superdave - Posted - 02/23/2015:  15:48:03

Now that you are making the Eagle II as an open back are there any plans to make a scooped neck model. I played one at Elderly today and it sounded great but I could only play over the head due to the very low string height.

Dave

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/23/2015:  16:41:34

Dave,  Yes, you can special order an Eagle II with a scooped neck. The cost is $125 to customize it for you.  If you order it right away delivery will be in April.  

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/23/2015:  16:51:13

Tom,   The Goodtime banjo's warranty is with light gauge strings as strung up by the factory.

However, we have heard of several customers who have put medium gauge strings on them and have played them for years without any problem.  The choice is up to you. 

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/23/2015:  17:04:11

I have a question about my golden era. Let me first say that it's a superb banjo. It was made when you were in lemon grove, and the serial number is 0355899-7141. I bought it new from FQMS. 

It actually has a rosewood fingerboard. We're these standard at that time, or did I just happen to get one with this board?



The wood used on the resonator is beautiful, and after all these years of playing, it sounds as good as any banjo I've ever owned, which includes several pre war conversions. 

Bob, Your banjo was made in March of 1999 the 558th Golden Era we made.  In the beginning, all Golden Era banjos had rosewood fingerboards. Shortly after yours was made we went to ebony. I'm glad to hear that the sound is as good as any banjo you have ever owned.  I have always had confidence that our banjos would age well and become higher in value as time goes by. 

tcpurvis - Posted - 02/23/2015:  17:45:31

Janet - What about the Irish Tenor Strings on the 19 fret? I believe your website list the banjo can be tuned either way.

Janet Deering - Posted - 04/02/2015:  14:28:36

You can put Irish Tenor Strings on a 19 fret Goodtime banjo and tune it an octave below a mandolin.  This is just fine. Yes, you can tune it either way.

Janet Deering - Posted - 04/02/2015:  15:29:55

Latest news - Last week we released our new  little Goodtime banjo Ukulele :

Here's the making of the new Goodtime Ukulele banjo on Youtube :  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=760tSqSPIzk

Also you can here an evaluation of it by Peghead Nation on Youtube: ​​http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ariUBS3bDnYQyoutube.com/watch?v=760tSqSPIzk" style="color: rgb(0, 34, 102);" target="_blank">​

More on our website at http:/deeringbanjos.com/pages/new-go...o-ukulele

psikes - Posted - 04/19/2015:  11:45:40

Hopefully someone can chime in with some info on the John Hartford model. Mainly I was wondering when these started in production. In looking for a used one I have come across a 1996 that looks very interesting. Any help or input on specific upgrades by year would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Phil

Janet Deering - Posted - 04/20/2015:  03:17:57

    We started production on the Hartford banjo in 1986 when we made the first ones for John. The first four had John Hartford inlaid in the Peghead and Deering on the fingerboard name plate. Two of those were Johns personal banjos. Because the customers who bought the other two suggested we change it to having Deering in the peghead and Hartford on the fingerboard name plate we made that change immediately. The first Hartford model has remained unchanged to this day except for the name plate. Upon John's passing the nameplate was changed from white mother-of-pearl on models made when John was alive to an abalone nameplate on models made after his passing.

The 24 fret John Hartford model was released in the mid 90s upon John's request. After many years of playing the fiddle John went to a chiropractor and had his neck adjusted which improved his hearing. He regained his ability to hear the beautiful Banjo highs that usually come from a bell bronze tone ring. So he requested that we make another Hartford model with our bell bronze tone ring and, to get that beautiful round note of the Hartford model, he requested that we add two more frets. By adding two more frets the bridge is moved to the center of the head which provides that round note so well loved in the Hartford model.

psikes - Posted - 04/20/2015:  06:40:14

Thank you so much Janet, just what I needed to know.

