Grey Dog - Posted - 12/11/2009:  07:49:53

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I sent a message (twice) as well. She may not be entertaining private messages....

Janet Deering - Posted - 12/11/2009:  09:12:20

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You mentioned that the neck shapes have changed recently. I'm interested in a Maple Blossom. What serial number did this change occur after?

The Maple Blossom neck shape did not make any major changes, it is still the slim comfortable Deering shape.

The shapes that did change are the Golden Era Series shape and the change we made was two fold - we evened out the thickness from the fingerboard to the back of the neck all the way up the neck, it used to taper slightly, and we adjusted the shape of the thumb stop so that if you are using a paige capo and want to slip it past the nut and leave it on your banjo you can - we moved the thumb stop slightly up toward the peghead on the Golden Series. This change was made about 18 months ago.

We also changed the Tenbrooks neck shape slightly so that it is more comfortable, still has the slight V shape but less pronounced. It isn't as thick as it was.

Since Jens Kruger had us make him a new neck and requested the Deering neck shape we also changed the Jens Kruger model from the big neck it originally was to the Deering slim neck shape. So the new Kruger models we are making have the Deering neck shape. I only have one available with the thicker shape.

The first neck we made for Terry Baucom we made with the Deering neck shape and at first he thought he wanted the Golden Era shape, but after playing it for a few weeks he decided that he perferred the Deering shape. So that is what you get on a Terry Baucom banjo.

If we made any change on the Deering standard shape, the only thing I recall is that we moved the thumb stop back slightly so the paige capo works on those as well. It is such a slight change most people won't notice it.

Janet Deering - Posted - 12/11/2009:  09:17:09

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May I ask, have you considered offering a raised head model on say your GE / GW and GC models. I think with these classic pre-war style models a Raised head option would allow players an altervative to a quite restricted market.

David, it amazes me what we don't adequately communicate in our catalog. I really enjoy these questions because it helps me know what others don't know. We have always offered an archtop option for any model from the Sierra on up the line. We do list it on our custom options list on our price list but we never mentioned it in the catalog or on the website.

Yes, any model is available in an archtop for an upcharge. I don't recall the added cost but it is not prohibitive. I'll make sure we explain this in the new catalog. Just send an e-mail to Carolina at info@deeringbanjos.com and she will let you know the cost. Thanks for asking.

Janet Deering - Posted - 12/11/2009:  09:19:19

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I haven't recieved your messages, they go to my aol account and I guess that must be putting them into the spam box automatically, I forget to check there for messages. Sorry, I'll look for them and get back with you today.

Mullie - Posted - 12/13/2009:  07:43:11

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Great thread and I have really enjoyed Janet's participation here. I have been playing on/off for a number of years and have played a Gibson Earl Scruggs banjo and, earlier, an Imperial when I was first learning. Long story short - I had stopped playing for about 15 years and recently purchased a Goodtime 2 to kick start my banjo enjoyment; and absolutely love it. Yes, it has no tone ring and the sound is a bit muted based on my earlier banjos but I find that I play it MUCH more than I did with my more expensive, heavier banjos years ago...it is incredibly user friendly, easy to pick up and play... and that is what it is all about.

Have you found that most players "trade up" from a Goodtime or have some players continued to use it as their main instrument even as they progressed and improved their playing? I probably cannot afford to keep two banjos and I would hate to trade up to a more expensive banjo eventually just because the Goodtime is only considered a "starter" instrument. Does anyone actually use a Goodtime in gigs or jams?

cockneybanjo - Posted - 12/13/2009:  09:17:23

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quote:

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Originally posted by Janet Deering

2) the Goodtime doesn't have the reputation in UK. This is partly a chicken-and-egg question, and partly because it's perceived as inadequately specified, but none-the-less it's so

What does "inadequately specified" refer to?

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I did say 'perceived as inadequately specified'.. the big market for starter banjos in UK is to people who buy online with little real idea what they are buying. The various Good Time models sell for between £250 and £500 and that's just too much for that market.

buyers like that see 'no truss rod, no fingerboard, one compensator rod'; maybe they come on here and see the threads about side dots, and the sale is lost. The reasons may be wrong, but that's the outcome.

