troy_nov1965 - Posted - 01/07/2010:  20:59:26

Janet thanks for all the input on here , i have really enjoyed following these post.

i have been playing for about a year and half . I really want to upgrade to a Vega , (Ive always enjoyed the looks and reputaion of the Old Vegas ) i wanted to buy one from the git go but just didnt have the funds .

i looked at the Goodtimes (before the new ones came out) and to be honest and i hope you dont take this wrong but i thought it was a very ugly banjo ,the peghead and natural finish wasnt my taste . dont hate me !! The store had a Deering Senator and a Old Tyme Wonder which i just loved, but like i stated was out of my price range.
The Old Tyme Wonder to me i the best looking banjo on the market , i like the old time looks and the simplicity ( i do wish it had a star in the peghead under the name like the old vegas ) And im amazed at the sound it has with no tone ring.

I will buy one when i have enough money saved !!!!

Anyway i bought a cheap Asian that looks alot like the Old Tyme and its ok for learning on but the first month i had it the 5th string peg broke and tightening up the head 2 hooks bent so badly that they were useless . The company sent replacement parts so i replaced them, im always having to retune it and if i want a fast action and try to adjust the the neck with the cordinator rods i get string buzzes . I took it to a local banjo builder to have him look at it and all he could do was adjust it best he could and make me a higher bridge. It sounds ok but i know its a 3rd rate item and i dont enjoy playing it or want to play it as often as i should because of this.
So as everyone says you get what you pay for! , by the way the local builder couldnt believe how cheap made the banjo was and that he had never seen such badly made hardware. but i would do ok for learning on but eventually it would be un playable espically with the temp changes we have here in Va.

In some earlier post you was talking about putting a WL tone ring in a Vega. I think thats a great idea! i love the sound of the WL. I tried a MM Cameron that had one and loved the sound but im wary of the Asian made banjos and really didnt like the look of that banjo ,too much fancy stuff on it.

I think you should offer a Old Tyme Wonder version with a WL tone ring , with its scooped neck it would be perfect for the clawhammer players who want a tone ring. (like me lol )
Alot dont prefer the Old Tyme Wonder because it has no tone ring . From what ive read on the web. Maybe add a star on the peghead to make it different from the OTW and maybe a notched tension hoop. Call it the Old Lady Wonder LOL !

It would still be somewhat in the Senators price range and not near as high priced as the No2. If i spent 3 to 4 grand on a banjo my wife would have me skinned lol.

Anyway thats my 2 cents worth......Keep up the great work and look forward to buying me a Vega later on this year

Edited by - troy_nov1965 on 01/07/2010 21:00:40

Janet Deering - Posted - 01/08/2010:  06:43:40

Troy, Thanks for your input. I'm not offended when people prefer the darker stained banjos. We only make the Goodtime banjos blond to keep the cost down. We came out with the Goodtime Classics that are dark stained to satisfy those who wanted a more traditional look.

Funny you should mention the star on the peghead of the Vega banjos, because we just posted our new catalog that is being printed today on our website, the final draft and the last change we made is we put a Star onto the peghead of several of the Vega models. So right now the Vega banjos we are shipping have that feature. And the star is engraved with beautiful detailing.

Thanks for your suggestion regarding the White Laydie. Old Lady Wonder.... that's funny!

I have personally never paid much attention to the sound of the White Laydie tonerings since we have not yet made a banjo with one.

Can anyone here offer me a description of the sound comparison between the tubaphone and the white laydie tonerings?

mainejohn - Posted - 01/08/2010:  07:11:16

Janet said: "Can anyone here offer me a description of the sound comparison between the tubaphone and the white laydie tonerings?"

You'll probably hear different opinions from players that can articulate greater detail, but here's mine: I've owned several tubaphones (both pre '30 and one of yours) and a couple of pre 30's Whyte Laydies. Personally, I prefer the tubaphone sound, but we're really splitting hairs with this comparison, because they are both wonderful in their own way. I think good clawhammer players (that wouldn't be me) generally prefer the WL as it has less sustain and more clarity and punch. I play longneck 5 strings with and w/o picks and just find the tbph tone to be sweeter and richer. I also play a WL plectrum (my only remaining WL), and find I don't like the tone as much as I did my plectrum tbph, which, unfortunately, I no longer have.

