starhopper - Posted - 09/29/2011:  08:25:32

Gomer - you're 100% on that Hartford - I love mine!

Lyle

kiri - Posted - 09/29/2011:  19:54:50

Janet, I am impressed that you take the time to personally answer all of these questions.  This one has generated much discussion on a different thread and it was suggested that I simply ask you here.

Does Deering use 100% American manufactured parts or are some parts imported?

Thanks,

Kiri

dpete210 - Posted - 09/29/2011:  20:16:02

Kiri,  sorry to butt in, but the question was previously asked on this thread and answered on page 47.  See here:  banjohangout.org/topic/160151/47

Janet Deering - Posted - 09/30/2011:  07:11:38

It sounds like you want what we call in our shop an "Old Time Goodtime". I guess we ought to put that into our catalog. We have made several of them. It is a Goodtime openback, scooped neck, renaissance head and no knot tailpiece. Yes, you can order it that way.
It adds 60 to the cost of the banjo.
Good question. I'll ensure we add that to our next catalog.

Gomer - Posted - 09/30/2011:  09:15:38

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janet Deering



It adds 60 to the cost of the banjo.

Good question. I'll ensure we add that to our next catalog.

---

 You see Erik! You just got $60 closer to a proper Hartford. With the money you have saved, you could scoop the neck on your Hartford. (It has just occurred to me that I am a really good economist. I think I will apply to the US government to help to reduce the deficit.)

StraitsBlueGal - Posted - 09/30/2011:  10:08:45

I loooooove my Hartford.  Even without a scooped neck.  I will not be selling or trading this one away, ever.    The tone, the beautiful tone...(look for one used if you're on a budget, they pop up every so often).

mudlakesandy - Posted - 09/30/2011:  14:56:56

Can't go to work without good tools  my Sierra and Boston both encourage practice- one upstairs and the other down. When I hit my goals will be thinking about the kind of tools Viktor and Bizdoc play...................................................

Edited by - mudlakesandy on 09/30/2011 14:59:02

paulrobertwagner - Posted - 10/02/2011:  18:16:14

quote:

---

Originally posted by mudlakesandy

Can't go to work without good tools  my Sierra and Boston both encourage practice- one upstairs and the other down. When I hit my goals will be thinking about the kind of tools Viktor and Bizdoc play...................................................

---

I began my banjo journey a number of years ago with an entry level banjo which has served me well, and which I will always keep.  But two weeks ago, after months of saving and in celebration of my fiftieth year, I bought an Eagle II open-back banjo at Mountain Music in Old Forge.  The difference is astounding. The Eagle II is a beautiful instrument, in looks, in sound and in playability.  I've played it more in 14 days than I played my other banjo in a month.  It's as if this instrument is calling out to me, inviting me to play her.  The Deering Master Dealer told me this banjo was in a whole different universe than what I'd been working with -- and he'd set up both banjos for me.  As always, he was right. My practice is now more frequent and more rewarding -- well worth the additional expense, which I count as one of the best investments I've ever made.

mudlakesandy - Posted - 10/02/2011:  20:36:36

It is clear that Deering is paying attention to the details that matter- a quality product, and actively listening to their customers.  I am struggling with progress- but am certain that it is nothing to do with the Deering the operator is the problem.........................................................

paulac7 - Posted - 10/03/2011:  06:26:32

I am on the train with Gomer and StraitsBlueGal--just got a Hartford this July--Happy Birthday to ME!!!

Anyhow--I think this is my 'forever' banjo--love the look, sound, and best of all, it doesn't weigh 15 pounds. (I have a bad shoulder). This is an awesome banjo, and the few jams I've gone to--I've gotten comments on it, as if you know much of anything about banjo's, you see one with the 3 inlays on the neck, you *know* what it is. Kind of along the mentality of 'If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand'.