I started with a Korean Gold Tone which cost me around 60% of the cost of a comparable Good Time. A lot of this is due to shipping and import costs. But, that instrument has been to Congo with me, Kazakhstan ( where its 45deg and 10% humidity in summer ), offshore in the North Sea, and all points along the way, and it's still straight and in tune, and its 'araldite and treacle' finish is unmarked. It's been a value buy.

over time I have actually seen a couple of Good Times, and heard what sweet-sounding instruments they are. But, the nature of the buying process has meant that I have gone from a Gold Tone to a second-hand RB250. I've never bought a Good Time and probably never will, and I'd say that's a fairly typical British story.

I've been attending two separate jams on and off, over the past year. There are at least three upper-end Deerings there, but no Good Times. My teacher plays a Calico professionally, but HE doesn't own a Good Time and never has.

so, I would stick to the view that the nature and dynamic of the buying process tends to lead UK players away from the Good Time, although they may well come to Deerings when they are ready to spend the extra couple of bob to get what they want.


I'd agree about the highly dubious nature of Chinese quality control, some of the time at least.

Gomer - Posted - 12/13/2009:  11:10:17

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Cockney, Your teacher has exquisite tastes. That honey/tobacco stain is prettier to look at than all the plating and engraving that a person can think of. The voice is just like the looks: Stunning!

the-fish - Posted - 12/14/2009:  06:29:14

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Janet, thank you for your reply!

Janet Deering - Posted - 12/14/2009:  06:47:01

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Have you found that most players "trade up" from a Goodtime or have some players continued to use it as their main instrument even as they progressed and improved their playing? I probably cannot afford to keep two banjos and I would hate to trade up to a more expensive banjo eventually just because the Goodtime is only considered a "starter" instrument. Does anyone actually use a Goodtime in gigs or jams?

I don't know what most people do as they go through dealers but my general impression is that most people keep their Goodtime banjo and still play it even when they buy a more expensive banjo because it is a great banjo for casual enjoyment that you can take anywhere and not have to worry too much about it. You can always get another one. I don't see very many used Goodtime Banjos for sale as people tend to keep it or pass it along to a younger loved one to learn on.

Yes, I see people playing Goodtime banjos in jigs or jams at IBMA and other places. They certainly appear a lot on YouTube in many of the videos.... It is a valid and valuable instrument even though the cost is very reasonable. It has been our purpose to provide an affordable banjo with quality through and through. The Goodtime banjo isn't just a starter instrument, it is a real banjo.

Mullie - Posted - 12/14/2009:  08:47:48

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quote:

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Originally posted by Janet Deering

Yes, I see people playing Goodtime banjos in jigs or jams at IBMA and other places. They certainly appear a lot on YouTube in many of the videos.... It is a valid and valuable instrument even though the cost is very reasonable. It has been our purpose to provide an affordable banjo with quality through and through. The Goodtime banjo isn't just a starter instrument, it is a real banjo.

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Thanks Janet, It is good to hear that the Goodtime is so popular with beginners and more seasoned players alike. The more that I have gotten in to the banjo/bluegrass environment the more I have seen some Goodtimes being used. Like I said, after having owned several other much more expensive banjos in the past - it seems like I play the Goodtime more than I did the others. Easy to just pick up and pick! Maybe some day I will end up with a Deluxe or Sierra but as you mentioned...I will most probably hold on to the Goodtime for daily use (or travels, etc.) or to keep in the family. I appreciate you quick feedback. Have a good one.

