BoneDigger - Posted - 02/11/2010:  15:46:20

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What is Deering's warranty on your older banjos and is it transferable?

Todd

gdoc - Posted - 02/11/2010:  19:47:05

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Hi Janet,

I've been wondering since asking you about resonators a while back... As I understand the main body of the resonator is plys of ? wood, and the cosmitic skin is maple, walnut, or other. It the woods of a banjo affect the tone so much, why not make a resonator out of one kind of material for the model, maple or mahogany or other. I understand the need for plys for strength and such as large piece would be pron to cracking if it was solid.

Gary

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/12/2010:  06:47:18

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Our warranty on all Deering, Vega and Tenbrooks banjos has always been a Lifetime Warranty.

The warranty on the Goodtime banjos was a one year warranty when we began building them, we changed it to a six year warranty in January 2009.

No, the warranty is not transferrable. If you buy a used Deering, you can send us your information if you want to register your banjo with us so that we have a record that you are the new owner, but this does not transfer the warranty.

DeanT - Posted - 02/12/2010:  07:21:35

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Janet,
Thanks again for a wonderfull new Cataloge that came in the mail last week... it's better than the Sears Christmas catalogue when we were kids! I also want to thank you for my recent parts purchase!

My question, fuled by reading the great write up on the Goodtimes, is what's the difference between the new Goodtime Special tone ring and the old one... in terms of material, and design. I can't imagine anything spounding better than a good old well played Goodtime Special... but it certianly has my couriosity up!

Grey Dog - Posted - 02/12/2010:  07:23:58

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I am still scouring my mailbox daily like a kid at xmas....

The snow belt may slow it from getting up here (NH) anytime soon.

devoall - Posted - 02/13/2010:  15:53:59

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Janet. I am thinking about buying an open back goodtime(or possibly new) to play, and I was wondering if it was possible to convert a resonator goodtime(standard model) to an open back, just in case I find a resonator banjo. Would this require a lot of work, or is it just a matter of unscrewing the flange plates??
Thanks.
Jim.

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/15/2010:  08:34:14

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My question, fuled by reading the great write up on the Goodtimes, is what's the difference between the new Goodtime Special tone ring and the old one... in terms of material, and design. I can't imagine anything spounding better than a good old well played Goodtime Special... but it certianly has my couriosity up!

Dean, I'm glad you like the catalog. Yes, the original Goodtime Special tone ring is a very good sounding tone ring. But, it is based on the traditional angled tone ring shape which allows for more nonrelated overtones to the primary note.

Our new Goodtime Special tone ring does not have the V shape and has a new Deering patent pending shape. It is the first tone ring released in years that is really something completely new.

After much research we discovered exact dimensional properties of width to height and top angles, where the tone ring contacts the head, and these, when in the proper ratio to each other, provide an amazingly improved tone. You can see the shape in our new catalog on page 53, that photo shows the new Goodtime Special tone ring.

deeringbanjos.com

It is made out of steel just like the other one is, but it is about 8 oz heavier.

At the NAMM show we had both the older Goodtime Special and this new one for our dealers to see the exact difference in sound. One dealer exclaimed, "That sounds like a four thousand dollar banjo!"

Given the price, I'm not sure if that is a good thing, because we are putting it in banjos priced from $929 to $1179. As you can imagine, it was a big hit!

Greg is still tooling up to make these, he has two more machines to build in order to make the job easier. So right now we are doing some of the work in a much more labor intensive manner.

We sold so many of them it is hard for him to find the time to finish up the tooling with the pressure to deliver these banjos. Somehow, he will get it done while still making delivery happen. He is working more hours and doing more physically difficult work than he has in years but it is paying off in some real advancements in the banjos.

He enjoys making magic happen and this new steel tone ring is magical.

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/15/2010:  08:42:00

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I am thinking about buying an open back goodtime(or possibly new) to play, and I was wondering if it was possible to convert a resonator goodtime(standard model) to an open back, just in case I find a resonator banjo. Would this require a lot of work, or is it just a matter of unscrewing the flange plates??

Yes, you can easily convert any Goodtime resonator model to an open back. You simply unscrew the four screws that hold the resonator on and set the resonator aside. Leave the banjo strung up and take as little apart at a time as you can so that you don't have to mess with the alignment of it.

Only work on half of it at a time by taking off one flange at a time, Then tighten up the hooks once the flange is removed. Get it back to right before you take off the other flange.

I have done this at festivals when everyone bought all the openback Goodtimes, and I needed more. I convert the resonator models to openback when needed. It takes about 15 minutes.