Phil

psikes - Posted - 04/28/2015:  15:05:07

Janet, one more question on the Hartford I just bought. The serial number is 110286 and I understand it is from November of 1986. My question about this banjo is, did this ever belong to John Hartford himself? The headstock inlay is "John Hartford" and the banner is mother of pearl and says "Deering". Inside the pot it is signed by Greg Deering, John Hartford and Chuck N(unreadable). No matter if not, just trying to gather information on my new to me Deering. There are also some pencil markings on the head that look like string gauges and I understand the John did this on his banjos. Any info on this particular banjo will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Phil

SteveZ - Posted - 04/29/2015:  18:18:12

Janet, Have had the Goodtime Banjo Uke for almost five weeks. Absolutely marvelous! i did restring it CGDA (using Aquila 31U string set) and it rocks. So, I now find myself in a quandry - reach for the nylon-stringed banjo uke or my Goodtime 17-fret. Choices, choices....



Seriously, tuned CGDA the banjo uke is a gem and a great traveler with the shorter neck length. Thanks for a fun instrument.

 

Edited by - SteveZ on 04/29/2015 18:20:36

Goodtime Pair

Janet Deering - Posted - 06/05/2015:  07:41:50

Steve,  Thanks for your post. I'm pleased that you are enjoying your new Banjo Ukulele. That is wonderful.  We have had great success with them. I totally understand the quandry of choices.....  it's a problem,  you just might be guilty of having too much fun!

Janet Deering - Posted - 06/05/2015:  07:43:23

Phil,  You have one of John Hartford's original set of banjos.  The serial number indicates it is the second one we made and yes, he certainly was the original owner. Those notes on the head were written by John.  You got yourself a real treasure there!  Congratulations.

Janet Deering - Posted - 06/05/2015:  07:48:54

I'd like to invite you all to our 40th Anniversary celebration party on July 18th, it's a benefit concert with the Kruger Brothers and other bands on board the oldest steel hulled sailing vessel, the Star of India in the San Diego harbor.  We are raising money to support the San Diego Music in the Schools programs put on by the San Diego Music Foundation.  You can find the details in the link below.

deeringbanjos.com/pages/deerin...t-concert

It will be a spectacular event. It's our way of saying thank you to all our friends and family for forty great years!

psikes - Posted - 06/05/2015:  14:09:46

Thanks Janet, you made my day for sure. Maybe even my year! What a great instrument this is.

psikes - Posted - 06/22/2015:  17:35:18

Is there any chance you might have a photograph of John with this banjo? I have found one picture of him with a non Shubb capoed banjo that matches my banjo pretty well.

Thanks, Phil

tcpurvis - Posted - 06/29/2015:  21:58:21

Hello Janet, I am trying to find the right set of strings for a 19 fret 4 string Goodtime. I purchased two sets of the Deering Tenor and two sets of the Deering Irish Tenor Banjo strings. I have been playing on one set of the Irish TB strings for a bit and decided to try the standard Tenor strings. I liked the sound of the banjo tuned CDGA but broke two A strings within a week. What am I doing wrong?

Thanks

Janet Deering - Posted - 06/30/2015:  15:57:20

The Tuning is actually CGDA. According to Barry Hunn, our sales manager, who is an excellent player,   If you are using a heavy flat pick, and coming from an acoustic guitar background, or even an Irish Tenor back ground, then your attack on the strings might be hard enough to wear the strings pre-maturely.  The A string on the  tenor is almost at a breaking point.  If you are tuning “by ear” then even an eighth of a tone too high and the string will snap.  This is typical of Tenor banjos.   If you are tuning with an electronic tuner, then I suspect it is a technique issue. It is easy to over play the strings when you are used to using a heavy touch.  

Edited by - Janet Deering on 06/30/2015 15:59:17

Janet Deering - Posted - 06/30/2015:  16:03:24

Phil,  if you get a copy of our catalog that banjo could be your banjo on page 58,  It looks just like yours and who knows which one of his banjos he was holding that day.  If you go to our website at deeringbanjos.com and find the pdf of our catalog you can download it or print page 58 that is a full page photo of John Hartford with his banjo.  

psikes - Posted - 06/30/2015:  16:05:40

Thanks Janet I will take a look.

psikes - Posted - 06/30/2015:  18:21:43

If the picture is the great smile one then it is serial number 1. Mine, serial number two has never had the Shubb fifth string capo installed. Thanks for the help.

bkdraft - Posted - 07/21/2015:  14:47:07

Wow! What a weekend Deering 40th Anniversary was awesome. Got the pleasure of meeting Jens Kruger of the Kruger Brothers in person and get him to sign my banjo. Also visited with Greg, Janet and Jamie. Then to top that Steve Martin was there as special guest and also one of the Kingston Trio, playing along with the Kruger Brothers. Such a awesome concert it was. Thank you Greg, Janet and Jamie for such a great night of music and celebration.