Old Man - Posted - 12/14/2009:  08:51:31

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I have never been tempted to sell or trade my Goodtime. When I am traveling or camping it is with me.

shpud - Posted - 12/14/2009:  21:05:57

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Hi Janet,
I think its great that you've spent so much time on here answering all these questions and comments. I bought my first banjo on Saturday, a "previously loved" Golden Era. It was my first time picking up and holding a banjo. I have had a hard time putting it down since bringing it home. I'm glad I spent the extra money on something so well built, and after reading through this thread, I'd have to say I'm very impressed with your interaction with customers!
I'm really looking forward to learning how to play and I really lucked out with this purchase because the seller, upon learning that I was new, included an unbelievable amount of literature, dvds, cds and equipment.
Banjo people seem to be good people!
Thank you for making such a quality product.

bigal37 - Posted - 12/15/2009:  06:10:08

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If I understand correctly, the Sierra is available as an archtop model? If so can you comment on the quality of the AT ring compared to the flat ring. I cannot find any info about an arctop model online.
Thanks

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Edited by - bigal37 on 12/15/2009 06:15:37

Janet Deering - Posted - 12/15/2009:  08:02:36

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I'm really looking forward to learning how to play and I really lucked out with this purchase because the seller, upon learning that I was new, included an unbelievable amount of literature, dvds, cds and equipment.
Banjo people seem to be good people!
Thank you for making such a quality product.

Congratulations! Wow, you are starting off right! Yes, I agree with you, banjo people are good people. That is one of the main reasons Greg and I have loved being in the banjo business all these years. We really enjoy the people.

When we got our sail boat the fellow left all the sails, books, and gear on the boat and it was a joy to be able to just enjoy sailing without having to go out and equip the boat. It sounds like you lucked into the same kind of deal. I hope you do well and enjoy your banjo. It's great to have you on the hangout.

Janet Deering - Posted - 12/15/2009:  08:08:22

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If I understand correctly, the Sierra is available as an archtop model? If so can you comment on the quality of the AT ring compared to the flat ring. I cannot find any info about an arctop model online.

Alan, Yes, you understand correctly. we make the Sierra in an archtop as a custom option. The difference in sound is our archtop ring is considerably brighter with stronger highs and less bass response.

We will get data on our archtop option into our catalog and on line soon. It's great to hear the feed back and realize all the things we don't cover in our promotion. It really helps us. Thanks, Janet

bigal37 - Posted - 12/16/2009:  04:58:17

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Could you please tell me what changes have been made (other than neck inlay) from the older "DOT" Sierra model, that I see so many of, to the new---- "elegant double arches..." model? ie: tone ring, neck shape/width...

Janet Deering - Posted - 12/16/2009:  07:44:12

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We started producing the original Sierra with the Mother of Pearl dot inlays in 1990 and changed the name to the Sierra in 1993. At that time it had the original Deering tonering.

The Sierra remained the same until we updated our tonering in 2006. The way to tell which tonering is in the banjo is most easily by looking at the top angle of the ring where it contacts the head. If the angle is a tighter angle, more of a point, it is the tonering we made from around 1983 until 2006.

The more rounded angle at the top would be the new '06 tonering that we started producing in 2006 and the first year that we made those tonerings we did not put in the 20 holes. In 2007 we added the 20 holes to that tonering.

One tip I can offer is that if you are looking at a Deering banjo and want to know what tonering is in it, if you study the head where the tonering touches it, you can see that the original tonering we made shows just over 1/16" contact with the head and the new '06 tonering you will see more like a 1/4" contact with the head. You can see the contact through the surface of the head.

We hand carved our necks until 2003 when we first programmed them to be carved on the CNC. This stabalized our neck shapes so that we could offer consistent quality and feel in the shape of the neck. Previous to that we had Monday necks where the shape was not as good as we wanted. So 2002-2003 we were in a learning curve to apply new 3D technology to the art of banjo neck making. We threw away a lot of necks in that process.

We then made slight revisions to the shape of the neck of the Sierra as well as many of our other necks in 2007 - 2008, we moved the thumbstop back slightly so that the Paige or Elliott capos work with the banjo better and perfected the neck shape.

At some point around 2005 we changed the co-ordinator rods from brass to steel because brass rings more and adds to the overtones of the banjo. So steel rods improved the tone.

We changed to the new patented Deering tailpiece around 2003 I believe, this tailpiece is designed to have all the advantages of the Presto and Kershner tailpieces as far as being light and shaped like the Presto and being adjustable like the Kershner but we solder the bend so that the Deering tailpiece will not break like the others do.

