Tommy5 - Posted - 06/13/2014:  18:20:28

I just bought a new Deering Sierra , it arrived at the music store on Thursday night and I bought on Friday morning , it sounds great and is easier to play then my old Alverez, I have been saving for a Deering for years and when the sierra came in I grabbed it. Great maple banjo.

Tommy5 - Posted - 06/18/2014:  10:15:22

Does anyone why Deering Banjos don't have bindings on the side of the neck like many other Banjos do?, Plastic bindings seem to be a fairly cheap thing to add to a banjo, is it because it makes it easier to replace the frets?

roadstar75 - Posted - 06/18/2014:  10:47:18

quote: Originally posted by Tommy5

Does anyone why Deering Banjos don't have bindings on the side of the neck like many other Banjos do?, Plastic bindings seem to be a fairly cheap thing to add to a banjo, is it because it makes it easier to replace the frets?

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Are you referring to the white strip on each side of the neck along the fretboard?  If so, my Deering Calico has that and I am sure it is on other models as well.

Tommy5 - Posted - 06/18/2014:  11:03:12

Yes roadstar, some models have it others don't.

starhopper - Posted - 06/19/2014:  04:06:03

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tommy5

Does anyone why Deering Banjos don't have bindings on the side of the neck like many other Banjos do?, Plastic bindings seem to be a fairly cheap thing to add to a banjo, is it because it makes it easier to replace the frets?

---

Those white side strips are called "purfling" I believe.  They serve no other purpose than merely decoration, and they add additional cost to the production of the banjo.  Deering banjos like the Eagle II and Sierra that are meant as entry level "professional" banjos do not have the purfling. This allows Deering to keep the cost down.

I actually don't miss the purfling, though it is purty!

Lyle

starhopper - Posted - 06/19/2014:  04:25:16

quote:

---

Originally posted by starhopper :

Those white side strips are called "purfling" I believe.  They serve no other purpose than merely decoration, and they add additional cost to the production of the banjo.  Deering banjos like the Eagle II and Sierra that are meant as entry level "professional" banjos do not have the purfling. This allows Deering to keep the cost down.

I actually don't miss the purfling, though it is purty!

Lyle

 

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CORRECTION: It's called "binding", not Purfling.  And, it DOES provide a purpose other than decoration.  It softens the feel of the neck as one's fretting hand slides past the thin metal ends of fret wire.

Lyle

Old Hickory - Posted - 06/19/2014:  15:02:51

While I prefer the looks and implied value of binding, an unbound fingerboard can be perfectly comfortable to play as long as the fret ends are properly dressed.  I've played at least two Eagles and several Sierras -- all new in shops -- and found the neck work on all of them to be flawless. Seeing as what your left hand feels is the finish, not what's under it, I think profiled rosewood or binding feels the same.

Wood does expand and shrink over time with changes in humidity, causing the fret ends and tangs to begin to extend outside the the edge of some unbound fingerboards. So fixing that is something that Eagle and Sierra owners might be looking at down the road.

If I owned one of those banjos long enough for it to need a refret, I'd get the fingerboard bound as part o having that done.  As far as I'm concerned, that's all an Eagle or Sierra lacks.

Tommy5 - Posted - 06/19/2014:  20:29:10

Sounds good to me, since it doesn't affect tone or volume or playability, saving a few bucks on these great banjos is a good idea, the Sierra I bought last week at Down Home Guitars in Frankfort Illinois sounds awesome and is fun to play, the only problem is I can't seem to bring myself to put it away, and my fingers and hands are getting sore from constant banjo playing.

Janet Deering - Posted - 06/20/2014:  10:07:34

That's true, not having binding is part of keeping the cost down. However many people like the necks without binding a whole lot. Jens Kruger asked us not to put binding on his model.

When we bind the fingerboards we cut the fret tangs to fit inside the fret slot and the top of the fret is left longer so that it goes over the binding and fits perfectly without making a groove in the binding. This is hand work that is very carefully done and takes time. So naturally it costs more. It's not because it's easier to replace frets on an unbound neck.