Y'all might get a kick out of this--when I got my Hartford, my instructor told me that his fees went up--I was like 'he must think I'm rich now, that I have *this* banjo', but the 'increase' was that he got to play the Hartford for a minute or three before each lesson. He makes it sound good, unlike the discord that emanates from my untrained fingers.........................

Didn't mean to write a novelette, just another kudos to Deering for their fine banjoes..

BTW--Viktor--that is a very beautiful banjo you have--I bet it sounds as lovely as it looks!

Paula >^.^<

starhopper - Posted - 10/03/2011:  06:37:00

Paula - welcome to the Hartford owner's club - we are a proud bunch!

Lyle

Edited by - starhopper on 10/03/2011 06:44:52

Gomer - Posted - 10/03/2011:  09:36:30

I think what I like most about the Hartford is its lack of pretension. Elegance can be too easily understated or too easily pandered.  Too Many frillies on an instrument is like a guy that goes around bragging on his fresh manicure.

Gomer - Posted - 10/04/2011:  11:24:23

The same comment, incidentally goes for my Tenbrooks which has none of the plating or limp-wristed engravure that you find on some other brands. IO call it Luxury Banjo for the Working Man

RandyZ - Posted - 10/04/2011:  12:13:18

paula, my not-to- distant dream is to purchase a hartford. i have a gold plated tricked out sierra that i just cant imagine getting rid of. i absolutely love it. but im not willing to trade it up to a hartford. so at this time....im accepting all donations for my new banjo~

DIV - Posted - 10/04/2011:  13:07:51

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!

---

Ah!  Viktor!

You finally posted your amazing Deering!!  I've been waiting for you to do so!  

That's the color of wood I wanted for my custom Deering, but I guess I can't complain!!!

Congrats again and send me photos when you can!

Viktor Velthuijs - Posted - 10/09/2011:  14:28:36

Thanks Dan, but you've got the face of God on your banjo, or some other kind of mystical being atleast which is pretty neat!!! I think there will always be something we can tweak or wish would be different but first we should become as good as Béla Fleck, Jens Krüger and Earl Scruggs combined. ;)

Gomer - Posted - 10/09/2011:  14:35:22

Major Wow Factor, Indeed!

DIV - Posted - 10/11/2011:  20:00:51

quote:

---

Originally posted by Viktor Velthuijs

Thanks Dan, but you've got the face of God on your banjo, or some other kind of mystical being atleast which is pretty neat!!! I think there will always be something we can tweak or wish would be different but first we should become as good as Béla Fleck, Jens Krüger and Earl Scruggs combined. ;)

---

I'm not sure about the face of God, but it is pretty...

Maybe some time, our two banjos can meet and "shake hands"...

Janet Deering - Posted - 10/12/2011:  09:32:35

You all are great.  I enjoy your comments.  It warms my heart that you are enjoying your banjos and appreciating the work we do. Our greatest reward is knowing that people are playing and enjoying the banjos we make.

Last night Drop Kick Murphys came to San Diego and we were able to arrange for 12 of our crew to attend their concert at the House of Blues. Every craftsman who went to the concert last night came to work this morning excited and inspired and delighted at having seen the band performing with banjos they made.  It is the most fulfilling feeling for everyone here knowing others enjoy playing the banjos we are making.  Thanks for sharing your thoughts here on the hangout.

StraitsBlueGal - Posted - 10/12/2011:  09:39:01

quote:

---

Originally posted by paulac7



Y'all might get a kick out of this--when I got my Hartford, my instructor told me that his fees went up--I was like 'he must think I'm rich now, that I have *this* banjo', but the 'increase' was that he got to play the Hartford for a minute or three before each lesson. He makes it sound good, unlike the discord that emanates from my untrained fingers.........................