We improved the armrest design to make it sleek and artistically beautiful sometime around 2006.

We started making our own tension hoops in house around 2008 so that the notch spacing is more accurate and the shape of it does not break heads.

As you can see, we have made many changes over the past number of years. Most of them have been inspired by Jens Kruger who is working with us as part of our R & D team and testing each aspect for performance in the field and giving Greg his insights and recommendations to improve our banjos.

Greg Deering can tool up and build anything and that is his gift. Jens Kruger can play and bring the best sounds from a banjo and has a wonderful insight into the sounds that a banjo can produce, he also greatly understands the structure and materials and how they affect the tone. So the two men working together have been a match made in heaven for the banjo world, and for Deering banjos.

bigal37 - Posted - 12/16/2009:  08:52:04

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You have been very helpful, thank you. I have one more question regarding the Sierra.. When did the neck inlays change from dot to modified dot to the current wreath look? Did this happen in specific years? I see vendors advertising NEW 08 models that have the dot inlay, is this possible or would it be "new" old stock?

Janet Deering - Posted - 12/17/2009:  09:20:34

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It is possible. I believe that we changed the inlay in the summer of 2008 so in that year you could have dot inlays and the dots with leaves. We upgraded to the new, as you called them, wreath inlays in the summer of 2009. So again, you can have both kinds in one year.

After finishing the post about the changes in the Sierra over the years I forgot probably the most important change. That took place in January of 2009 when we were able to start shipping Sierras and all the Deering banjos with our new violin grade maple rims that we make in house.

The importance of this almost cannot be overstated. You see, for all these years banjo makers have believed that hard rock maple was the secret to a great sound, we even believed that for many years. Until Jens Kruger researched it very carefully and found that the prewar banjos selling for huge sums were actually made with red maple, yes, naturally that is available in Michigan and the North East - this is what is called violin grade maple because it is the same wood that the European violin makers have imported from the USA or harvested a similar wood in Europe for the making of violins. This wood has a resonant quality when matched with the right tonering design that produces the most desireable banjo sound. The kind of sound that people pay 50,000 dollars for. That is now what we are using in all Deering banjos since we set up to steam the wood and do all the bending and gluing in house.

We also began making three ply maple rims for our Goodtime Banjos in October of 2008 and since that time the sound of the Goodtime banjos while it has always been good , is now even better. The new Goodtime banjos are far beyond beginner quality and the sound is clearly what many professionals appreciate.

uncledaveh - Posted - 12/18/2009:  07:54:22

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"Greg and I have discussed this. There is a very good chance of us offering a Whyte Laydie tonering in the Vega line. You are the third person to ask us about that and previous to this year no one ever asked for it so we did not put any attention on doing it. Is there a certain Vega model you are interested in?"

Janet - First my apology. You responded to my question back in October and somehow I missed it. Not really a particular model - the current Number 2 with a Whyte Laydie tonering would be nice. Thanks for your response.

David "Uncle Dave" Holbrook
The Rockdale Ridgerunners

bigal37 - Posted - 12/18/2009:  09:19:10

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how can you tell if it has the new violin grade maple rim?

Janet Deering - Posted - 12/19/2009:  08:09:50

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Good question! Only by the date of manufacture. They look the same.

With a good ear you can hear the difference, but you can't tell just by looking at the banjo which kind of maple it has.

MickG - Posted - 12/19/2009:  19:06:39

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Great Thread!

Janet

In his instruction DVD Jens Kruger mentioned that he has stainless steel frets on his banjo necks. I was wondering if that is an option Deering will be offering.

