mjherrod - Posted - 11/20/2010:  07:39:41

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Hi there,

I played the Deering Eagle II a couple a weeks ago, and I'm really considering buying one. I found it for a bit cheaper than Deering is listing on their site (about $1800). It's a bit above my price range, but I might be willing to stretch:

deeringbanjos.com/component/op...parent,7/

I thought it sounded amazing in the store - just as good as some of their higher priced models. Has anyone tried one out, and would you recommend it? Or are their any more around that price rage that are comparable that people would recommend looking at? My teacher recommended Gold Tones, but I don't think we have any places in my area that really have many for sale.

thanks a lot,

Mike

Grey Dog - Posted - 11/20/2010:  08:02:53

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I haven't held one yet, but I assume you've been to Mando Bros:
mandoweb.com/Search.aspx?CategoryID=16
They're worth the trip alone.

kirbonite - Posted - 11/20/2010:  08:48:48

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it's a decent banjo. I consider it a cross between a Sierra and a Vega Senator. It has a quality full weight tone ring but the flange they are using makes it weigh a few pounds less. It'd be good for clawhammer.. or someone that likes different styles.

If I were a bluegrasser.. I'd look for a used Golden Era myself.

K.

olsneelock - Posted - 11/20/2010:  09:33:05

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Call me an ignoramus, but this banjo sounds pretty fantastic to me.

youtube.com/watch?v=ijl52AhzGa...e=related

'Course that has more to do with the fellow playing it. Has a little JD Crowe sound to it I think, which I've always thought was a bit of a hollow, forgive me for saying clawhammerish sound. Again, call me an ignoramus.

Mike was that indeed Mando Bros you saw that price? I'm on the prowl.

jw

1four5 - Posted - 11/20/2010:  09:49:12

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quote:

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It has a quality full weight tone ring but the flange they are using makes it weigh a few pounds less

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I read this several times here, and would love to read some published information on this, as I'm interested in this banjo, and extreeemly weight concious. I've had my 12.5 pound Deering Calico, and my old 12+ pound Sierra apart several times, and I just don't see the flange being even 2 pounds, much less a lighter flange making any banjo a few pounds less. There have also been some threads speculating that the "pat-pend 2010 tone ring" used in the new Goodtime Special is the same or a relitive of the "pat-pend 2010" tone ring advertised in the Eagle II. The new tone ring brought the Goodtime Special up to 8 pounds... add some styling and trimmings (fretboard, truss rod, co-rod) and you'll be dang close to the weight of the Eagle II. I also find it interesting that the sound clips sound closer to a Goodtime Special than they do to Heavyweight tone ringed Deering.

Bizdoc - Posted - 11/20/2010:  12:37:06

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Ive also been chasing the Eagle II in my mind since I first saw it. The youtube listed above shows how well it plays up the neck. As mentioned prior I also like that it is a full tone ringed banjo at the 10 pound range. I haven't seen much discussed on this banjo, which kind of surprises me. I've seen it advertised at banjohut for 1,889, but havn't seen it at 1,800. Someone stated it sounds rather clawhammerish, that would be awesome. I love that old time sound, it would be great to get that sound playing bluegrass.

Mike where did you see it for 1,800, you've got our interest peaked.

I'd really like to hear more about this banjo from those who have purchased it. I've been looking high and low for more info, but google has not turned up much, neiter has the hangout, as far as those who have purchased, own and play one.

I know it's kind of soon, but i've been watching the classifieds for one also.

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Edited by - Bizdoc on 11/20/2010 12:40:14

choolie - Posted - 11/20/2010:  13:26:54

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quote:

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Originally posted by 1four5

quote:

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It has a quality full weight tone ring but the flange they are using makes it weigh a few pounds less

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I read this several times here, and would love to read some published information on this, as I'm interested in this banjo, and extreeemly weight concious. I've had my 12.5 pound Deering Calico, and my old 12+ pound Sierra apart several times, and I just don't see the flange being even 2 pounds, much less a lighter flange making any banjo a few pounds less. There have also been some threads speculating that the "pat-pend 2010 tone ring" used in the new Goodtime Special is the same or a relitive of the "pat-pend 2010" tone ring advertised in the Eagle II. The new tone ring brought the Goodtime Special up to 8 pounds... add some styling and trimmings (fretboard, truss rod, co-rod) and you'll be dang close to the weight of the Eagle II. I also find it interesting that the sound clips sound closer to a Goodtime Special than they do to Heavyweight tone ringed Deering.

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I am thinking of getting one too, but maybe I should be looking at a goodtime special instead

dustinTN - Posted - 11/20/2010:  13:34:24

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I find it frustrating that we can't find more information about the specifics of the tone ring. Has no one posted an image of an Eagle with the head taken off?

It's a fine looking banjo to be sure. I also welcome weight reduction and don't care if that's obtained by losing a "full weight" tone ring or not, so long as the sound is there. I'm on about a two year plan to get a new banjo (poverty blows), so I'm not in a hurry to find anything out. However, this one is on my short list, and I'm surprised there isn't more information.