DeanT - Posted - 01/08/2010:  08:19:10

I read in another thread, that the Goodtime Special tone ring has been upgraded and sounds "considerably better". I'd be very interested in the physical differences (weight, metal, design, etc...). My Goodtime Specail is an older model, and continues to amaze me with the sound quality it produces. I've always wondered why that tone ring wasn't used in higher models, such as the Vega Bluegrass Wonder etc. I still think that the Goodtime Special is the best kept, and most under promoted secret in the banjo world, for bluegrassers wanting real bluegrass tone and light weight in a factory made banjo. Just me personally, but I think they are much more bluegrass in tone than the much more expen$ive "woody" attempt$ at the not really much lighter bluegra$$ banjo$. I'm just courious what spicifically makes the new Goodtime Special (tone ring) better than the old one. Thanks again for a great informitive thread!

Edited by - DeanT on 01/08/2010 08:26:00

wildboar - Posted - 01/08/2010:  13:21:32

Upgraded Goodtime Special tone ring? Okay Janet, you let this cat out of the bag... so keep talking When will this be available? Will it be the same price as the old one?

worriedwizard - Posted - 01/09/2010:  07:01:44

hi, happy new year to everyone, mrs deering i have bought a goodtime midnight special & love it. i'm a beginner & i was drawn to this banjo because of the colour & the fact that it is US made. anyway mine is no 65 could you tell me how limited the series will be & i have sent off my warrenty card to you how quickly will it be to get the code for the free 3 months of lessons - i can't wait to get start with proper lessons. thanks

BobCu - Posted - 01/09/2010:  10:12:49

Hi Janet. Just started checking out the new catalog. Very nice. Quick question and I think I know the answer but I wanted to check. Is the Vega Senator available with a left hand neck? I am starting to think about (it is a little down the road but coming) a retirement present for myself, and this or a Sierra will be my "ultimate" banjo, so I want to get it right the first time. I like the addition of the Vega star, a nice touch. Another of your models on my short list would be the Sierra in mahogany built as an openback. How do the sierras as an openback sound? I haven't found a clip to listen to as of yet, and maybe you don't sell many Sierras as an openback. Lastly, about what do the Sierra openbacks weigh? I am currently plugging away on my Gumby Goodtime and have been more than happy with how it plays, and it will play FAR better than me for a real long time. Thanks,
Bob

Edited by - BobCu on 01/09/2010 11:21:57

the-fish - Posted - 01/10/2010:  05:57:29

Hi all

Yesterday I picked up my Deering Hartford banjo. Equipped with the pop off feature. Some have told me that I should get one with the flange instead. Ive flirted with getting one for quite some time. Im very pleased with my decision and have played all evening and even early this am!

:-)

tcgreiner - Posted - 01/10/2010:  06:54:26

Janet, I just ordered the wall mount hanger from your web site. Then I researched the topic and find that a lot of posts recommend not using anything that hangs a banjo by the headstock (I guess I did this backwards). They say it may cause problems in the neck to pot joint. Do you recommend for or against these mounts? It sure would be handy to not have to remove and replace in the case every time I want to play. A stand is not an option (cats and cat claws, ouch). I think most music establishments, probably including your own, use these and you offer them for sale so am I to assume they are safe for the banjos? I have a 92 Calico and an 89 Deluxe and don't want to harm them.
Thanks in advance.......Tom

troy_nov1965 - Posted - 01/10/2010:  13:02:52

quote:

---

[i]Originally posted by Janet Deering[/i
Funny you should mention the star on the peghead of the Vega banjos, because we just posted our new catalog that is being printed today on our website, the final draft and the last change we made is we put a Star onto the peghead of several of the Vega models. So right now the Vega banjos we are shipping have that feature. And the star is engraved with beautiful detailing.