Binding does make the neck feel comfortable and alleviates the possibility of the fingerboard shrinking in a dry climate so that he end of the fret might need dressing at some point in the future. But that is not a common problem.
Dressing the end of the frets consists of taking a fine grit of sand paper backed with a block of wood and lightly sanding the fret tangs level with the wood on the side of the fingerboard. It is a simple task.

Tommy, Congrats on your new Sierra banjo. Welcome to the Deering family.

starhopper - Posted - 06/20/2014:  11:49:02

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janet Deering

That's true, not having binding is part of keeping the cost down. However many people like the necks without binding a whole lot. Jens Kruger asked us not to put binding on his model.



When we bind the fingerboards we cut the fret tangs to fit inside the fret slot and the top of the fret is left longer so that it goes over the binding and fits perfectly without making a groove in the binding. This is hand work that is very carefully done and takes time. So naturally it costs more. It's not because it's easier to replace frets on an unbound neck.



Binding does make the neck feel comfortable and alleviates the possibility of the fingerboard shrinking in a dry climate so that he end of the fret might need dressing at some point in the future. But that is not a common problem.

Dressing the end of the frets consists of taking a fine grit of sand paper backed with a block of wood and lightly sanding the fret tangs level with the wood on the side of the fingerboard. It is a simple task.



Tommy, Congrats on your new Sierra banjo. Welcome to the Deering family.

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Janet - by the way, LOVE my new Eagle II. I've owned a Hartford, Sierra, and Goodtime II - and the Eagle II is just fantastic.  As always, Deering quality shines through.

Thanks for making great products in the US!

Lyle

Tommy5 - Posted - 06/20/2014:  13:55:03

Thanks Janet for that fine explanation and for making a great American banjo. The Deering Deluxe, Sierra, and Eagle II don't seem to stay on the music store walls for very long so when I saw the Sierra at Down Home Guitars in Frankfort I knew I had to grab it quickly lest it dis-appear.

Janet Deering - Posted - 06/20/2014:  15:43:32

I appreciate your support for making products in the USA. Greg and I are dedicated to being a part of the backbone of America, making banjos here in Spring Valley and providing local jobs.

We have such a great group of people who enjoy working here, it is like a big family.

If you are ever in the San Diego area please plan to come on by for a factory tour. We give tours Tuesday through Fridays at 1 pm. It's good to call first so that Carolina can get you on the list. We try to keep the tour groups to a workable size each day.

We all really love what we do. And knowing that people like you are enjoying their banjos is what it is all about.

BanjoJAF - Posted - 06/20/2014:  20:20:37

I purchased a new, custom (lefty, stainless frets and Hartford tone ring), maple Sierra from Grant @ the 12th Fret in Toronto.  It arrived last November.

I am not fond of binding on the neck and I prefer the matte finish on the neck of my banjos.

My Sierra is a fantastic instrument (for both clawhammer and for BG style).  It has a clean, high-quality look to it, it's easy to play (the neck never seems to get in the way) and it sounds Great!

The only problem I have with it is trying to put it back up on the banjo hanger ;~))

To Janet and the rest of the Deering Team ~ keep up the good work you are doing!

Cheers! Jay

pick1936 - Posted - 06/21/2014:  15:08:05

I have  three  nice banjo's  including  an  open  back  Good  Time  with a  steel  tone  ring.  sounds  real  good, I  play  it   a lot.  I  have  never  seen  the  Eagle  2    could  someone  post  a  picture.  THANKS.

Nechville  In  Higginsville.

lee  Kelso

 

bkdraft - Posted - 06/21/2014:  15:32:39

My two banjos, Maple Blossom and Goodtime with Maple Blossom inlays, both have been signed by Greg and Janet, with the Goodtime also signed by Caroline.

starhopper - Posted - 06/22/2014:  05:15:57

quote:

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Originally posted by pick1936

I have  three  nice banjo's  including  an  open  back  Good  Time  with a  steel  tone  ring.  sounds  real  good, I  play  it   a lot.  I  have  never  seen  the  Eagle  2    could  someone  post  a  picture.  THANKS.