Mick

worriedwizard - Posted - 12/20/2009:  03:49:36

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hi, everyone new to the banjo & this site, but have used this site to inform me as to what make of banjo to buy, i have opted for the deering midnight special. i have seen mrs deering's coments on this banjo & sorry if i upset anyone but i agree with her, here in the Uk i live in an area which was known as the manufactoring heart of uk, i was a saddle maker but due to no control of far easten imports my job soon went & whole areas of manufactoring from saddlery products to metal works closed, the only jobs left are stacking food shelves at supermarkets - if thats what you want to do then great it's better than no job, but it's a wonderful feeling to look at a quality item made by hand & by people who are proud to be making it. so i say well done to mrs deering & i for one will be remembering that the banjo came from the USA & so it makes sence to buy USA

Gomer - Posted - 12/20/2009:  07:34:13

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Welcome Gary and Welsome again!

Janet Deering - Posted - 12/22/2009:  07:20:08

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Gary, Thank you for your post. Welcome to the hangout.
You have experienced exactly what I have seen so many times. When I first started selling our banjos in the 80's after Stelling split our partnership and we went ahead and started to building our own make of banjos, I heard about all the furniture factories closing throughout the South East. I called to sell banjos and heard from music stores how that industry was moving overseas and it was affecting the economy in their area. It's been one industry after another throughout the last thirty years.

Greg and I feel very strongly about manufacturing in the USA and we believe that by making the best banjos that can be made and maintaining the highest quality standards we can stay competetive.

When people want to own the very best, they find a way. The difference in cost isn't such a big issue especially as people experience that the other brands don't hold up. Thank you for choosing the Goodtime Midnight Special. It is a great banjo. I hope you enjoy playing it for many years to come.

Janet Deering - Posted - 12/22/2009:  07:28:53

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In his instruction DVD Jens Kruger mentioned that he has stainless steel frets on his banjo necks. I was wondering if that is an option Deering will be offering.

Mick, Yes. It is an option and I'm glad you asked about it because I need to add that to our custom options price list before the catalog goes off to the printer this week. I believe we can make it available on any model, and I'll check into that today.

The stainless steel frets we put in for Jens are larger frets than what we normally use. He likes the crown to be a bit higher so that he can glide over the strings and just press enough to get the note but not necessarily clamp the string on the fingerboard. It's a different technique than most players use.

While stainless steel frets tend to wear out the strings faster, if you play enough to need to change strings often, then the fact that they wear out faster won't be an issue. Many professional players change strings several times a week.

DeanT - Posted - 12/22/2009:  07:49:14

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Just from the 6 months and sets of strings I've gone thorugh with SS frets, I don't even understand the statement about SS frets wearing out strings. I've noticed no difference. It's good to hear about Deering using SS frets! The more I play, the more I think it's a sin not to, especially on the high end banjos. Banjos with worn out frets is depressing, and the replacment cost can be very hard on a musician in today's economy. That's also an advertisment angle that would put Deering above the compeditors who still use soft frets.

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Edited by - DeanT on 12/22/2009 07:50:08

srrobertsiii - Posted - 12/22/2009:  08:32:07

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Janet,

I have a question re. factory set-up. I recently acquired a Vega Senator, to complement my Vega #2. I wanted another instrument that played/was set up like the #2, but that I could travel with and not worry so much about. (I dearly love the #2, and tend to baby it.) In both instances, the (different and distant) sellers state that nothing leaves their stores without first being adjusted and set up. Evidently, they don't want buyers to think they are selling instruments "out of the box," and I can appreciate that. But my two instruments are set up quite differently. Is this the case from the factory, because, after all, they are two quite different instruments, or is it attributable to seller adjustments? I can deal with both set-ups, and get one changed if need be, but was wondering, still, where the differences might have originated.

Thanks for your time and concern,

Sam Roberts

Do I need to return my

Janet Deering - Posted - 12/23/2009:  06:32:43

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Sam, It would be attributable to the sellers having different ideas about set up. We have a standard way we set up banjos, which would be the same on those two instruments since they are both openback.

Banjos do loosen up in shipping and many makers will lay the bridge down for shipping. This is why many sellers promote their set up service.

I discovered when I was the shipping clerk, amongst my many other duties, that leaving banjos tuned and set up with the bridge in the right place was just fine. UPS was telling us to lay the bridge down and loosen the strings so it would not break. This had nothing to do with breakage! What it does do is give the customer the problem of setting the bridge when most dealers don't know properly how to place the bridge!