---

Janet Deering - Posted - 01/11/2010:  07:46:37

John, Thanks for your comparison between the tubaphone and white laydie tonerings, you put it into words very well. I will enjoy our venture into the world of the white laydie when we go there. I can't say exactly when that will be as we have a long list for Greg of new tooling to do.

He is amazingly prolific and enjoys designing banjos and the equipment to make them. Right now he is just finishing up the tooling for the new Goodtime Special tonerings.

The first display of these banjos will be at the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) show next weekend in Anaheim Convention Center. So I will be off the Hang out for a few days while we are at the show.

Janet Deering - Posted - 01/11/2010:  08:01:27

I still think that the Goodtime Special is the best kept, and most under promoted secret in the banjo world, for bluegrassers wanting real bluegrass tone and light weight in a factory made banjo. Just me personally, but I think they are much more bluegrass in tone than the much more expen$ive "woody" attempt$ at the not really much lighter bluegra$$ banjo$. I'm just courious what spicifically makes the new Goodtime Special (tone ring) better than the old one. Thanks again for a great informitive thread!

Dean, Thanks. Yes, all of the Goodtime Specials, the older ones and this new one are great sounding banjos. That is our trademark. We would not send it out if it were not a great sound at a reasonable cost.

The new Goodtime Special tonering is several ounces heavier. It is made of steel like the original Goodtime Special tonering. The new patent we have applied for is an original Deering design and so this new tonering is not like a Mastertone.

We will begin shipping this new tonering in Goodtime Special banjos this week. I will be interested to hear what you think of the sound when you have the opportunity to compare it.

Janet Deering - Posted - 01/11/2010:  08:04:01

Upgraded Goodtime Special tone ring? Okay Janet, you let this cat out of the bag... so keep talking When will this be available? Will it be the same price as the old one?

Yes, Daniel. It will be the same price as the old one. We are shipping the first ones this week. So it is available now.

Janet Deering - Posted - 01/11/2010:  08:23:24

I have bought a goodtime midnight special & love it. i'm a beginner & i was drawn to this banjo because of the colour & the fact that it is US made. anyway mine is no 65 could you tell me how limited the series will be & i have sent off my warrenty card to you how quickly will it be to get the code for the free 3 months of lessons - i can't wait to get start with proper lessons.

Gary, the Midnight Special has been such a great success for us. Many people really love their Midnight Special banjos and I'm glad you are one of them. I don't recall how limited the series is, so I will have to check on that and let you know.

If you just sent your warranty card to us, we will be sending you the promo code,
(3 free months lessons when you purchase 3 months access to Tony Trischka's School of Banjo Site) within about a week by letter. If you want it today, just fax you sales reciept to Carolina at 619-464-0833 and she will fax back the promo code to you.

For people who bought their Deering banjo within the past year, this opportunity also exists, just fax in your sales reciept or call us and if your warranty card is on file you are eligible for this great offer.

It is a great opportunity to get started right now and learn at your own pace by logging onto the Tony Trischka School of Banjo site for 3 months for $60 with an added 3 months benefit. So you are only paying $10 per month for one of the best banjo teachers alive. And you can access the site as much as you want!

Janet Deering - Posted - 01/11/2010:  08:39:51

Is the Vega Senator available with a left hand neck?

Bob, Yes. You can order most of our models in a left hand version. We actually added this detail to the specifications list of each model in the catalog. At the bottom of the list we included what styles we offer and the weight of the banjo.

If we don't offer a particular style for a certain model all it takes to get it in that style, ie. a 17 fret Tenor GDL is a custom order for one. This prompts us to do the tooling and make that available. We are driven by customer satisfaction.

How do the sierras as an openback sound?

Sierra banjos in an openback are bold and clearly heard with a very sweet tone. They have more power generally than the other types of openbacks.

It sounds along the lines of Mark Johnson's Clawgrass banjo. Look him up on U-Tube and I'm sure you will find a clip of him with his openback Deering Tree of Life or Clawgrass banjo. Hig banjo is walnut so there is some variation there, but he has the same tonering and pot design.

