the parallel tailpiece - now am having some second thoughts. I'll have to do a little more research before I pull the trigger.

Until then, I think I'll just keeping my Deering tailpiece on my Hartford - it just works.

Lyle

Edited by - starhopper on 09/15/2011 06:39:21

erikforgod - Posted - 09/15/2011:  06:39:57

Janet - I had a brainstorm this morning thinking about my Goodtime banjo and how much I love it, and also thinking about the success of this banjo in the market. I was thinking: "Even though the obvious success of the Goodtime banjo is the cost, availability, and playability of this instrument as an "entry level" banjo..why not expand on this already successful model a bit more. I know that you guys have the special open back model, and from there it seems to jump up to the Vegas.



Why not see if its possible...cost wise to consider offering a "Premium Goodtime" model. For example the same 3 ply rim, bridge, but maybe with the purchasers choice of either scooped or un scooped, same number of brackets, shoes and tension hoop, Deering presto or "kno-not" tailpiece, steel or brass tone ring, vega style arm rest and then offering a Goodtime style neck, but with a simple truss-rod reinforcement and maybe a rosewood or ebony fingerboard...same hardwood inlays and the typical fiddle peg head shape with the enrgaved Goodtime logo...could a Goodtime model like this be offered in the U$S 800 or U$S 900 range. This could woo alot more intermediate to professional players and might be more approachable to those who seem to have worries about a truss-rodless neck...which in my opinion is an exaggerated worry...but anyways just a thought. I think Deering should try to expand on the success of an already established line of instruments......just an idea

I think in todays economy...people are looking to squeeze the most quality and features they can get for the buck...and I am not sure but I would bet maybe they are not willing to dig down as deep as before. Maybe this is where the Goodtime line can be expanded upon. I think there is a "gap" so to speak in between the for example Classic open back special and say...the little time wonder. Maybe a Premium Goodtime could fall somewhere in the middle and it would have just enough extra features to attract another level of musicians. Maybe you guys could put together a couple of prototypes and shop them around at the tradeshows for a few months and see what kind of interest and feedback you guys get...launch for a year...see if some sales and interest enough is generated to launching a model like this in the Goodtime line. Obviouly there is a limit and compromise because the success of these instruments is the cost and playability and quality for that cost.

Edited by - erikforgod on 09/15/2011 06:49:51

Cotton - Posted - 09/15/2011:  06:58:35

I love my Deering Goodtime. Would not trade it for anything!

Cotton - Posted - 09/15/2011:  07:00:47

I need to add that I would buy another Deering openback if I could!! Thanks Janet for a great banjo company!!!!

DeanT - Posted - 09/15/2011:  07:31:36

I have a sneeking suspicion that the Calico doesn't like the stock Deering Tailpice. I fought mine for 4 years. Up, down, tilted foreword, tilted up, tilted down, screw in, screw out, touching tension hoop (per manual, and by far the worst tone), and not touching, big gap, small gap, you name it I tried it. I knew that a $4K banjo had more it it than I was getting. Through out that period also went through all different string gauges, heads and bridges... never suspecting the tailpiece was the culprit of the thin tone and overtones. I even sanded the rim to the ring fit, and even had a Tony Pass rim installed for 9 months, before going back to the stock rim. Then last winter I installed a Kerschner tailpiece on my Calico, and I finally got the banjo I had always been wanting. I haven't touched it since, other than routine string changes. I love my Calico.

erikforgod - Posted - 09/15/2011:  08:12:30

quote:

---

Originally posted by Cotton

I need to add that I would buy another Deering openback if I could!! Thanks Janet for a great banjo company!!!!

---

I agree...My Goodtime Crow is with me to stay!

Grey Dog - Posted - 09/15/2011:  08:30:08

quote:

---

Originally posted by starhopper

After reading a review posted on 8/26/2011, not sure I wanna chance purchasing the Fults tailpieces. I was considering it until I saw that particular review on the parallel tailpiece - now am having some second thoughts. I'll have to do a little more research before I pull the trigger.