Paula >^.^<

---

 My instructor is an Ome endorser, and has a gorgeous gold-plated, heavily carved, mother of pearl inlays etc. Ome.  Really beautiful, probably worth more than the last car I had, but he really, genuinely likes my Hartford.  Keeps telling me (honestly, I can read people pretty well) that it has a wonderful tone, and is a lovely, quality instrument, and I'm obviously bonding to it well and enjoying playing it.  From someone with no brand affiliation I found that interesting.

mudlakesandy - Posted - 10/12/2011:  09:57:20

Headed to Singapore this Christmas for an extended break- have decided to take either the Sierra or Boston along- concerned about it surviving the trip. In MSO5SB one of the contributors commented that he always removed the neck, carried it, and put the pot in his check in baggage. Looked through the Deering instruction book, but not really enough information to make me comfortable tearing it down, then restoring it to its pre tear condition. I am an engineer, do have good tools and understanding of mechanics- am I making a mountain out of a mole hill, or is this a tricky process. Any insights would be most helpful. Delighted with the playabilty of both and don't want to screw it up. Will be flying Delta- not friendly especially on packed overseas trips................................................

Janet Deering - Posted - 10/12/2011:  12:07:20

When Greg and I travel and need to take a banjo along we have gone to taking a banjo in a gig bag as a carry on.  We have had no issues from the airlines doing this. I throw it on as a back pack and also carry a purse with no issues.  It fits in the overhead of most planes.  When it doesn't fit in the overhead, the stewardesses have been happy to set it in the coat closet in the front of the plane.  I carry it on in a gig bag before I would tear the banjo down and have to reassemble it, and I am a banjo maker.  When we have gotten on a small commuter flight we have carried the banjo to the entrance to the plane and they have hand carried it to the belly and returned it by hand when we got off the plane. This way we have been able to fully avoid any conveyor belts and have had great success in recent years.

One caution,  pack your truss rod wrench or any tools into your suit case.  We have left a truss rod wrench in the pocket and have had the security scan people catch it and take it way several times.

mudlakesandy - Posted - 10/12/2011:  14:35:59

Janet,

Thanks very much for your comments on disassembly, I will try it with the gig bag and report back here later. Have made the trip many times, but only with a brief case and always crowded to be sure. I hear your comments on the wrench- I keep losing pocket knives the same way. But the wrench may well be a necessity as Singapore is always 80%+ humidity and it will be rainy season. Thanks again for your insights.

Gomer - Posted - 10/18/2011:  08:20:08

My Tenbrooks is calling out to me for MOP truss rod cover engraved with my name. I look at the void that is triangulated by the nut, the 4 turner, and the one tuner and I see a black void. Like gravitation of anti-matter, It draws upon. I am powerless, I am spent.

Doña  Janet,  are your Deering MOP truss cover the same color as the Tenbrooks inlays?

darylearl - Posted - 10/18/2011:  09:30:52

I wanted to show everyone my Walnut Calico.  (purchased this summer from Mountain Music in Old Forge NY)  I discovered how difficult it is to take a photo of a shiny resonator without getting reflections and "faces".  It's a beautiful banjo that sounds great and plays like a dream.  Janet, can you tell me how many of these you made?       Daryl

Walnut Calico

Calico Resonator

DeanT - Posted - 10/18/2011:  10:08:19

That is a BEAUTIFUL banjo! Have you played the standard Maple version? If so, I would love to hear your thoughts on the differences! Thanks for the photos!

darylearl - Posted - 10/18/2011:  10:44:44

Thanks for the comment!  I haven't played the maple calico.  Al Worthen (at Mountain Music) knows that I'm partial to the look and sound of a walnut banjo so he had this one set up and ready for me to play when I stopped in.  I was crazy about it right from the start.       Daryl

Janet Deering - Posted - 11/02/2011:  08:25:14

We have not made more than maybe six walnut Calico banjos, so you have a rare bird!  It would take a while for me to thumb through 36 years of serial number books to give you a more exact number, but I know we have made very few of them.    I'm glad that you are enjoying it.