 

 

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pick1936 - here's some pics of my Eagle II...

- Hope these are what you wanted to see!

Lyle

starhopper - Posted - 06/22/2014:  06:13:30

...and a few pics of the backside of the Eagle II....

roadstar75 - Posted - 06/23/2014:  21:04:00

Which current model would be most like an "Intermediate" model circa 1985?  Saw one for sale asking $1,000 thought it might be a nice banjo to take with me if I travel and also not over use the Calico.  I tried playing the Good time II classic but the Calico has destroyed my ability to practice on that.

roadstar75 - Posted - 06/23/2014:  22:23:06

Never mind I found out it is the Boston model in later editions.  At $1,000 is over priced as well.

Vapor - Posted - 06/24/2014:  09:31:23

I have one real good banjo, a few cheaper ones.  The real good one is the one that goes where I go and gets played.

Thanks Janet, I absolutely love my Golden Wreath, and she doesn't get lonely.

Edited by - Vapor on 06/24/2014 09:32:42

Laurence Diehl - Posted - 06/24/2014:  10:50:12

When I walked into Dusty Strings in Seattle I wasn't planning on buying a Deering, but after playing it - it just had the character I was looking for. My GE looks and sounds great!

Janet Deering - Posted - 06/24/2014:  14:00:13

That's wonderful to hear how each of you enjoys your banjo. Thank you. We make a lot of different kinds of banjos meant for people with different tastes in sound quality and I always have felt that each one is uniquely special. They all have a personality when they are completed. Greg and I have often talked about how when the craftsmen enjoy their work they leave a little bit of admiration on the banjo they have created and it gives it a special sparkle that carries on with it. We hope that every banjo we send out has that magic that inspires musicians.

Vapor - Posted - 06/25/2014:  12:26:50

You have a great Banjo Laurence, of course you sure can make music as well.  And you know I take my Wreath everywhere, even downtown Seattle.

Have a great one Laurence. 

And you too Janet.

Mango - Posted - 08/01/2014:  22:07:50

Janet, When you set-up the Tenbrooks models do you tune the head to a note or do you use a drum dial or Drum torque wrench and if so, what is the setting.? I already know what string gauges that are used.

Thanks

CC

Hillbilly Chris - Posted - 08/29/2014:  03:03:02

Hello All



I have a Deering Goodtime The Crow. I bought the Crow used and certainly don't have any warranty on it. I did not see when I purchased it (my eyes are not so good) I just notice that there is a crack in the middle laminate of the pot. I'm curious if this is something I need to be concerned about and if it is what can I do to fix it? Thank you here is a picture

s715.photobucket.com/user/V860....jpg.html

Chris

 

roadstar75 - Posted - 08/29/2014:  09:00:58

s715.photobucket.com/user/V860....jpg.html

Janet Deering - Posted - 08/29/2014:  10:05:06

Chris, When we set up the banjos we tighten the heads to a G sharp because in shipping they will loosen up. Our goal is that when you receive the banjo it will have loosened to a G. You can then adjust it further to the sound you want but a G is a good spot to start with. We do not use a drum dial or drum torque wrench, we just use experience by ear and use a tuning fork for the G note.

Janet Deering - Posted - 08/29/2014:  10:09:21

Chris Jacobs, I don't think you need to worry too much about the crack in the middle laminate of your Goodtime rim unless it continues to grow. You can put wood putty into it to fill the crack if you would like to do so, but with the other laminates on either side of it being stable I doubt it will grow. The best thing you can do is give your banjo lots of playing time and enjoy it. Banjos love to be played. Have fun.

spumwuzzle - Posted - 08/30/2014:  19:42:15

Janet, I took possession of my Goodtime Classic on the way home from work on Friday. First banjo.

What fun - it's lovely, and we are getting along well. I am amazed at the pleasure this machine produces - it's calming, and my three cats are fascinated by it.