Until then, I think I'll just keeping my Deering tailpiece on my Hartford - it just works.

Lyle

---

I think a parallel fults would be really sweet on the Hartford: Not strictly bluegrass, but awesome.

They are so adjustable, that you have to be able to find your sound in there.

Edited by - Grey Dog on 09/15/2011 08:31:34

starhopper - Posted - 09/15/2011:  08:35:31

quote:

---

Originally posted by Grey Dog

 I think a parallel fults would be really sweet on the Hartford: Not strictly bluegrass, but awesome.

They are so adjustable, that you have to be able to find your sound in there.

 

---

Grey Dog - Thanks - Since I am not a "strictly" bluegrass guy, I appreciate your feedback.

Lyle

EggSalad - Posted - 09/15/2011:  10:45:58

I just put the 34P Fults on my Deering Deluxe today, and wow does it sound good.  My Deluxe has been an amazing banjo since I bought it last year, but I've also been tinkering with it since then to find the tone that suits my ears (bridges, strings, set up angles etc...). 

First, there is nothing at all wrong with the Deering tailpiece that is stock with a Deluxe.  It can be a tad thin when touching the hoop, and I've struggled at times to adjust it, but I think that has more to do with me than the tailpiece. 

But this Fults 34P really opens the banjo up, lets it ring, and adds nice sustain.  This is exactly what I've been wanting to add to my sound.  I'm very happy with it, and look forward to the sound evolving as the changes settle in. 

EggSalad - Posted - 09/15/2011:  10:58:17

quote:

---

Originally posted by starhopper

After reading a review posted on 8/26/2011, not sure I wanna chance purchasing the Fults tailpieces. I was considering it until I saw that particular review on the parallel tailpiece - now am having some second thoughts. I'll have to do a little more research before I pull the trigger.

Until then, I think I'll just keeping my Deering tailpiece on my Hartford - it just works.

Lyle

---

I had extremely pleasant dealings with Fults and would highly recommend them.  Bob was responsive, makes a great product, and the shipping was very quick. 

As for the tailpiece itself, I bet it would sound great on a Hartford.  The Hartford is such a beautiful sounding banjo to begin with that the more ring, and volume a Fults would add would be incredible. 

You can always send me your Hartford, and I'll put my Fults on it and tell you how it sounds ;)

starhopper - Posted - 09/15/2011:  11:12:11

quote:

---

As for the tailpiece itself, I bet it would sound great on a Hartford.  The Hartford is such a beautiful sounding banjo to begin with that the more ring, and volume a Fults would add would be incredible. 

---

 EggSalad - that's what I was thinking when I first started looking at a Fults.

Lyle

tkocason - Posted - 09/15/2011:  16:41:19

quote:

---

Originally posted by starhopper

After reading a review posted on 8/26/2011, not sure I wanna chance purchasing the Fults tailpieces. I was considering it until I saw that particular review on the parallel tailpiece - now am having some second thoughts. I'll have to do a little more research before I pull the trigger.

Until then, I think I'll just keeping my Deering tailpiece on my Hartford - it just works.

Lyle

---

I've got the Fults XYZ mount and tail piece on my Maple Blossom, I really like it. It's nice and strong, stable and the guitar tuner on it is cool, I adjust it every now and then to see if I like the tone better high or low. There's different schools of thought and I think it comes down to personal preference, or even a type of music you prefer. But, in general Deerings rock. I'll end up with a Calico or higher on the Deering scale one day.

EggSalad - Posted - 09/15/2011:  19:09:38

Does the calico have the tenbrooks tone ring?

capsholler - Posted - 09/15/2011:  19:35:52

quote:I agree Love my Goodtime!!! I put an easy res on mine with the quick pop off feature and it is an amazing banjo for it's punch, loudness and light weight!! How they put that much power and punch and good tone 

into such a lightweight banjo is amazing to me. It viberates all up the neck! Of course the ez res really makes it sing out louder in a bluegrass situation and if I need it to be quiter I can just pop off the res and even stick a balled up sock under the coodinater rod.  It's the perfect knock around  banjo. Love them Goodtimes and am seriously thinking about a Goodtime special Classic with the resonator and tone ring as a nice banjo to use with a band because of my age and not wanting a banjo that weighs like a bricko block hanging around my neck when I have to stand and play.