Bizdoc - Posted - 11/20/2010:  13:44:04

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I wonder if there have been many sold, I would have thought there would have been more posted about it if there were.

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Edited by - Bizdoc on 11/20/2010 13:44:53

Rob MacKillop - Posted - 11/20/2010:  13:53:44

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I have one! It arrived yesterday :-)

OK, I will write a proper review once I've had it for a longer period. For now I can say it is a stunning banjo for the price. It is certainly a bit more flexible in tone than some high-end bluegrass banjos. It has warmth all the way up the fretboard. The weight is heavy but not super heavy. The neck is superb: not a dead note anywhere. This is a 'go anywhere' banjo, musically speaking. I will also be using mine for 4-string Plectrum playing, and, yes, some people will enjoy playing it as a very high end clawhammer banjo, after a few minor adjustments. Deering have something unique here. If you want a '100 per cent Scruggs Bluegrass Banjo' look elsewhere. If you like a warmer tone than you might have used in the past, this will suit you to a tee. It has its own voice and should suit anyone looking to stretch out a bit, musically speaking. Hopefully by the end of the week I'll be able to upload a video.

Rob

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Edited by - Rob MacKillop on 11/20/2010 13:55:04

Emiel - Posted - 11/20/2010:  14:22:11

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quote:

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Originally posted by dustinTN

I find it frustrating that we can't find more information about the specifics of the tone ring. Has no one posted an image of an Eagle with the head taken off?

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There is a photo in this thread:
banjohangout.org/topic/187684

the-fish - Posted - 11/20/2010:  15:07:09

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I played one at Elderly and found it to be fantastic, and wouldnt mind owning one... its a lot of banjo for the money

EggSalad - Posted - 11/20/2010:  15:17:19

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From a price standpoint, I'm pretty sure I've seen them in the $1500 range, not $1800. It seems to be between a gootime special and the Sierra. Nice looking banjo.

Bizdoc - Posted - 11/20/2010:  15:36:50

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quote:

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Originally posted by EggSalad

From a price standpoint, I'm pretty sure I've seen them in the $1500 range, not $1800. It seems to be between a gootime special and the Sierra. Nice looking banjo.

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Show me where it's $1,500 and I'm on it.

dustinTN - Posted - 11/20/2010:  17:07:14

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quote:

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Originally posted by Emiel

quote:

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Originally posted by dustinTN

I find it frustrating that we can't find more information about the specifics of the tone ring. Has no one posted an image of an Eagle with the head taken off?

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There is a photo in this thread:
banjohangout.org/topic/187684

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Thanks, Emiel. So, obviously, this isn't a full weight tone ring (which is fine by me, I'm just clarifying.) I'd like to play one of these guys...

kirbonite - Posted - 11/20/2010:  20:09:59

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So Everyone knows,

I attended a workshop with Greg Deering. That's what he said.."it's the flange that makes it lighter not the tone ring"

It's a regular tone ring.. that's what he said.. just a bunch of stuff about research on the metals computer testing etc.. to
compose some sort of alloy that sounds great.

I'm posting this so people are not mislead into thinking it's a lightweight tone ring.

Most people at the workshop really dug this banjo.. It's just not my personal style, however; after getting back from a jam playing a bunch of different people's banjos, none were as easy to play as my deering. it's a little bit lighter.. that's about all I noticed.

1four5 - Posted - 11/20/2010:  20:59:46

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I am having a hard time understanding how a different flange can make a banjo 2 1/2 pounds lighter than their other banjo models. (Would love for Janet to chime in on this thread). I think all the speculation (me included) about the Goodtime Special tone ring, is because it is approx 2 1/2 pounds lighter than a full blown tone ring, and they have both been referred to as "pat-pend 2010" rings. And Janet herself said that the ring is not interchangable, and required it's own special rim. If it was just a different alloy of their standard full blown tone ring, I would think it would interchange with their other models.

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Edited by - 1four5 on 11/21/2010 01:03:49

Emiel - Posted - 11/21/2010:  00:42:44

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I'm having a hard time believing this ring weighs as much as a Mastertone flathead...

mjherrod - Posted - 11/21/2010:  05:00:07

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Hi guys,

Thanks so much for all the advice. I'm beginning to think this is the one. Especially since some people are saying it could be good for clawhammer and bluegrass (I spent a lot more time on bluegrass, but I've been getting into clawhammer recently.) The lower price was indeed at Mandolin Brothers - I can't remember exactly what it was now, but they give you a discount if you pay up front. They have a very limited supply right now, but they said they could order more and get them in a few weeks.