Lastly, about what do the Sierra openbacks weigh?

The coversion from a resonator banjo to an openback banjo saves about 2 lbs. The Sierra banjos are 11 lbs and made in openback it will weight 9 lbs.

Janet Deering - Posted - 01/11/2010:  08:46:40

Janet, I just ordered the wall mount hanger from your web site. Then I researched the topic and find that a lot of posts recommend not using anything that hangs a banjo by the headstock (I guess I did this backwards). They say it may cause problems in the neck to pot joint. Do you recommend for or against these mounts? It sure would be handy to not have to remove and replace in the case every time I want to play. A stand is not an option (cats and cat claws, ouch). I think most music establishments, probably including your own, use these and you offer them for sale so am I to assume they are safe for the banjos? I have a 92 Calico and an 89 Deluxe and don't want to harm them.

Tom, you have made a good choice in playing Deering banjos and that is why you can hang them from the wall mount. Because we use strong dense woods and build our banjos to really last a lifetime the wall mount does not damage the banjo.

If someone chose an Asian banjo they would have these concerns because with inferior quality woods and hardware the neck to pot joint is likely to give way.

Yes, wall mounts are safe for quality banjos. You are wise to put one up and have your banjo right handy where you can pick it up and enjoy playing it anytime. That is what it is all about.

Jim T - Posted - 01/11/2010:  09:53:34

For sure, a "Banjo on the stand (or wall mount) is worth two in the case".

Jim

nonnasprint - Posted - 01/12/2010:  06:05:43

I am considering a Senator but the action is too high for me on the one in the store. Would you recommend special ordering one to get a lower action and spikes right from the beginning? Or does a lower action impact the Senator negatively. Thanks.

Janet Deering - Posted - 01/12/2010:  07:36:58

Adjusting the action is not a problem. You can ask the store to adjust the action to bring it down before you buy it.

If you want to get it and adjust it yourself, the instructions for all the needed banjo adjustments are posted on our website and are free to download. We list this as the Banjo Maintenance Manual. There is one for Deering and Vega banjos and another for Goodtime banjos.

You always have the option of ordering one and requesting the set up you would like, and having spikes installed at the same time is a good idea.

Lower action does not impact the Senator negatively. What is important is what feels comfortable for you. You can have it how you want it.

Janet Deering - Posted - 01/12/2010:  08:45:15

The film crew from the Discovery Channel visited Deering Banjos this past summer and filmed the making of the new Sierra banjos from start to finish.

This episode will air on Wednesday, January 13th at 3:30 pm EST. It is listed on the Discovery Channel Directory as Episode 12 of their new "Factory Made" Show.

So wherever you are - here is a personal factory tour!

I hope you enjoy it.

Janet Deering - Posted - 01/12/2010:  08:48:14

Our new 96 page color catalog is now printed and in stock.

If you would like to have us mail one to you just visit our website and sign up to get a catalog.

We also put the new catalog up on the upper right of the home page of our website at deeringbanjos.com

Grinnin&Pickin - Posted - 01/15/2010:  07:41:23

Hi Janet,

There was a previous discussion in this forum about charging money for the new Deering catalog. I don't see that request on your website. Did you change your mind about charging for the catalog?

- Jeff

Cotton - Posted - 01/15/2010:  12:45:41

Janet, Thank you for your time. I have spoken to you about my Goodtime and string problem. You are very helpful and friendly.
I choose to buy American because of quality and sound, and having your company as a resource.
Please keep on going!!

RUSTYSTILL - Posted - 01/16/2010:  08:35:59

Hi Janet,
just got my first really nice bluegrass banjo, a Deering Calico, and like others have commented, am having a hard time putting it down. The sound is fabulous and quality of craftsmanship superb. Thank you for the great work and instruments your company makes. Mine still has the strings it came with on and I'm preparing to explore what strings this particular Calico likes to wear. What strings have you find sound best to your ears for the Calico?

Posts on strings and a brief discussion in another topic heading included comment on how stainless strings tend to wear frets faster, and one fellow was disturbed on how quickly the frets wore on his Calico using GHS-150s (1-7 reported in sorry shape in two years.)