---

Originally posted by erikforgod

quote:

---

Originally posted by Cotton

I need to add that I would buy another Deering openback if I could!! Thanks Janet for a great banjo company!!!!

---

I agree...My Goodtime Crow is with me to stay!

---

peewee - Posted - 09/15/2011:  19:37:16

No

Janet Deering - Posted - 09/17/2011:  12:15:14

That's right. The Calico has an '06 tone ring.  The only banjos we put the Tenbrooks tone ring onto are the Tenbrooks banjos.

As for the Fultz tailpiece, you have peeked my curiosity. I'll pay more attention to see what I think of it.  I will be at the Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival in Longford, Ireland next week, and then at IBMA in Nashville the last week of September.  If you'll have your banjo there I'd like to see how it sounds with the Fultz tailpiece on it.  Please show it to me. I'd like to see it.  I appreciate your suggestion.

Greg will be doing a workshop on Banjo Maintenance and Set up at the Johnny Keenan Festival  on Saturday, Sept 24th..  We will also have a Deering Display with Eagle Music in the Longford Arms Hotel Wednesday through Sunday Sept 21-25th.  Greg and I will be there with Steve and Joan Noon of Eagle Music from Huddersfield, England.  We will have a very wide array of the banjos we make including the Deering, Tenbrooks and Goodtime banjos, as well as some Vegas in many different styles.  We look forward to lots of fun at the Johnny Keenan Festival!

The Following Week Sept 27 - Oct 1st I will be at IBMA it with Carolina Bridges at the Deering Banjo display.

IBMA plans to have a public day where people can come into the exhibit hall for FREE on Wednesday afternoon, Sept 28th from 12:45 to 5pm.  So if you'll be in the Nashville area, and want to just drop by to see the trade show on Wednesday come on in!.

Also, they have a separate lower cost the whole week for people who just want a day pass to come into the exhibit hall.

We will be at IBMA all week including Fan Fest, so if you're attending the conference, I look forward to seeing you.  We leave for Ireland in the morning.

Edited by - Janet Deering on 09/17/2011 12:16:19

starhopper - Posted - 09/20/2011:  14:58:28

Mrs Deering - I just purchased the Greg Deering Bridge for my John Hartford banjo.  I was wondering, it there a front and a back to this bridge? In other words, does it matter which side faces up towards the neck, and which faces towards the tailpiece?

I have been wondering about this for quite a while when it comes to bridge orientation.

Thanks

Lyle

firemx220 - Posted - 09/20/2011:  16:30:36

I have one on my Eagle II and love it. The writing faces the neck.

starhopper - Posted - 09/20/2011:  16:49:08

quote:

---

Originally posted by firemx220

I have one on my Eagle II and love it. The writing faces the neck.

---

Does it matter which way it faces? The string grooves all seem to be the same width and depth, so I can't see that it would make a difference - but I don;t know for sure if it matters or not!

Lyle

Janet Deering - Posted - 09/21/2011:  10:13:26

The writing on our bridges is always supposed to face toward the neck. The slots angle down toward the tailpiece when it is installed this way.

Have fun!

erikforgod - Posted - 09/21/2011:  10:55:22

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janet Deering



The writing on our bridges is always supposed to face toward the neck. The slots angle down toward the tailpiece when it is installed this way.



Have fun!