Janet Deering - Posted - 07/21/2015:  15:38:25

Yes, It was an amazing night to remember on board  the Star of India in the San Diego harbor.  What a great way to celebrate our 40th Anniversary!  And we raised a lot of money through the silent auction for San Diego Music in the Schools programs. We saw so many friends, family, artists and suppliers who came in from all over.  it was a reunion of people who love the banjo and appreciate great music. I am very glad that you were able to be there!  Thanks for coming and sharing a great time with us.

bigcraig - Posted - 07/21/2015:  21:05:58

Totally agree. My wife and I were also there and thoroughly enjoyed the show. It was the first time we'd seen the Kruger Brothers live and it was a real treat. We also managed to say hi to Jens and Steve up on deck before the show before descending for the concert. Congratulations on your 40th Anniversary, and on such a special night to celebrate it.

I posted a few photos on my homepage banjohangout.org/myhangout/pho...umid=9758

Edited by - bigcraig on 07/21/2015 21:08:56

amanset - Posted - 07/27/2015:  13:25:56

Well I've gone and joined the family. My Goodtime Classic, bought from the good people at Eagle Music, arrived today. Initial reaction is just how light it is, I've been playing a Tanglewood with the resonator taken off for the last year and it is *heavy*. In comparison the GT feels like it made of air. It certainly makes for more comfortable playing, especially now that I don't have a flange digging into my legs.

On silly question: the "US Postage Paid" on the warranty card: is that only from within the US or can I just drop it in the post from here in Sweden? Oh and I am right in saying that Goodtimes don't have a serial number to fill in, right?

Janet Deering - Posted - 08/10/2015:  09:42:02

Congratulations Mark. We are glad to have you. Thanks for asking about the postage,  you will need to put a stamp to send it by mail.  Or you can log in on line and fill out your warranty on our website by going to deeringbanjos.com/pages/warran...istration

Goodtime banjos don't yet have a serial number so no need to fill that in.  That's right.  We wish you many happy years playing your new banjo.

mapledragon - Posted - 08/10/2015:  12:57:25

Hi Janet, I recently bought a Vega from the folks at Eagle Music, it has a factory fitted matched resonator, the serial number is: 1239608.
I was wondering if you could tell me more about it as I believe it may be one of a kind??

Thanks, Francis

amanset - Posted - 08/11/2015:  05:45:08

quote:

---

Originally posted by Janet Deering

 

Congratulations Mark. We are glad to have you. Thanks for asking about the postage,  you will need to put a stamp to send it by mail.  Or you can log in on line and fill out your warranty on our website by going to deeringbanjos.com/pages/warran...istration

Goodtime banjos don't yet have a serial number so no need to fill that in.  That's right.  We wish you many happy years playing your new banjo.

---

Thanks Janet, registration done via the interwebs. And thanks, I'm loving the instrument so far.

Janet Deering - Posted - 08/11/2015:  12:08:36

Hi Francis,  It is a Vega No. 2 and it may have had the resonator added later.  There is no note that it was made with a resonator.  I don't recall ever making a Vega No. 2 with a resonator.  It certainly is a one of a kind!  Enjoy your banjo.

mapledragon - Posted - 08/11/2015:  14:45:41

Hi Janet, thanks for getting back to me... I just re=read the email I received regarding the history of the Vega and the statement reads that the resonator and flange was made by Deering to match the banjo, so I guess it was a later addition.
I'm certainly enjoying the banjo!!

Janet Deering - Posted - 08/11/2015:  15:00:21

That's wonderful.  Yes, we may have sent out the resonator and flange later after the banjo was made. That makes sense. I'm glad you are enjoying your Vega banjo.

Polle Flaunoe - Posted - 08/12/2015:  01:52:50

Janet - I did last week refret and set up a lovely 2007 Deering Golden Era RB for a client of mine - this did indeed become a problematic and time-consuming task for me.