Thanks for building my new baby.

Spumwuzzle

Hillbilly Chris - Posted - 08/31/2014:  02:04:16

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janet Deering

Chris Jacobs, I don't think you need to worry too much about the crack in the middle laminate of your Goodtime rim unless it continues to grow. You can put wood putty into it to fill the crack if you would like to do so, but with the other laminates on either side of it being stable I doubt it will grow. The best thing you can do is give your banjo lots of playing time and enjoy it. Banjos love to be played. Have fun.

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Thanks Janet,   I have a thread running in the repair section too.  I measured with a caliper and it appears that they ID and OD of that area of the rim is only .5 mm different than the rest of the banjo.  Would you see any problems with filling it with either CA glue or epoxy?   Just to seal the area off?

Chris

Janet Deering - Posted - 09/12/2014:  14:54:29

Chris, I see no problem with filling it with CA glue or epoxy either will work well. Sealing off the area is a good idea. All the best, Janet

Janet Deering - Posted - 09/12/2014:  14:59:27

Spumwuzzle, I'm glad you are enjoying your Classic Goodtime banjo. Our cats love it when we play the banjo too! What makes us the happiest is knowing that our banjos find good homes and help create the magic of the music. It sounds like yours found the right home. It's our pleasure in building your new baby. Sincerely, Janet

rudykizuty - Posted - 09/13/2014:  05:35:31

Since April I have been the proud owner of a plectrum Eagle II that I ordered through David Bandrowski's Banjo Studio. David was great to work with and I love the banjo. Best wishes to you and Greg and everyone at Deering Banjos for continued success!

Janet Deering - Posted - 09/15/2014:  15:55:41

Anthony, Thank you for your good wishes for continued success. We appreciate it a lot. I hope you enjoy your Plectrum Eagle II for many years to come. We enjoy making banjos and the best part of it all is having happy customers like you. Thanks for making what we do worthwhile.

rhythm5 - Posted - 09/17/2014:  14:19:01

Janet, I just wanted to post and let you know how much I enjoyed visiting your showroom a couple of weeks ago. I walked out with a new Goodtime open back.  I played several banjos there and really liked the sound and feel of what I ended up buying.  I've been a guitar player for years, and I am really enjoying learning banjo now.  Everybody there was pleasant, and it was a great experience being able to just take a drive and buy a musical instrument made right in the area!



Thanks again,

Greg

Janet Deering - Posted - 09/17/2014:  14:35:21

Greg, You are most welcome. I'm glad you were able to come by. Yes, we have a very dedicated staff who take good care of people who come by. I love it when we are able to help guitar players get started playing banjo. Welcome to the wonderful world of banjos! Thanks for choosing a Goodtime banjo and when you are ready to move up we can help you then as well. We wish you may enjoyable years playing the banjo.

uncledaveh - Posted - 10/03/2014:  11:51:35

Janet - Will the flanges and resonator that fit the Bluegrass Wonder also fit the Deering Vega #2? Also, has Deering considered the use of a Whyte Laydie tone ring? Thanks for your assistance and have a nice weekend.

David “Uncle Dave” Holbrook
The Rockdale Ridgerunners

Now good people, we’re going to play this next tune with more heterogeneous constipolicy, double flavor and unknown quality than usual! Make it light on yourself.

BlueRanchRider - Posted - 10/03/2014:  14:48:09

Janet, I've had my Sierra for 6 months and it's beginning to open up and put out some serious sound.  I also received my owners certificate and manual.  Thanks again for your quality and craftsmanship.  

Tommy5 - Posted - 10/04/2014:  08:26:26

Yes, had my Sierra four months, it sounds better every day , I have my certificate and manual , this great banjo makes me want to be a better banjo player, thanks again for your hard work in the banjo industry.

BigC - Posted - 10/05/2014:  12:03:01

Hi Janet,

I'd just like to say keep up the good work both in the factory and here at the hangout, these Q&A sessions are truly a source of enjoyment to me.