---

Kinda surprised that Deering hasnt come up with their won patented Kno-not version....just a thought ( By the way I just reserved a new Classic Scooped Goodtime Banjo from Elderly Instruments...so I will now have two Goodtimes in my arsenal...I love my Goodtime Crow...havent looked back since...its all the banjo I need and am very happy! Cant wait to get my new one ...took a little coaxing with the wifey but christmas is near 

StraitsBlueGal - Posted - 09/21/2011:  10:56:58

Oh man, I wish I were in the Nashville area - I'd come by the IBMA tradeshow and visit!  I just love the tone from my 2008 Hartford.

mudlakesandy - Posted - 09/22/2011:  11:36:12

Sierra Maple arrived last week-exquisite!

starhopper - Posted - 09/22/2011:  13:18:10

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janet Deering



The writing on our bridges is always supposed to face toward the neck. The slots angle down toward the tailpiece when it is installed this way.



Have fun!

---

Thanks Janet - I had no idea!

Lyle

Edited by - starhopper on 09/22/2011 13:18:35

Gomer - Posted - 09/22/2011:  17:12:03

quote:

---

Originally posted by mudlakesandy

Sierra Maple arrived last week-exquisite!

---

 Congrats Sandy. Welcome to the hangout! Great way to start!

Viktor Velthuijs - Posted - 09/23/2011:  06:17:39

I've been shy to post pictures but this banjo is such a beautiful creature that I just have to share it. It's easily my most precious possession! It's sort of an Ivanhoe/Jens Krüger model but the resonator and neck are Brazilian rosewood. The sound that comes out of this thing is scintillating and hair (and heart) raising! It has an enormous dynamic range! The wood is beautiful! Thanks again for your patience Janet and the crew!

Janet Deering - Posted - 09/23/2011:  08:48:24

It was our pleasure to make your custom banjo, Viktor. It warms my heart to know how pleased you are with it. It is most likely the last Brazilian Rosewood banjo we will make because of the treaties our government has made that discourage the use of Brazilian Rosewood. It does have a very special tonality. I agree. It sounds very beautiful. You have a treasure.

Edited by - Janet Deering on 09/23/2011 08:49:23

erikforgod - Posted - 09/23/2011:  09:29:02

quote:

---

Originally posted by Viktor Velthuijs

I've been shy to post pictures but this banjo is such a beautiful creature that I just have to share it. It's easily my most precious possession! It's sort of an Ivanhoe/Jens Krüger model but the resonator and neck are Brazilian rosewood. The sound that comes out of this thing is scintillating and hair (and heart) raising! It has an enormous dynamic range! The wood is beautiful! Thanks again for your patience Janet and the crew!

---

S W E E T!!! Some serious Deering "bling" on that beauty!!

Viktor Velthuijs - Posted - 09/23/2011:  10:34:17

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janet Deering



It was our pleasure to make your custom banjo, Viktor. It warms my heart to know how pleased you are with it. It is most likely the last Brazilian Rosewood banjo we will make because of the treaties our government has made that discourage the use of Brazilian Rosewood. It does have a very special tonality. I agree. It sounds very beautiful. You have a treasure.

---

Thanks Janet! Ofcourse these pictures don't do justice to its majestic appearance, I really should take some new pictures. The only difference is that it is fitted with a Nechville armrest made out of ebony, and this was actually the plan from (almost) the beginning. That's why the peghead is unbound, it matches very well with the armrest! It sounds like a mahogany and maple banjo at the same time, not inbetween! From what I've been told by a Spanish guitar builder is that there had been times that furniture builders simply depleted the supply of Brazilian rosewood as they were making whole floors out of it (I don't know if this is actually true or the reason).

Edited by - Viktor Velthuijs on 09/23/2011 10:35:57

erikforgod - Posted - 09/24/2011:  11:23:49

Janet - I have a question about my Goodtime Crow. I looked under the tailpiece and I could see a big number "3" stamped or engraved in the side of the pot just under the tailpiece...what does this mean? Its an ID code for the banjo of some kind?

Bizdoc - Posted - 09/24/2011:  12:58:25

quote:

---

Originally posted by Viktor Velthuijs

I've been shy to post pictures but this banjo is such a beautiful creature that I just have to share it. It's easily my most precious possession! It's sort of an Ivanhoe/Jens Krüger model but the resonator and neck are Brazilian rosewood. The sound that comes out of this thing is scintillating and hair (and heart) raising! It has an enormous dynamic range! The wood is beautiful! Thanks again for your patience Janet and the crew!