The original glued-in frets were pleasantly easy pulled by the use of my custom soldering gun - but removing the remaining and very hard glue from the bottom of the slots did cost me several hours of labor - plus I had to build some custom tools for this work.

But then the really big problem popped up - the slots were far too wide and not deep enough for accepting the fret wire types normally used by me and others for both vintage and newer RB´s - for example StewMac 0147 or Dunlop 6230.

After three attempts - with the combined use of two different cyano´s plus a down-sizing of the tang height via grinding I finally managed getting the new frets into place and firmly held. Only - due to the lack of compression between the tang/barbs and the sides of the wide slots the neck does now seem somewhat elastic.

So - here´s a question for you - where can I find a fret wire with a crown width and height as for the original frets - but with a tang/barb thickness plus height, that will suit the original slots - mind you with an usual compression?

Or - was this banjo originally fretted without any compression as mentioned - if so were the frets held pressed down during the curing of the glue used?

I´ve searched the BHO archives - there have over the years been many threads regarding your glued-in frets - but I´ve not been able finding any answers to my questions.

Regards - and pardon my poor English

Polle

paulrobertwagner - Posted - 08/25/2015:  19:26:51

Hi, Janet!  I recently acquired a 2006 Sierra (03401506) and have a couple of questions.  I've been told that its no-hole tone ring was only put in the first three months of 2006 (and it looks like mine made it under the wire!) and wonder why the change?  Also, is there a way I can get a copy of the catalog or ad specs for the Sierra with this particular tone ring? Thanks -- I love the tone, playability and beautiful simplicity of this banjo. 

Edited by - paulrobertwagner on 08/25/2015 19:34:05

Janet Deering - Posted - 08/28/2015:  06:59:35

Hi Paul, We changed to 20 hole tone rings soon after your banjo was made because many customers requested this feature. Our foundry has a machine shop and offered to add this feature for a reasonable cost so we took the opportunity to make the change. The 2006 and prior catalogs had the specification of bell bronze tone ring when your banjo was made and after that we designated it as 20 hole bell bronze tone ring.  If you call Carolina we may be able to find one of the old catalogs for you. Both designs are excellent. I personally can't hear the difference if a tone ring has the 20 holes or not. I'm glad you are enjoying your banjo. 

Janet Deering - Posted - 08/28/2015:  07:08:11

Hi Polle, To answer your question on our glued in frets - yes, we clamp them down with a flat bar after they are set in place with the glue. If you ever have the opportunity to come and visit us just outside of San Diego, California we will show you how it is done so that replacing our glued in frets in the future will be easier. I will suggest that as a topic for a future video for our website as I'm sure understanding the correct process would be helpful for repairmen.  Thanks for asking about it.

Edited by - Janet Deering on 08/28/2015 07:12:16

titaniummd - Posted - 08/29/2015:  05:40:32

I am new to the world of pickin'. I went to your site and the videos really helped me understand the differences amongst the Goodtime models. Since I wasn't sure I was even going to enjoy or stick with playing, I opted for the Goodtime Special, and I couldn't be more pleased with it.

I wanted to buy one made in the USA, and I'm happy I found y'all.

SpringfieldEagle - Posted - 09/21/2015:  21:07:31

Janet I have the opportunity to purchase a 1986  Deering Maple Blossom here in Canada. It has a serial number of 5151686. What can you tell me about the specs on this banjo? Are there any older catalogues on you web site where I can see the specs of older models?

I already have an Eagle II purchased in 2012 and this week I am about to get a Goodtime Special open back because I have recently gotten into clawhammer style playing.  I think a Maple Blossom would be a good addition as well, if it is in good condition. I love Deering banjos.

spini - Posted - 10/02/2015:  11:17:09

After much research I pulled the trigger on a used 2003 Maple Blossom, I love it! Came with the original owners warranty card and plastic owners card,. I was able to get it from my banjo teacher at a great price. I have been wanting to upgrade my banjo for a while. I am planning on a new Golden Era in a couple years when I retire, but this banjo is awesome love the quality of this thing and the sound.

mapledragon - Posted - 10/02/2015:  13:31:57

Have you all seen the 40 Year Anniversary Special??? White Oak... looks Stunning!!!!!

rudykizuty - Posted - 10/03/2015:  07:04:11

quote:

---

Originally posted by mapledragon

 

Have you all seen the 40 Year Anniversary Special??? White Oak... looks Stunning!!!!!