DeanT - Posted - 02/15/2010:  09:25:57

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Thank you VERY much for the detailed description of the new tone ring! Now for one more question, will the new "Special" tone ring be a drop in "swap out" with the old one, on the older models, and will they be available seperately?

devoall - Posted - 02/15/2010:  14:52:58

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quote:

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Originally posted by Janet Deering

I am thinking about buying an open back goodtime(or possibly new) to play, and I was wondering if it was possible to convert a resonator goodtime(standard model) to an open back, just in case I find a resonator banjo. Would this require a lot of work, or is it just a matter of unscrewing the flange plates??

Yes, you can easily convert any Goodtime resonator model to an open back. You simply unscrew the four screws that hold the resonator on and set the resonator aside. Leave the banjo strung up and take as little apart at a time as you can so that you don't have to mess with the alignment of it.

Only work on half of it at a time by taking off one flange at a time, Then tighten up the hooks once the flange is removed. Get it back to right before you take off the other flange.

I have done this at festivals when everyone bought all the openback Goodtimes, and I needed more. I convert the resonator models to openback when needed. It takes about 15 minutes.

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Thanks for the reply Janet. I will now be keeping my eye on resonator goodtime banjos as well!
Jim.

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/16/2010:  06:26:05

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You're welcome. Yes, you can buy them separately for $210, but they don't just drop in. The fit is entirely different. I can't give you details of precisely the difference, but I do know they do not fit the same way at all. It's a new breed of banjo.

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Edited by - Janet Deering on 02/16/2010 06:58:22

Jack Russel - Posted - 02/17/2010:  07:41:26

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Hi Janet

I spend quite a lot of time setting up tenor banjos for Irish music, using dropped GDAE tuning. It strikes me that whilst flathead tonerings like the 06 can give a very good sound that many players like, a lot of people consider the 1930s Clifford Essex Paragon to be the gold standard, whilst others believe that old Gibson archtops are best.

I know that the Irish tenor market isn't as big as the 5 string market, but has it ever crossed yours or Greg's mind to either

(a) design or adapt a tone ring specifically to suit the lower frequencies of GDAE tuning, or
(b) like your Golden Era idea, build a new tenor along the lines of the old Paragon

thanks

JvK - Posted - 02/17/2010:  07:50:53

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Hi Janet... I love the deering line - I have a Goodtime Special and a Boston... is there a "Trade Up" program? I would like to own a Deluxe and would trade-in both if it were possible or is it just a dream and should have my head examined...

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/18/2010:  06:46:21

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Joseph, I do know that many of our dealers have trade in programs. Check our website for your local dealer and ask him. It depends on if the economics of it will work for the dealer. Some stores do more used instrument business than others. You would just have to check around.

It's not just a dream, and no, you don't need your head examined. It would be great to see you get a Deluxe!

dannnjo - Posted - 02/18/2010:  06:47:17

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Hi Janet, i posted some banjo videos on youtube ( user name danbolub )
and i always let be known that i was playing a DEERING banjo (boston model )
i love it
thanks for superior banjos for all to enjoy
you guys are the Esteban of the banjo world
dan

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/18/2010:  06:51:58

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I know that the Irish tenor market isn't as big as the 5 string market, but has it ever crossed yours or Greg's mind to either

(a) design or adapt a tone ring specifically to suit the lower frequencies of GDAE tuning, or
(b) like your Golden Era idea, build a new tenor along the lines of the old Paragon

Jack, Not being from the UK, we have not had much occasion to be familiar with the old Paragon or Clifford Essex banjos. It would be great to have you come to Deering Day at Eagle Music in Huddersfield next month on March 20th and show us some of these banjos. Let's talk about it. We enjoy learning more about what interests banjoists and this is an area we don't know a lot about.

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/18/2010:  06:58:57

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Hi Janet, i posted some banjo videos on youtube ( user name danbolub )
and i always let be known that i was playing a DEERING banjo (boston model )
i love it
thanks for superior banjos for all to enjoy
you guys are the Esteban of the banjo world
dan

Dan, My pleasure. I enjoyed watching your Youtube video. Keep up the wonderful music!