---

 I really don't know if I've ever seen a more beautiful banjo.  It would scare me to death to strap it on, for fear of scratching something, anything, on it.  Something both you and Deering should be extremely proud of.  I had a Gibson ESS, sold it, afraid to play it for fear of scratching it.  However, this is just out there in the stratosphere.  Awesome, congratulations to Deering for making it, and to you for the insight to order it and own it.

hayesdt - Posted - 09/24/2011:  13:04:51

quote:

---

Originally posted by erikforgod

Janet - I have a question about my Goodtime Crow. I looked under the tailpiece and I could see a big number "3" stamped or engraved in the side of the pot just under the tailpiece...what does this mean? Its an ID code for the banjo of some kind?

---

 I'm not Janet, but I believe it's an indication that yours is a Goodtime with one of the newer rims they came out with a couple of years ago (was a new, improved three-ply rim if I remember correctly).  They also for a while on the Goodtime Specials that featured the newer improved tone ring had a "P" (if I recall correctly) under the tailpiece on the rim; mine, purchased a little over a year ago, has this.  They included these symbols, I'm believe, to distinguish the newer models from the new but older models still in some stores at the time ("new 'old' stock").  Also, now that a year or two have passed and older models that used to be in store inventories have probably sold, I believe they no longer engrave either the "3" or the "P" on newly made Goodtimes and Goodtime Specials.  I may be incorrect about some of this, but I seem to recall having read this here on the Hangout, probably many pages back on this thread.

erikforgod - Posted - 09/24/2011:  14:19:43

quote:

---

Originally posted by hayesdt

quote:

---

Originally posted by erikforgod

Janet - I have a question about my Goodtime Crow. I looked under the tailpiece and I could see a big number "3" stamped or engraved in the side of the pot just under the tailpiece...what does this mean? Its an ID code for the banjo of some kind?

---

 I'm not Janet, but I believe it's an indication that yours is a Goodtime with one of the newer rims they came out with a couple of years ago (was a new, improved three-ply rim if I remember correctly).  They also for a while on the Goodtime Specials that featured the newer improved tone ring had a "P" (if I recall correctly) under the tailpiece on the rim; mine, purchased a little over a year ago, has this.  They included these symbols, I'm believe, to distinguish the newer models from the new but older models still in some stores at the time ("new 'old' stock").  Also, now that a year or two have passed and older models that used to be in store inventories have probably sold, I believe they no longer engrave either the "3" or the "P" on newly made Goodtimes and Goodtime Specials.  I may be incorrect about some of this, but I seem to recall having read this here on the Hangout, probably many pages back on this thread.

---

Thanks....makes sense to me...it would be cool to know when my crow banjo rolled off of the assembly line in the factory :) I can count three plays of Maple in the rim on my Crow...not the multi-ply Birch/Maple that they used to make...This banjo sounds great...its a really really nice quality 3 - ply Maple rim and tight....when you run your finger over the seams where the plys were joined they are as smooth as butter :) So my banjo could already have been a couple of years old by the time I bought it in June?

Thanks

Edited by - erikforgod on 09/24/2011 14:23:54

Viktor Velthuijs - Posted - 09/24/2011:  16:44:16

quote:

---

Originally posted by Bizdoc

quote:

---

Originally posted by Viktor Velthuijs

I've been shy to post pictures but this banjo is such a beautiful creature that I just have to share it. It's easily my most precious possession! It's sort of an Ivanhoe/Jens Krüger model but the resonator and neck are Brazilian rosewood. The sound that comes out of this thing is scintillating and hair (and heart) raising! It has an enormous dynamic range! The wood is beautiful! Thanks again for your patience Janet and the crew!