It'd be great to get some feedback for Deering's choices for fret wire. Any pros and cons to refretting with harder stainless and/or larger wire when the time comes? Thanks for any input.

Jim

Janet Deering - Posted - 01/20/2010:  05:59:53

Jim, Congratulations on your new Calico. We're glad to have you aboard. I did run across your other post, but I'll answer again here.

We used GHS strings on our banjos until about 5 years ago and then changed to D'Addario which is what we are using today. We changed due to customer requests.

We have only installed jumbo frets on Jens Kruger's personal banjos and maybe one or two others. Jens plays 8 hours a day most of the time, so he certainly can go through frets, usually in about a year. He plays with a very light touch on the frets.

For most players, it is the heavy handed touch on the frets that wears them out and if you cultivate a lighter touch they will last longer and your playing will be faster and more enjoyable. Your frets can last for quite a long time.

Replacing frets is only $220 and takes about a week. So when you need a fret job it isn't the end of the world. The Calico has glued in frets so that replacing them will not chip the fingerboard and is not a problem to perform.

Just play and enjoy!

Janet Deering - Posted - 01/20/2010:  06:08:36

Hi all

Yesterday I picked up my Deering Hartford banjo. Equipped with the pop off feature. Some have told me that I should get one with the flange instead. Ive flirted with getting one for quite some time. Im very pleased with my decision and have played all evening and even early this am!

:-)

Rick, Great! Congratulations on acquiring your Hartford banjo. I'm glad you got the pop on banjo and are enjoying playing it. We are here for you, and will back you up on any service needed.

Thanks for your post. Sorry I didn't answer right away. I was off to the music trade show which went very, very well. Lots of encouraging business and a spirit of excitement is in the air. The future looks brighter!

Janet Deering - Posted - 01/20/2010:  06:24:23

Jeff, Yes, we decided not to charge for the catalog. Instead, we are only mailing them out bulk mail which saves so much in the postage that we can still send them at no charge.

It might take a few more days in transit, but this way the catalog plus mailing costs us the same.

Janet Deering - Posted - 01/20/2010:  06:30:51

Janet, Thank you for your time. I have spoken to you about my Goodtime and string problem. You are very helpful and friendly.
I choose to buy American because of quality and sound, and having your company as a resource.
Please keep on going!!

Cotton, Thanks for choosing to buy American. It really makes a difference in the big picture. We appreciate your business and do plan to keep on going!

I'm glad to be a resource and help where I can.

Wishing you lots of satisfaction and success playing your Goodtime banjo! Janet

country frank - Posted - 01/20/2010:  06:36:09

Janet, i have just seen the new online catalog and i have to say how totally and utterly blown away i am with the new look sierra.

At the beginning of this thread i criticized the maple inlayed [now-not-so-new] sierra inlay as 'tinkering' around the edges, well i am eating humble pie on the new-new sierra. Basically i love it and i think you have scored a home run big time with that banjo. Very well done Deering, heck i even prefer it over the look of my beloved maple blossom.

Edited by - country frank on 01/20/2010 06:36:59

Gomer - Posted - 01/20/2010:  08:11:23

So let's have a moment for Carolina Bridges, the Queen of Customer Service, the Heroine of Helpfulness, and the Yenta of Yes. If she was the President's cheif of staff, people in Washinton would not be so angry all of the time. She is the Keeper of the Family flame, The Darling of Deering, and the Nabob of Knowledge. If we ever start cloning humans, we should start with her.

Viktor Velthuijs - Posted - 01/20/2010:  08:57:48

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gomer

So let's have a moment for Carolina Bridges, the Queen of Customer Service, the Heroine of Helpfulness, and the Yenta of Yes. If she was the President's cheif of staff, people in Washinton would not be so angry all of the time. She is the Keeper of the Family flame, The Darling of Deering, and the Nabob of Knowledge. If we ever start cloning humans, we should start with her.

---

Grey Dog - Posted - 01/20/2010:  09:39:28

Good call!