---

Indeed, it does. Am I correct in understanding that it has no tone ring beyond the oak rim itself?

mapledragon - Posted - 10/03/2015:  14:59:46

quote:

---

Originally posted by rudykizuty

 

quote:

---

Originally posted by mapledragon

 

Have you all seen the 40 Year Anniversary Special??? White Oak... looks Stunning!!!!!

---

Indeed, it does. Am I correct in understanding that it has no tone ring beyond the oak rim itself?

---

It's identical to my Deering Vega, which as standard is an open back, but Deering made a matching resonator for it.... if it plays half as good as my Vega then it will be a beauty!!!

sctoney - Posted - 10/03/2015:  15:12:36

Be careful with the "half as good as" comment.  I had a friend that wanted his car painted.  He found a guy that painted cars part time in his garage.  The guy had just finished a pick-up truck, and it looked real nice.  The painter said, "would you be happy if it looked half as good as this truck?"  My friend said "sure!"  Well, the guy painted it, and it DID look half as good as the truck.  My friend was NOT happy...........  he got what they had agreed upon.  I don't think a "half as good as" sounding banjo would be any better than a "half as good as" paint job.

bluegrassbanjopicker - Posted - 10/03/2015:  15:51:16

Hi Janet,

I am the proud fourth owner of a 1980 Deering Intermediate which I got two weeks ago. It has what I think might actually be a factory order number, above the serial number on the resonator tag. It says "FO963394", beside what I assume is the first owner's name, "L.C. Spencer", who acquired it on July 17, 1981. Another mysterious number is penciled in by the second owner, a "P.J. Wallner" which the banjo was passed onto, on July 15, 1994. The number is "V7005943".

The third owner was a Teresa Wright of Agra, Oklahoma, who had the banjo from 1998 until September 23rd, 2015, at which time it became mine.

The banjo has a serial number of 1153180, and a penciled-in date of Nov. 18th, 1980.

Luke

Edited by - bluegrassbanjopicker on 10/03/2015 15:53:07

pick1936 - Posted - 10/03/2015:  21:07:08

Janet,  I  found  a  Deering  in  a music  store,  its  used,   looks  to  be  in  good  shape,  exept   someone  put  in  7  spikes   and  did  a poor  job  of  it.  I  think  it  is  a  Maple  bloosum?  curly maple  neck  and  reso,  with  dark  slightly  purple  colored  maple.   1. 500   does  that  sound  reasonable?

mapledragon - Posted - 10/04/2015:  14:43:10

quote:

---

Originally posted by sctoney

 

Be careful with the "half as good as" comment.  I had a friend that wanted his car painted.  He found a guy that painted cars part time in his garage.  The guy had just finished a pick-up truck, and it looked real nice.  The painter said, "would you be happy if it looked half as good as this truck?"  My friend said "sure!"  Well, the guy painted it, and it DID look half as good as the truck.  My friend was NOT happy...........  he got what they had agreed upon.  I don't think a "half as good as" sounding banjo would be any better than a "half as good as" paint job.

---

Depends how good the 'whole' sounds really doesn't it?!!!

Banjo Studio - Posted - 11/13/2015:  14:21:57

Has anyone seen and heard the new Deering 40th Anniversary Limited Edition White Oak banjos? We have one in stock and we think it sounds AMAZING.  Clear, Bright, Crisp, and LIGHT! Your back will thank you.

We'd love to hear what y'all think about it.  Check it out here: 

banjostudio.com/products/deeri...oak-banjo

baldy - Posted - 11/18/2015:  06:42:06

It took me a while to decide, but I finally got a new Sierra from the folks at Promenade Music, Morecambe. It's beautiful to look at, and sounds fabulous.
It's the only thing that gets me away from the ukulele ...

baldy.

Mango - Posted - 12/11/2015:  23:59:47

Janet , what is the story on Tony Trischka 's new  custom Deering Banjo?, is there going to be a new Artist Signature model in the lineup? I saw a picture of it on Tonys Banjo school website. Would you post some more pics? it looks really cool, especially with the 24 fret neck, that seems to be in popular nowadays.