---

 I really don't know if I've ever seen a more beautiful banjo.  It would scare me to death to strap it on, for fear of scratching something, anything, on it.  Something both you and Deering should be extremely proud of.  I had a Gibson ESS, sold it, afraid to play it for fear of scratching it.  However, this is just out there in the stratosphere.  Awesome, congratulations to Deering for making it, and to you for the insight to order it and own it.

---

Thanks for the kind words Bizdoc, you too Erik. I have gone through these phases aswell but when I ordered this banjo I demanded of myself to play it just like any other banjo. It should be a practical musical instrument and scratches are inevitable. Still, I catch myself being careful... I have a heard of a guitarist who, after receiving his new guitar, the first thing he did was make a big scratch onto it as to be done with that. I'm not going to to that to my Deering though!

The Gibson ESS is a fine banjo too, I'm sorry you had to sell it. I suppose in the end all the engraving and inlay is unnecessary!

Janet Deering - Posted - 09/24/2011:  17:58:48

Your Crow could also be a brand new one. We still imprint the 3 on the rims of the resonator model Goodtimes. Once in a while one could slip out without the imprint because we don't imprint the openback rims since the 3 plys are visible on the openbacks.
The imprint is a quick way if knowing which rim is inside a resonator model.

Bizdoc - Posted - 09/24/2011:  18:13:42

quote:

---

Originally posted by Viktor Velthuijs

quote:

---

Originally posted by Bizdoc

quote:

---

Originally posted by Viktor Velthuijs

I've been shy to post pictures but this banjo is such a beautiful creature that I just have to share it. It's easily my most precious possession! It's sort of an Ivanhoe/Jens Krüger model but the resonator and neck are Brazilian rosewood. The sound that comes out of this thing is scintillating and hair (and heart) raising! It has an enormous dynamic range! The wood is beautiful! Thanks again for your patience Janet and the crew!

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 I really don't know if I've ever seen a more beautiful banjo.  It would scare me to death to strap it on, for fear of scratching something, anything, on it.  Something both you and Deering should be extremely proud of.  I had a Gibson ESS, sold it, afraid to play it for fear of scratching it.  However, this is just out there in the stratosphere.  Awesome, congratulations to Deering for making it, and to you for the insight to order it and own it.

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Thanks for the kind words Bizdoc, you too Erik. I have gone through these phases aswell but when I ordered this banjo I demanded of myself to play it just like any other banjo. It should be a practical musical instrument and scratches are inevitable. Still, I catch myself being careful... I have a heard of a guitarist who, after receiving his new guitar, the first thing he did was make a big scratch onto it as to be done with that. I'm not going to to that to my Deering though!

The Gibson ESS is a fine banjo too, I'm sorry you had to sell it. I suppose in the end all the engraving and inlay is unnecessary!

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 after selling the ESS I purchased a Deering Walnut Eagle II.  It sits in its case, still afraid to scratch it.  but I also got a Good time and then purchased a used resonator for the goodtime that already had scratches on it.  best purchase I've made, I just pick it up and play it without worry.

The engraving may have been unnecessary but it is marvelous, hopefully there is a generation you can teach and pass it on to.

erikforgod - Posted - 09/24/2011:  21:06:20

quote:

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Originally posted by Janet Deering



Your Crow could also be a brand new one. We still imprint the 3 on the rims of the resonator model Goodtimes. Once in a while one could slip out without the imprint because we don't imprint the openback rims since the 3 plys are visible on the openbacks.

The imprint is a quick way if knowing which rim is inside a resonator model.

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Thanks Janet for the response! Janet I have another question: "I have just made a downpayment and reserved one of the 4 "Classic Goodtime Scooped neck banjos that you guys are sending to Elderly instruments in late October or early November, I would really love and prefer to have the Deering Renaissance head on it instead of the typical white frosted head..is it possible to get my banjo with one of these? Will there be an extra charge and a change in the price?

This new Goodtime will be scooped and I want it to have a different sound than my Crow ( which I love dearly ) more of a plunk to it. Let me know if this is an option.