Thanks, Janet

dannnjo - Posted - 02/18/2010:  09:29:21

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thanks Janet
u guys are the best!
dan

Jack Russel - Posted - 02/19/2010:  10:27:46

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I'm looking forward to seeing you on 20 March

thanks Janet

medley - Posted - 02/20/2010:  12:49:31

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Hello Janet. I have a quick question for you. I am an ex Deering MB owner. I miss that banjo dearly, but we needed the money to help us out. Sometime this year, I am going to be able to buy another banjo. I have been going around trying some different models out, and I am sold on the Sierra. What a wonderful banjo. I believe I read right that you have the choice between white or black binding. If that be true, I am going to custom order a Sierra with the black binding and a black head. I think that will look really sharp with the new inlay pattern. What I haventfigured out is if I want to go with the maple or the mahogany. Is there somebody there that can make that recommendation for me? I played a maple, havent been able to get my hands on a mahogany. Plus, I know I will never get a chance to play one with the black head until I order mine. I would appreciate y'alls input. I am a soloist, play melodic and 3 finger, primarily gospel music.

Sure cant wait to order that Sierra!!!!!!

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/23/2010:  06:30:14

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Joe, Thanks for your post.
Since you miss your Maple Blossom, and that was made of maple, I would recommend the maple Sierra because it would sound very similar.

Maple is bright and Mahogany is sweet.

Try a Black Diamond and you would hear the sound that you would have if you ordered a Sierra of mahogany with a black head.

Either banjo would be a great playing instrument it's more which flavor of sound you prefer. One isn't better than the other, they are just different.

We'd be happy to make it with black binding and a black head, I think it would look great.

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/26/2010:  06:24:18

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We will be releasing a new Website soon. Same address...deeringbanjos.com.
It will be a beta site, as we will continue to improve and upgrade all the features. If you go there and find anything that doesn't work right, please let me know. It takes a lot to test out everything on every type of system so your help will be very valuable in letting us know what fixes we will need to do.

Our target for going live is very soon.....

Gymbal31 - Posted - 02/26/2010:  08:42:37

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Hi Janet,

BHO member Banjo40 posted this link in the building forum and I wondered if you had any comment on it. It's a drum manufacturer but a similar style to banjos.

youtube.com/watch?v=zN_xzoky2n..._embedded

Janet Deering - Posted - 03/01/2010:  07:36:09

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Wow! Thanks for posting that.
I've never seen that before.
I'll run it by Greg.

peter somerville - Posted - 03/01/2010:  17:26:54

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Hi Janet, i just have to tell you how much i'm enjoying this m. blossom archtop i recently bought. i haven't messed with the set up much. it's great in a band, cut's through and has less feedback issues on the mike, i expect due to a bit less sustain. i wonder if deering has sold many archtops? they seem to be somewhat out of fashion.

Janet Deering - Posted - 03/02/2010:  08:12:33

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Peter, Congratulations! I'm glad you are enjoying your Maple Blossom archtop.

I don't know how many archtop banjos we have made over the years. To venture a guess, I would guess we have made somewhere between 50 to 100 archtop banjos.

You are right, they are like hens teeth. You have a very special and rare banjo.

Grey Dog - Posted - 03/02/2010:  09:53:36

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quote:

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Originally posted by Janet Deering


I don't know how many archtop banjos we have made over the years. To venture a guess, I would guess we have made somewhere between 50 to 100 archtop banjos.

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Hi Janet,

This may be ultra-classified marketing data, but I was wondering how much of each banjo has been sold. Kind of like a popularity contest. Is that open information?

I assume that the Sierra is a huge number.
I (very happily) have the 1000th Golden Era, so they are at least that high
etc

rob.barnes01 - Posted - 03/02/2010:  10:39:09

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Hi Janet,

I think it speaks greatly to the integrity of Deering Banjos that you've take so much of your valuable time to answer all of the questions posted by members of banjohangout. Thanks again for your time and the obvious commitment you demonstrate toward your craft.

RB

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Edited by - rob.barnes01 on 03/08/2010 07:28:49

00373 - Posted - 03/02/2010:  15:57:36

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Happy with my Sierra Maple. Number 51XX Made in Oct.2009.

bigal37 - Posted - 03/03/2010:  19:22:11

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Picked up my new Maple Sierra yesterday, I have put about 5 hours on it... interesting thing, the ends of my fingers on my left hand turn black after playing... should I be concerned?

CosmicMaskedAvenger - Posted - 03/03/2010:  20:38:00

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quote:

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Originally posted by bigal37

Picked up my new Maple Sierra yesterday, I have put about 5 hours on it... interesting thing, the ends of my fingers on my left hand turn black after playing... should I be concerned?

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I would guess that would be off the new strings. Probably will stop after they are broke in.

PBGuardsman - Posted - 03/03/2010:  20:52:25

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hey RB,

Generally manufactures will charge a higher price to help out their dealers. Otherwise there would be no reason for dealers if the price was the same from both. Hope this helps.

Paul

00373 - Posted - 03/04/2010:  03:02:00

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No black from my banjo.