No Questions from me but Dear Gawd please put me in a position to one day own a Deering John Hartford.....I just love this banjo......

This video is sweet music to my ears...

youtube.com/watch?v=z8wkR-h7He0

​Regards

C

Gary S - Posted - 10/14/2014:  10:02:09

Janet -

What's the most affordable mahogany Deering banjo with a radiused fingerboard?  Can you tell me where in the SF Bay Area I might find one to try out?  Thanks.

Gary

rudykizuty - Posted - 10/21/2014:  04:00:52

I may win the award for silliest question here, but I can't help myself. If the Eagle is the "first" in a new series, why is it called the Eagle II?

paulrobertwagner - Posted - 10/22/2014:  01:45:16

quote:

---

Originally posted by rudykizuty

I may win the award for silliest question here, but I can't help myself. If the Eagle is the "first" in a new series, why is it called the Eagle II?

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Even sillier, is the Eagle II the middle part of a trilogy? ;-)

Janet Deering - Posted - 10/23/2014:  18:41:51

Good questions about the Eagle! We all asked Greg the same thing when he said he wanted to call it the Eagle II and he said because there will someday be an Eagle I and an Eagle III. So yes, it will someday be part of a trilogy.

Janet Deering - Posted - 10/23/2014:  18:51:00

Gary, We don't have a model below the Jens Kruger model is the only model we make with a radius fingerboard right now. You can custom order a Sierra with a radius fingerboard and this feature is listed in our catalog under custom options on the price list.

Janet Deering - Posted - 10/23/2014:  20:04:26

Uncle Dave, You might be able to fit the flange and resonator onto a Vega No. 2. We have never tried it so I cannot say for sure. It will depend on how the flange fits with the bracket band.

We do have plans to make a Whyte Laydie tone ring. I cannot say when we will get that tooled up. It is one of many projects Greg plans to do in the future.

We have a lot of projects in the works of new things to come.

PTOEguy - Posted - 10/27/2014:  22:09:53

Just got a used Goodtime Special (w/resonator) and I'm hoping to get some insight on what exactly I've bought.  Other than a new obsession of course - this is my first banjo and I'm thrilled...

It has the newer style headstock, so that must make it post 2008.  I've looked around the tailpiece for the 3 or P marking that I've heard of earlier in the thread, and didn't see either - do I need to disassemble anything to see this marking?  Also, It has side dots on the neck - is this aftermarket or something added since the discussion earlier in the thread?  I'm wondering what version of tone ring I've got (2010 or earlier?)

Anyway, love the banjo - and my kids are all excited as well.  My 9 year old daughter wants a banjo pretty bad - I'm thinking a 17 fret Irish Tenor would work because she plays violin and the tuning should be similar.  Thanks to the folks at Deering for making such a cool instrument.  I'd be surprised if I don't wind up buying a couple more - provided I can spend more time practicing.

BearRacca - Posted - 10/31/2014:  00:39:54

Hello Janet,

I just have to say that I really love what you guys at Deering are doing, making banjos wholly in the US. I really do like the Goodtime series. My question is do you sell tone rings for the Blonde Goodtime openback and Goodtime 2? If so is there a link you could put on here or if I would have to call to order one could you let me know the price of one.

Thanks,
Racca

rudykizuty - Posted - 11/01/2014:  10:47:14

Janet,

I was really tickled to see in the latest issue of All Frets that you and Greg accepted the award for David Day on his induction into the Banjo Hall of Fame. Congratulations on being selected for that honor.

I have been collecting banjos for many years and I feel it is great karma that my collection is presently bookended by a 1924 plectrum Silver Bell with Mr. Day's first generation design for the Silver Bell tone ring. This banjo was originally acquired in 1979 as my first "real" banjo. On the other end of the collection is my new 2014 plectrum Eagle II with Deering's latest tone ring design, the twenty-ten.

By the way, I continue to get many compliments on the appearance and sound of my new Eagle II. I love it.