So we always ship our banjos already set up with the bridge in the right place, and this year we also started putting light pencil parks on the edge of the bridge so if it does get bumped there is a mark indicating where it should be placed.

What we also found was that what does break necks is the whiplash effect that occurs when the heavy part of the banjo drops hard and the neck snaps against the case. This is why we have our cases made with the pads supporting the peghead. Our neck breakage all but disappeared when we added that feature to our cases.

Because banjo heads do loosen up in shipping we tighten them just past the right point so that when they arrive and have loosened they have loosened to a G, which is where the head should be set. Many of our dealers have told me that our banjos are the only banjos that arrive already setup.

Deering_Dude - Posted - 12/23/2009:  09:23:56

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Thanks for answering our questions Janet! Here's one for you.

I have a Deering Deluxe and I was wondering how high I may tune the head. I have it at about an A at the moment and am hesitant to go higher. I love the sound but I am wondering about tuning it up to a B. Is that too much?

P.S. I learned on a Goodtime and I love my Deluxe. I'm a big fan (hence my forum name).

Mark

ctopp - Posted - 12/27/2009:  14:05:48

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Janet,
I recently purchased a Terry Baucom Model Deering (#12) and love the volume and tone. I also like the reduced weight of the banjo and the Baucom string spacing.

Banjo pickers love to tinker and I'd like to lower the action slightly. Do you build your own bridges and if so do you offer a Baucom spacing with 5/8" height? If so I want to order one. By using a shorter bridge made by the same manufacturere, I figure I can limit modifications to one variable. If the sound suffers, I'll live with the higher action.

Thanks
Charles

Janet Deering - Posted - 12/28/2009:  07:55:04

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Sure, you can order a 5/8" bridge with the Terry Baucom spacing. It is a Greg Deering Signature Bridge - the part number is B-GDS58-TB. The cost is $45. You can call in the order to Carolina at 800-845-7791 or e-mail her at info@Deeringbanjos.com.

00373 - Posted - 12/28/2009:  08:00:11

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I have a tone ring question.
Is the ring used in the Golden Era the same as you use in a Sierra????

Janet Deering - Posted - 12/28/2009:  08:15:28

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I have a Deering Deluxe and I was wondering how high I may tune the head. I have it at about an A at the moment and am hesitant to go higher. I love the sound but I am wondering about tuning it up to a B. Is that too much?

P.S. I learned on a Goodtime and I love my Deluxe. I'm a big fan (hence my forum name).

Mark, Great forum name! Thanks for your support.

You can tune the head until it pops. That's how tight you can tune it.

We tune them ideally to set at a G. Some of what you can do will depend on the type of head that you have. A frosted top head is best tuned to a G. Tuning it to an A certainly can be done and you can try going up to a B, but have a spare head handy.

If you get it to a B and don't like it, you can always loosen it up again and set it where you like it providing you didn't break it.

Thicker heads and Five Star or ludwig heads with the crimped edges can be tuned tighter than the Remo frosted top heads that we normally use. So a lot of what you can do does depend on the type of head.

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Edited by - Janet Deering on 12/28/2009 08:16:39

ctopp - Posted - 12/28/2009:  10:11:10

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Thanks for the information Janet and thanks for making yourself available to the BHO.
I own a couple of high quality banjos and am very impressed with my Baucom Model Deering. I predict that model will be very popular once the word gets out and people realize the tremendous tone, volume and quality available at a reasonable cost.
The inlay pattern is unique so far as I know. Is there a name for the pattern and who designed it?
Charles

Janet Deering - Posted - 12/29/2009:  05:12:38

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Charles, thanks. I'm glad that you are enjoying your Terry Baucom model.