Janet Deering - Posted - 03/04/2010:  07:28:52

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Congratulations on your new Sierra, Big Al. The photo you have of it is really cool, I like the flag effect. Good choice.

I've seen fingers react sometimes with the metal of new strings, I'm not sure why, but it has never turned out to be a problem. You might want to wipe the strings down with some fast fret or almond oil to clean them. It will probably stop unless the acid of your skin is reacting somehow with the metal of the strings. I don't think that would happen if you played with finger picks.

As regards our prices and our dealers pricing. We cannot operate the same as a small builder who makes and sells directly from his little shop. As a factory, the traditional way business is done is for the factory to sell to music stores and let them sell to the player, and not compete with the stores. After all, without the music stores, where would you all get service? We are too far away from most customers.

The music stores are a part of the Deering team, so we don't compete with them to get the sale, otherwise they would find another banjo line to sell that they could make money on to keep their doors open and the store running. Right? They need to make a living too. That is what it is all about.

We are about to put up a new website with a whole new concept of marketing in today's world. You will gain the ability to purchase from our site at retail cost any banjo that we make. When you go through the check out process you will be able to fill in a spot that says "Credit your favorite dealer for service."

We are staying with the workable system where we do not undercut our prices to make a sale. We will hold the line on the retail price, so the dealers can still make the sales as they always have.

However, people who are in areas of the world where there is no dealer, and who want us to ship a banjo directly to them set up and completely new from the factory will be able to do so. And they can recommend the dealer they might visit for service when they are near the dealer and that dealer will get a credit so they are a part of the sale. Then when the person visits their selected dealer, they can get any setup, or adjustments done when they are there and the dealer will be happy to accomodate them.

The world is a big place, and believe me, your dollars count a lot for helping banjo stores make a living. Without banjo dealers, and their knowledge and help many players would be lost. It is important that we support them. They are valuable members of the Deering team.

bilmur - Posted - 03/04/2010:  13:15:33

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Hi Janet- I have a Deering Vega long-neck that I like a lot, but it's becoming really difficult for me to make that long reach to the lowest frets. So I'm wondering if I could swap the long neck out for a Deering standard length neck of comparable quality. Is that a possibility?
Thanks,
bilmur

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Edited by - bilmur on 03/04/2010 13:17:22

UK - Posted - 03/04/2010:  17:05:57

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Hiya Janet,
I am really struggling I really like the Calico colour look style, but having read all the write ups the golden wreath or golden era seem to have a better warmer sound is this true? I will be going to the workshop at eagle music Huddersfiled 20 march and hopefull to purchase one of these banjos. My problem is the Calico to me stands out in appearance but due to the cost of these chosen banjos I must make the correct choice. Janet what are your views I am learning to play bluegrass but dont know if that is the only type of music I will stick with. HELP!
Steve.

Gomer - Posted - 03/04/2010:  18:16:19

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Calico. . . It sounds like it looks and it looks smooth and sweet. The honey/tobacco finish is easy on the eyes and feels warm to the touch. The sound is like the voice of a beautiful forest nymph, singing in tune with the gentle breeze, calling your name, calling upon you to gaze upon her and to love her ceaselessly.

Grey Dog - Posted - 03/04/2010:  18:27:33

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My Golden Era has a very nice tubby 'growl' to it.
Especially if I forget to feed it regularly....

I've never, ever regretted my choice.

Janet Deering - Posted - 03/05/2010:  07:48:38

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Steve, The Calico is an excellent all around banjo if you plan to play bluegrass and other styles of music. If you want to just play bluegrass, then the Golden Era or Golden Wreath are great. The have a deeper resonator for that traditional sound. Both sounds are really beautiful, the Golden Series banjos are simply a bit more traditional sounding.

The Calico is more versatile, you can play bluegrass and it sounds great, and it is wonderful for melodic playing as well. It is really up to your taste when you play the instrument. Some people have a touch that sounds better on one instrument or the other. It's like fitting shoes. You really need to play the instrument and see what you enjoy the most.

I look forward to seeing you at Eagle Music soon!

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Edited by - Janet Deering on 03/05/2010 07:49:15

Janet Deering - Posted - 03/05/2010:  07:54:10

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Bilmur, I understand about the long reach on a Long Neck. The best answer is to go in to your nearest dealer and trade your Vega Long Neck banjo in on a Vega No. 2. This way you also get the right case to go with it. And you get a banjo all set up the way it should be. Many dealers will do the trade in. Our dealers are listed on our website, so the nearest store is easy to find.