___

As for pearl truss rod covers, with the new restrictions on bringing shell into and out of this country, these large pieces of pearl are becoming more and more scarce. The cost is going through the roof.  I hope you have already obtained the pearl truss rod  cover, because that would have been the last one we deliver at the cost you have seen in our catalog and on our website. Yes, it will match the color of your Tenbooks inlays.

This week we changed over to offering only Italian perloid on the truss rod covers we make. This allows us to lower the price.  It won't be quite as perfect a match to the color of the Tenbrooks inlays, but I don't think the difference will be noticeable to the layman. With the new Seides and Lacey Acts you will see changes coming in the offerings of all instrument makers in order  to adjust to the restrictions of these new laws. Europe will have their own version of these restrictions on imports that will begin to be enforced in about a year.  It's all in an effort to reduce the threat to endangered species.

Grey Dog - Posted - 11/02/2011:  08:31:05

quote:

---

Originally posted by darylearl

Thanks for the comment!  I haven't played the maple calico.  Al Worthen (at Mountain Music) knows that I'm partial to the look and sound of a walnut banjo so he had this one set up and ready for me to play when I stopped in.  I was crazy about it right from the start.       Daryl

---

Al Worthen is an awesome soul.

darylearl - Posted - 11/02/2011:  19:46:22

You've got that right Grey Dog.  I'm very fortunate to live in the Adirondacks (about an hours drive from Mountain Music.)  Al has a store filled with great banjos.  He knows banjos inside and out and he knows how to get the best sound out of them.  I wouldn't take mine anywhere else.     Daryl

paulrobertwagner - Posted - 11/03/2011:  09:12:42

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janet Deering

We have not made more than maybe six walnut Calico banjos, so you have a rare bird!  It would take a while for me to thumb through 36 years of serial number books to give you a more exact number, but I know we have made very few of them.    I'm glad that you are enjoying it.

 

Janet,

In September I finally stepped up to a professional quality banjo with an open back Eagle II. Like Daryl, I also got my Deering from Al Worthen at at Mountain Music. I've been told, that like the walnut Calico, the Eagle II open back is a bit of a rarity (although I must say it's pretty awesome!).  About how many of these have been made?  My serial # is 0024, but I'm guessing that number includes the resonator models, too.

Paul Wagner              

Glens Falls, NY

Edited by - paulrobertwagner on 11/03/2011 09:20:57

JedMarum - Posted - 11/04/2011:  14:22:54

quote:

---

Originally posted by paulrobertwagner

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janet Deering

We have not made more than maybe six walnut Calico banjos, so you have a rare bird!  It would take a while for me to thumb through 36 years of serial number books to give you a more exact number, but I know we have made very few of them.    I'm glad that you are enjoying it.

 

Janet,

In September I finally stepped up to a professional quality banjo with an open back Eagle II. Like Daryl, I also got my Deering from Al Worthen at at Mountain Music. I've been told, that like the walnut Calico, the Eagle II open back is a bit of a rarity (although I must say it's pretty awesome!).  About how many of these have been made?  My serial # is 0024, but I'm guessing that number includes the resonator models, too.

Paul Wagner              

Glens Falls, NY

 

---

Paul - I've been making my living for over a decade with my two Deering Goodtime banjos! 

JedMarum - Posted - 11/04/2011:  14:26:06

@ Paul - of course, I chuckle about doing that and if the truth be known, I'll upgrade my on-stage banjo soon ... but I do get a kick out playing these beautiful little banjos ... they are much more banjo then a couple hundred oughtta be able to buy you!

;-)

Janet Deering - Posted - 11/04/2011:  15:38:48

Yes, as craftsmen we tend to build every banjo to professional standards of durability so that someone can make a living with any banjo we make for years to come. I'm glad to hear you've been making a living with your two Goodtime banjos for over a decade. Great!

Often the term "professional" quality refers to having a tone ring, but it really doesn't mean one could not make a living with a banjo without a tone ring.