The inlay pattern was designed by Greg Deering in about 1986. Inspired by the development of our new Hartford tonering at that time, he and Chuck, our head craftsman, decided they both wanted to make themselves banjos with the Hartford tonering. So they agreed to come in over a weekend and make themselves each a banjo with a Hartford Tonering. Naturally, one weekend turned into several because they could not resist embellishing their banjos with nicer inlays as they went. Greg had designed that inlay pattern and had the inlays laying around so he put them into his special banjo. As he worked he also designed the peghead inlay. If you look closely at your peghead inlay you will notice that is kind of resembles a face. And if you look closely at the mouth you will see an extra inlay that resembles a tongue coming out of the mouth. For this reason we nicknamed that inlay pattern The Tongue.

For years when Greg and I would pack for outings with the Boy Scouts people have heard me ask him if he remembered his tongue.

We held this special inlay pattern with tongue in cheek for a future project and finally we used this inlay pattern on the 30 Thirtieth Anniversary models that we made in 2005 and we embellished it with hand engraving. That was the first time we released this inlay pattern to the public. Yes, Tongue in the peghead for those who look closely.

When I showed it to Terry Baucom he loved the idea and appreciated the humor in it. So we went ahead and gave it to him for his model. It is sort of an inside joke for those who know it is there.

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Edited by - Janet Deering on 12/29/2009 05:14:52

Janet Deering - Posted - 12/29/2009:  05:36:58

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I posted a notice separately, but I will also give you the latest news here - two new bits of info -

First off, We have arranged with Tony Trischka to give new Deering Banjo owners 3 months of free access to the Tony Trischka lesson website when they purchase 3 months membership, so for $60 you can get 6 months of lessons from his site! This will be available to Deering owners who have purchased Deering banjos within the last year if they have mailed in their warranty card. We will be sending out a mailing to all customers who have sent in their cards with info on how to take advantage of this special offer.

Secondly, for the month of December we did a huge price roll back on several of our upper line models like the Maple Blossom, Black Diamond, Hartford, Golden Era, Vega No 2, Vega Long Neck, Saratoga Star, Jens Kruger Model, and several others...

So if you see great prices right now, they will only be available until the year end which is in 3 days. December 31st at midnight the prices go back up. You can see savings of $500 or more on some of these models, so if you are wondering why some dealers have incredible prices that are way lower than others it is because they have put up the sale prices for this month. There are only 3 days left on the sale.

Appalachian Echo - Posted - 12/29/2009:  06:18:30

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Janet,

Just wanted you to know that I'm another one who would be interested in a wide-neck Goodtime, if it should ever make it into production.

Mike

Janet Deering - Posted - 12/31/2009:  08:37:51

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Thanks, Mike. The way we have been expanding our offerings, I'm always surprised at how quickly Greg gives us things that customers request. I'll let you know when we have this available.

Thanks for your interest. Have a Happy New Year!

Grey Dog - Posted - 01/01/2010:  20:48:50

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Hi Janet,

I had this posted on another thread, but maybe it would be good here as well:

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Hi All,

I bought my Deering Golden Era in 06, and was told at the time that it was the 'new' tone ring. Apparently, it turns out that was untrue: I read the thread from Janet Deering where she describes how to tell the physical differences. Ah well. I still love the sound.

But I am curious.....

Specifically to Deering players who have played both the old and new (-06-) rings, could you describe the acoustic differences?
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walshb - Posted - 01/02/2010:  07:35:13

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I couldn't find where the differences in the new vs '06 tone rings were described. I'd like to know though.

00373 - Posted - 01/02/2010:  07:44:34

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I also would like info.
I have a ring from a Golden Era. The lip where the top meets the head is .250 inch. I assume it is a 06 ring??

Grey Dog - Posted - 01/02/2010:  11:57:05

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Care to part with that ring....???

:-)

Janet Deering - Posted - 01/05/2010:  07:17:28

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I also would like info.
I have a ring from a Golden Era. The lip where the top meets the head is .250 inch. I assume it is a 06 ring??

Yes, that is an 06 ring.

Diffrerences in sound are a very subjective thing and sometimes difficult to accurately discribe. Our original tonering was very popular and has always made great sounding banjos. Many people are more than satisfied with their original Deering sound. We made about 25,000 banjos with the original ring. So why change?