Janet Deering - Posted - 03/05/2010:  08:08:07

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Hi Janet,
This may be ultra-classified marketing data, but I was wondering how much of each banjo has been sold. Kind of like a popularity contest. Is that open information?

Grey Dog, It's not particularly classified. At some point I'll go through each of the serial number books to come up with an up to date summary. That could take me a while. The last time I did that was in 2002. At some point I plan to put up a history of serial numbers onto our website as a resource. But that will be down the road when I have time to put it all together.

We have so much going on at the factory right now, and we're off to Europe for Eagle Music's 1000 Deering banjos sold celebration in Huddersfield, England, then the big Musikmesse music trade show in Frankfurt Germany, then Merlefest Festival in North Carolina, then Banjo Camp North in Groton, Massachusets, then Grass Valley Father's Day Festival in Northern California, then the National Boy Scout Jamboree in Virginia for the 100th anniversary of Scouting... right after that we go to Kingston Trio Fantasy Camp.....between running a banjo factory and traveling, it's going to be a busy year!

Grey Dog - Posted - 03/05/2010:  08:14:34

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Ha!!
No rush, then.

See you at BCN in Groton, Mass.

Travel safe.

Bob Murphy - Posted - 03/05/2010:  09:37:31

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quote:

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Originally posted by Gomer

Calico. . . It sounds like it looks and it looks smooth and sweet. The honey/tobacco finish is easy on the eyes and feels warm to the touch. The sound is like the voice of a beautiful forest nymph, singing in tune with the gentle breeze, calling your name, calling upon you to gaze upon her and to love her ceaselessly.

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Gomer: this could be the best and most articulate post ever made on the BHO. You are obviously way too intelligent to be spending time with other banjo people! Great avatar too.

Bob


PS: I was going to get a Calico until my wife read your post. Thanks alot!

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Edited by - Bob Murphy on 03/05/2010 14:03:06

UK - Posted - 03/05/2010:  12:22:08

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Thanks Janet I hope to see you at Hudersfield I agree with above it really is appreciated you taking time to answer all these questions and if your customer service is anywhere near as good then you have got to be onto a winner. I for one have chosen Deering partly because of what I have seen on BHO alone. That Calico is one great looking banjo though! I think it sells itself cant wait to get my hands on one.

Gomer thanks for your comforting thoughts on the Calico I think my mind is already made up I just wanted to be shoved in the right direction.

Steve

Gomer - Posted - 03/05/2010:  14:04:06

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quote:

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Originally posted by Bob Murphy

this could be the best and most articulate post ever made on the BHO. You are obviously way too intelligent to be spending time with other banjo people! Great avatar too.

Bob

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Bob, you are far too gracious and kind. I am neither so articulate nor intelligent. For the same account, I am infinitely less talented. I am, however, banjo people. Best Personal Regards TCW

PS Point out to the lovely Mrs. how the lovely lines and hues and sounds of the Calico are only surpassed on God's earth by her own. That ought to get you one.

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Edited by - Gomer on 03/05/2010 14:09:08

DeanT - Posted - 03/05/2010:  14:14:36

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I played a Calico at a festival, and couldn't rest until I got one a year later. I don't even remember what the multitude of other banjos I played were. That's never happened to me before.

Clark-a-holic - Posted - 03/05/2010:  15:55:14

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I have a Calico and a Golden Wreath.

The Blonde Calico was my very first banjo purchase, and it was a special order, just-in-time production piece; ordered through a local music shop, New Expressions in San Diego, which is where I used to reside.

I think you will be extremely satisfied with the Calico, Golden Era, or Golden Wreath banjos.

Good Luck in your endeavor,
Mistah Bee

Banjo T - Posted - 03/06/2010:  11:19:33

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Hi Janet,
Have a 2006 Golden Era developed a crack in neck at Fifth fret shortly after purchase. Wayne Shrubsall said I should contact you for replacement. Would it be possible to upgrade to neck that will work with Piage capo on this Model? And what would it cost. Purchased from Banjo Bob Cedar Crest, New Mexico

kirbonite - Posted - 03/07/2010:  09:13:56

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the only brand new banjo I've owned is a goodtime which is unfinished. Don't know if your fingers are still turning black. Some people clean the frets with different things which will make your fingers turn black. I remember when someone suggested I clean my guitar neck with lacquer thinner.. Fingers black for months.. Bad suggestion. anyway.. should go away in either case. If you don't develop pitts in the frets. No worry.

quote:

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Originally posted by bigal37

Picked up my new Maple Sierra yesterday, I have put about 5 hours on it... interesting thing, the ends of my fingers on my left hand turn black after playing... should I be concerned?

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