Carolina puts up with my inane questions with the kindest nature.

DeanT - Posted - 01/20/2010:  10:45:17

I agree totally! Carolina has put up with me too! Alway positive and cheerfull no matter how nutzola I can be

Bob Murphy - Posted - 01/20/2010:  11:09:07

Hi Janet,

What bridge do you ship with the Tenbrooks these days? Are they all 11/16?

Thanks,
Bob

brundecarli - Posted - 01/20/2010:  12:26:17

Hi Janet
I have a Vega Little Wonder. It is possible to transform this banjo in Vega Bluegrass Wonder with resonator and flange to be bought separately?
Thanks Bruno

Bigbike4 - Posted - 01/20/2010:  23:08:10

Janet:
I follow the Indigo Girls. I notice Emily Saliers plays Deering electric banjos and I believe they have a Red Fox for studio use. My question-on the electric banjo I know the website says that you use 3 electric pickups in it. What about the dials (I know nothing about electic guizmos on acoustic stuff)? Emily usually uses a thumb pick and bare fingers to play and yet there is no noticable drop in tone or sustain when she downstrokes 5,4,3 and up picks (bare finger on 1 and 2). do the electronics compensate for that or do you believe it is her technic? also the Red Fox is a beautiful instrument.

dewbanjo - Posted - 01/21/2010:  06:00:35

Good morning Janet...I have a Deering Goodtime openback, and was wondering ...is there a GoodTime Openback Fretless? Sure enjoy my Goodtime and would like a fretless one for my next banjo...

Looking forward to your response,
Don (dewbanjo)

dewbanjo - Posted - 01/21/2010:  06:10:50

Maybe a "Fretless Parlor Openback".... should've had this on the previous post....

Janet Deering - Posted - 01/21/2010:  06:34:53

Yes, we didn't list it in the catalog because we thought that there was not enough interest. But, you can order fretless Goodtime banjos at no extra charge on any model.

Janet Deering - Posted - 01/21/2010:  06:43:10

I follow the Indigo Girls. I notice Emily Saliers plays Deering electric banjos and I believe they have a Red Fox for studio use. My question-on the electric banjo I know the website says that you use 3 electric pickups in it. What about the dials (I know nothing about electic guizmos on acoustic stuff)? Emily usually uses a thumb pick and bare fingers to play and yet there is no noticable drop in tone or sustain when she downstrokes 5,4,3 and up picks (bare finger on 1 and 2). do the electronics compensate for that or do you believe it is her technic?

On the Crossfire we install two pickups- a neck and a bridge pickup. It has a three-way switch which allows you to use just the neck pickup for a rounder sound, just the bridge pickup for a brighter more stuccato sound, or both pickups for the fuller sound.

The dials are the same as you would find on an electric guitar, there is a tone and a volume dial. We made it the same as electric guitar so it is user friendly.

The electronics pick up the vibrations both from the head and from the strings and do compensate for the difference from using fingers vs picks. It is a highly versatile instrument.

Dave Guard of the Kingston Trio played a long neck crossfire when he was not strong enough to play an acoustic banjo before he passed away. It is an instrument that responds amazingly well to a light touch.

Janet Deering - Posted - 01/21/2010:  06:47:06

Janet, i have just seen the new online catalog and i have to say how totally and utterly blown away i am with the new look sierra.

At the beginning of this thread i criticized the maple inlayed [now-not-so-new] sierra inlay as 'tinkering' around the edges, well i am eating humble pie on the new-new sierra. Basically i love it and i think you have scored a home run big time with that banjo. Very well done Deering, heck i even prefer it over the look of my beloved maple blossom.

Country Frank, Thanks! I'm glad you like the new Sierra inlays. Greg has out done himself this year with all the new designs he has been working on. He is having fun and it shows in the new banjos.

Janet Deering - Posted - 01/21/2010:  06:52:17

So let's have a moment for Carolina Bridges, the Queen of Customer Service, the Heroine of Helpfulness, and the Yenta of Yes. If she was the President's cheif of staff, people in Washinton would not be so angry all of the time. She is the Keeper of the Family flame, The Darling of Deering, and the Nabob of Knowledge. If we ever start cloning humans, we should start with her.