The process of raising the tone of the banjo to a higher level has involved a lot of research into the finer qualities of sound and overtones. While our original ring is excellent in most playing settings, when it is played very loudly over an amplified setting some of the overtones were also amplified.

In order to expand the level of perfection of the sound to reach a higher standard we developed the -06 ring to remove some of the high pitched overtones that quietly ring in the background and are not normally noticed unless the banjo is amplified. In a normal band or living room setting our original toneing is just great. And for many people the quiet overtones are not even noticed. Often these sounds are accepted as an expected part of the sound of a banjo.

And we have now reached our goal of producing an orchestral grade banjo that is not limited to traditional banjo settings. Deering banjos are now appreciated by musicians who are not banjo fans, and who are very discriminating; people who are comparing the quality of sound to that of a Strativarius violin. Our new Deering banjos are at home even in this setting, alongside of violins that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. It's been a star high goal. Why should banjos be socially relegated to barns and haystacks, when they could also be played in the finest concert halls? Our vision is that banjos can be a part of every style and every level of music. It's all in the development of this great instrument to bring it to it's fullest potential and that is what we are doing here at Deering.

So say goodbye to the banjo jokes about how banjo players can't afford a fancy car, or the joke - What's the difference between a banjo player and a pizza?

A pizza can feed a family of four.

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Edited by - Janet Deering on 01/05/2010 07:20:16

bosborne - Posted - 01/05/2010:  19:36:57

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quote:

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Originally posted by Janet Deering


We plan to have the new website up early in 2010.

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Janet, that's good news. I don't think your current site conveys a sense of the quality of your banjos, if you know what I mean. Or perhaps I should just say it was due for a revision, it's looking dated now.

When you do the re-design please give some thought to removing duplicated information, the current site will sometimes show you 2 or 3 different pages for the same Deering banjo. I'd love to be able to go to one page and see all there is to see about a given model, like the catalog. A good description of all the custom options would be useful too.

Forrest - Posted - 01/05/2010:  20:18:36

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I agree with Brian. I've visited the Deering web site for years now and it is starting to look a little dated overall. I'd love to see more multimedia in the new site: video clips, sound files, etc. Ones that really showcase the instruments and not just sound bites from CDs that are several years old.

Janet Deering - Posted - 01/06/2010:  06:42:14

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Yes, I agree. I appreciate any ideas of features you would like to see on our new website.

We put the catalog to press yesterday and will start mailing them in about 2 weeks to those who have requested it one.

Now it's full focus on finishing up the new site with all updated info. I appreciate your ideas and will enjoy hearing any advice on what makes a superior website and what you would like to see us offer on the site.

We do need to update all the sound clips. That is a good one!

shpud - Posted - 01/06/2010:  23:02:19

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Hi Janet,

It meant a lot to me to get a response from the owner of the company that makes my first banjo. I introduced myself a bit earlier in this string as the person who purchased the Golden Era as my first banjo. I'm by no means rich, I've been laid off from my job for a year, so this purchase took a whole lot of consideration on my part, but I've been nothing but impressed with the quality and sound of this banjo since I bought it. Everyone who hears me practice enjoys it. It was the first banjo I've ever held (actually one of the first instruments I've ever played!) and I doubt I'll ever regret the purchase, but right now I'm struggling a bit with the whole clawhammer style of playing. I guess it'd be a bit easier if I had someone else around who played, but I'm sure I'll manage to figure it out eventually. I'm sticking with it.

I'd really like your advice on the cleaning and care of my banjo though. What should I use to clean the metal? It is a previously loved model, and it does have some tarnish on what I would assume to be nickel plating? Also, what would you recommend for the care of the wood on this banjo? Should I be treating the fretboard?

I've become interested in purchasing an open back banjo as well and was wondering if you could recommend something that would compare to the Golden Era in ease of play, but would cost less, and therefore be easier to bring out without worrying what would happen to it... I have a very hard time bringing my banjo out, just because I know what it is worth. Your quick response to my first post, and the quality of the banjo I currently own have sold me on the Deering name. Any advice you have is appreciated.

Thank you again for your support!

Spruce