The #0024 Eagle open back mentioned earlier was the very first open back Eagle banjo we made.  It was the 24th Eagle banjo we produced. To date we have made only 5 open back Eagle banjos.

Edited by - Janet Deering on 11/04/2011 15:40:51

erikforgod - Posted - 11/04/2011:  15:47:48

well said Janet..

By the way I am anxiously awaiting delivery on my second Goodtime banjo...a Goodtime classic scooped neck with planet tuners...I bought one of the 4 that you guys will be shipping out to Elderly instruments soon. This banjo will soon make its way to Argentina....I wonder if I am the only one down here with Goodtime Banjo(s) LOL

JedMarum - Posted - 11/04/2011:  20:06:14

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janet Deering

Yes, as craftsmen we tend to build every banjo to professional standards of durability so that someone can make a living with any banjo we make for years to come. I'm glad to hear you've been making a living with your two Goodtime banjos for over a decade. Great!

Often the term "professional" quality refers to having a tone ring, but it really doesn't mean one could not make a living with a banjo without a tone ring.

The #0024 Eagle open back mentioned earlier was the very first open back Eagle banjo we made.  It was the 24th Eagle banjo we produced. To date we have made only 5 open back Eagle banjos.

---

Yes I know he was referring to the upscale banjos - it was my warped sense of humor that made me speak up. But when I started I had one of your beautiful Vega longnecks ... and after a few years I dropped it for the Goodtime. I love the Vega, didn't need the long neck ... in the meantime I got sucha kick out of playing the little Goodtimes that I sold the Longneck. It seems counter intuitive, but there you go! I thought it was a temporary move, just until I sorted out what I really wanted ... but it's been about 10 years. I've nearly worn one of them out!

JedMarum - Posted - 11/04/2011:  20:35:27

I bought my first Goodtime, because I was in Boston for my Dad's funeral without an instrument - and I knew it would be required for the after-funeral party. I'd seen the Goodtime in the music stores and was impressed - so for $180 (this was a few years ago) I bought one.

I got my second Goodtime when I played a big Irish Festival in Dallas. I wanted to use banjos with two different tunings - and since I am a talker, I didn't want to make the audience wait while I retuned ... so I asked a Dallas area guitar shop if I could borrow one of his banjos for the weekend. I offered to wear his shirt for my shows (advertising). The festival drew 50,000 in those days - so he said sure. In fact, he said, if you wear my Tee Shirt all weekend, I'll GIVE you the banjo! It was a good deal. I liked the shirt and I loved the banjo, how could I go wrong?

Now I keep one standard G tuning with Nylon strings, tight head. And the other tuned to A, also with a very tight head. Both sound great. They're light and easy to carry. I am at the low end of the food chain in the music business and carry most of my gear myself - though festival often provide help ... so light weight and easy to carry is important. I've always got a guitar, CDs, etc ...

Anyway - that's why I play a Goodtime instead of Vega.

erikforgod - Posted - 11/05/2011:  06:16:28

Its great to see you gigging with your Goodtime...I hope to do the same one day. I am hoping to get a large eniough repertoire here to play and sing for folks here in Argentina on my Goodtime. I actually have two: "A Goodtime Crow" and now a "Goodtime Classic Scoop Neck" I love the fact also that hese are quality banjos with qualityt wood, simple yet functional parts and sound geat and are very light and portable. I also feel the Goodtimes are very "upgradable" and tinkerable" banjos if someone wanted too. I am very very satisfied with them....just cant wait to get my new Goodtime here.

The idea is with my Crow I would play alot of songs in standard "G" tuning or in Sawmill tuning "Gminor" etc...but with my new Goodtime classic with the spikes at 7 9 and 10th frets....I will play more of the alternate tuning stuff and instrumentals.