I agree. I will pass it along to Carolina. She is a delight to work with and so very conscientious. She does her best to take care of every customer. We are very thankful for having her as a valuable part of the Deering team.

Thanks to each of you for your comments! It means a lot to us to know you appreciate the help.

Janet Deering - Posted - 01/21/2010:  06:53:42

What bridge do you ship with the Tenbrooks these days? Are they all 11/16?

Bob, Yes. It is 11/16" bridge on the Tenbrooks.

Another new improvement in 2010 is the new Deering and Vega and Tenbrooks banjos will have a bridge that is inscribed with the height so that there is no confusion on the height when you go to replace the bridge.

Edited by - Janet Deering on 01/21/2010 06:59:30

Bob Murphy - Posted - 01/21/2010:  07:14:11

Thanks Janet. Are you shipping them with the "Greg Deering" bridge or standard Deering bridge?

Bob

Janet Deering - Posted - 01/21/2010:  07:14:32

I have a Vega Little Wonder. It is possible to transform this banjo in Vega Bluegrass Wonder with resonator and flange to be bought separately?

Bruno, Yes. You can order a Vega Bluegrass Wonder flange and resonator with attachments and convert your Little Wonder to a Bluegrass Wonder. Just e-mail Carolina at info@deeringbanjos.com and she will give you the price.

The tricky part of installing the resonator is lining up the wall lugs once you install the flange. Each banjos is individually aligned to itself.

The way we do it here is we have the banjo assembled then line up the resonator with the neck centered in the neck slot. Next, we put a pencil line on the lip of the resonator to mark where the wall lug should be to line it up with the thumbscrew hole in the flange.

Setting the banjo aside and working just on the resonator, we then measure down the appropriate distance and drill the hole to install the wall lug so that it lines up with the hole in the flange.

You will need to do this action yourself when you go to put the resonator on. Put some tape on the drill bit to stop from drilling the wall lug hole too deep. You don't want the hole to come out the other side of the resonator. Good luck.

Janet Deering - Posted - 01/21/2010:  07:16:54

I believe we are assembling the Tenbrooks banjos with the standard Deering 11/16" bridge.

country frank - Posted - 01/21/2010:  08:46:53

Hey Janet, thanks again for all your time and effort in answering our questions.

After perusing the new Deering catalog i notice that there is reference to an archtop ring as an option. Could you tell me more about which ring you are using and what sort of performance one mighty expect from and AT maple Blossom [for instance]?

Thanks in advance and warmest regards from London.

Janet Deering - Posted - 01/22/2010:  06:46:20

It is my pleasure to participate on the Hangout and answer questions. I enjoy it.

The tonering we use in our archtop banjos is a Deering archtop tonering. We have our own bell bronze tonerings made at a foundry with our specific dimensions.

The archtop sound in a Maple Blossom is a bright snappy sound, like the sound Ralph Stanley gets.

Bob Murphy - Posted - 01/22/2010:  07:33:41

I wanted to let everyone know what a fabulous tone ring the Deering 06 is! During the summer I took my 99 golden era to Deering during the summer and had it "refurbished", including replacing the tone ring. Now that I've played it for 6 months, I have to say that I'm still thrilled with the results. The notes are bright, clear and powerful all the way up the neck. I had the opportunity to replace the rim with the new "soft maple" rim as well, but declined to do so to save money. I played a brand new golden era at a local shop, and was blown away by the tone of this banjo. Now I wish I had done the rim too. I find myself ignoring my Gibsons AND my Tenbrooks!

People that read this thread are probably already Deering fans, so you are probably not surprised by my opinions. I would suggest that anyone looking for a new banjo play the new Deerings to see if you like the sound. I hope Deering is able to continue to get the word out about their outstanding instruments.

Great job Janet! Keep up the great work.

Bob

Edited by - Bob Murphy on 01/22/2010 10:55:43