JedMarum - Posted - 11/05/2011:  07:06:09

quote:

---

Originally posted by erikforgod

Its great to see you gigging with your Goodtime...I hope to do the same one day. I am hoping to get a large eniough repertoire here to play and sing for folks here in Argentina on my Goodtime. I actually have two: "A Goodtime Crow" and now a "Goodtime Classic Scoop Neck" I love the fact also that hese are quality banjos with qualityt wood, simple yet functional parts and sound geat and are very light and portable. I also feel the Goodtimes are very "upgradable" and tinkerable" banjos if someone wanted too. I am very very satisfied with them....just cant wait to get my new Goodtime here.



The idea is with my Crow I would play alot of songs in standard "G" tuning or in Sawmill tuning "Gminor" etc...but with my new Goodtime classic with the spikes at 7 9 and 10th frets....I will play more of the alternate tuning stuff and instrumentals.

---

Sounds like fun! I wish you the best with your new banjo ... maybe you'll start new trend in Argentine Folk Music!!

DeanT - Posted - 11/05/2011:  08:27:27

At this point in my journey, I've played more paying gigs with my Goodtime than all the rest of my banjos combined. I still haven't played a faster more comfortable neck on any banjo, anywhere, and I own a Calico as well. Even my hot-rod lightweight custom made banjo has a Goodtime neck on it.

hayesdt - Posted - 11/06/2011:  13:22:38

I apologize if this has been asked before, but does Deering offer a 12" rim/head open back banjo, either in its regular, Vega, or Goodtime lines?  If not, is a custom option available?

Janet Deering - Posted - 11/06/2011:  18:41:31

Not yet, but we are working on the tooling for it.

Andy Campbell - Posted - 11/08/2011:  11:33:29

Janet

Some time ago, not sure when as I can't find an easy way to search this thread, I asked about getting a long neck for one of my Goodtimes. You said that it might be possible long term.

Are there any plans yet?

Thanks

Janet Deering - Posted - 11/08/2011:  14:32:42

Not for Long Neck Goodtimes, there is not enough volume in making that style of banjo to make it workable.

JedMarum - Posted - 11/08/2011:  17:57:37

just ordered some new bits for one of my Goodtimes ... a Kevlar head, a new bridge and an armrest. Gotta find some Nylgut string for the other one. I've been using medium strings on the high tuned banjo. I am surprised that it's been standing up to 'em. Sounds great!

DIV - Posted - 11/09/2011:  08:42:55

quote:

---

Originally posted by darylearl

I wanted to show everyone my Walnut Calico.  (purchased this summer from Mountain Music in Old Forge NY)  I discovered how difficult it is to take a photo of a shiny resonator without getting reflections and "faces".  It's a beautiful banjo that sounds great and plays like a dream.  Janet, can you tell me how many of these you made?       Daryl

---

Thanks for posting photos, Daryl.

If I were get a Calico again, it would definitely be Walnut.  Very nice!  

snapjackson - Posted - 11/10/2011:  03:12:06

Quick question, Janet...



Has the Hartford model always come in a satin finish? Did John's personal Deering's have a satin finish?



Thanks,



Snap

Edited by - snapjackson on 11/10/2011 03:18:47

mudlakesandy - Posted - 11/10/2011:  06:49:07

Another Question for Janet,

How long have you been producing Golden Era - any major changes along the way I should be aware of as I am searching the used market for one at the moment. Thanks in advance

Sandy

DIV - Posted - 11/10/2011:  08:14:38

While we're waiting for Janet's answer about the Goden Era, I'll add my 2 cents.  I believe it was first produced around 1986?

It was first produced with a rosewood fingerboard, and now it's optional if available at all.  When it was originally released, it came with the standard Deering tone ring that had 20 holes drilled, now it comes with the 06 tone ring which has 20 holes standard.  

I tried talking Janet and Carolina into introducing a "GOLDEN EAGLE" model that would have the Flying Eagle Inlay... It could be like an RB4: walnut with chrome parts.  I think that would quickly become a best seller!  But I'd like to get some credit for my brilliant idea!