On the clawhammer / bluegrass issue, would you be able to remove the resonator of the Eagle II is you wanted to go to an old-time jam?

thanks again,

Mike

Rob MacKillop - Posted - 11/21/2010:  05:35:56

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The resonator comes off easily. But why take it off? Lots of so-called Old Timey banjo players used banjos with resonators. It might not be the fashion now, but they didn't care so much about that in the old days. You just need to put a higher bridge on, and hammer away :-) Besides, when you take the resonator off, you still have the flange cutting your blood circulation off if it is on your knees.

Beardog - Posted - 11/21/2010:  06:07:38

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quote:

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Originally posted by rjanecek

I played one at Elderly and found it to be fantastic, and wouldnt mind owning one... its a lot of banjo for the money

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I presume that this is the same banjo I played at the Elderly booth at IBMA.

I agree, this is a very fine banjo.

It was the most surprising (pleasantly) banjo that I tried out at IBMA.

grm405 - Posted - 11/21/2010:  06:21:00

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KInda looks like Silverbell tone ring with the inside lip cut off. FWIW the Silverbell (Silverspun in the OME terminology) is reported to weigh 12 oz. I know that my OME Juggernaut weighs 10.2 lb, 2 lb less than my Crafters. This is despite the Rosewood neck and resonator. It has a similar flange construction. The Silverspun ring rests on a rod on top of the rim, not on the lip on the rim; I suspect the Deering does the same. The inner lip is floating on mine, as this Deering is. Just longer on the Silverspun.

Seems that this "new" innovation by Deering might be a recycled OME XX in most respects. Nothing wrong with this as the OME is a great banjo, but why the closed-mouth secrecy? Of course, maybe they hope the "mystery" will sell some of these.

Gerry

olsneelock - Posted - 11/21/2010:  07:29:03

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"On the clawhammer / bluegrass issue, would you be able to remove the resonator of the Eagle II is you wanted to go to an old-time jam?"

Yup. But the flange plates would still be there. I'm wondering if they will offer a pop-off resonator version. Sort a seems like they should. And I agree with Gerry, looks an awful lot like an Ome X-series with a lighter silverspun ring.

Not that that's a bad thing.

the-fish - Posted - 11/21/2010:  08:34:13

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quote:

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I presume that this is the same banjo I played at the Elderly booth at IBMA.

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Bear, your presuming incorrect!

They had 2 in stock, I walked in and asked for it, and they said it was on a truck headed down there.

They unpacked the other one and set it up for me, I was the first one to have my way with it..

It was nice, and if they would have been faster with paper work on my consignment, I would have
made a trade towards it and walked out the door!

Beardog - Posted - 11/21/2010:  11:59:58

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quote:

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Originally posted by rjanecek

quote:

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I presume that this is the same banjo I played at the Elderly booth at IBMA.

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Bear, your presuming incorrect!

They had 2 in stock, I walked in and asked for it, and they said it was on a truck headed down there.

They unpacked the other one and set it up for me, I was the first one to have my way with it..

It was nice, and if they would have been faster with paper work on my consignment, I would have
made a trade towards it and walked out the door!

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Well, at least now I know that there have been a minimum of 2 fine sounding and playing Eagle II's made...the one you played, and the one that I played!

Canuck Picker - Posted - 11/21/2010:  12:59:07

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For those who have actually played the Eagle II; how does the volume compare to 1/ A Goodtime Special and 2/ Something like either an RK-80 or a Goldstar?

Bizdoc - Posted - 11/21/2010:  13:23:44

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I did a Deering Site comparrison between the Sierra and the Eagle II, with a price difference of $300.00 between the two, Sierra $2,699 and Eagle II $2,399, on the Deering site. The only difference I can see is the Sierra has the "06" tone ring, and the Eagle has the "10" tone ring, and the sierra mentions "Deering Planetary tuners" and the Eagle lists "Planetary tuners". Sierra is satin finish and Eagle is Gloss, Sierra is either Mahogany or Maple and the Eagle is Maple. Inlays are obviously different. Flange is one piece on Sierra and two piece on Eagle. I was looking for a big difference and just don't see anything big, just cosmetics, with the only real exception being the tone ring, to which I'm not qualified to discern the differences of.

1four5 - Posted - 11/21/2010:  14:00:54

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The "2 piece" flange is two half-ring plates that bolt to the shoes, same method as the Goodtime II. I would also assume a flat cut neck heel and straight rim (open back style). My opinion is that it's closer to a decked out Goodtime Special than a Sierra. I'm just going off what info I can find on the internet. I'm still waiting for one to show up locally.

Bizdoc - Posted - 11/21/2010:  14:43:01

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One thing I don't understand is that Deering uses a RR spike as opposed to the pip on the fifth string. I don't know of any other makers that do that?

kirbonite - Posted - 11/21/2010:  17:41:30

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I think I recall it having a little more volume than the goodtime.. but a different sound.. the new goodtimes made with the red rock maple sound excellent.

Bizdoc - Posted - 12/04/2010:  16:24:09

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Received my Eagle II, beautiful. One of the reasons I wanted this was because it has a full tone ring and still only weighs 10 lbs. Weight is good at 10 lbs. Sound is definitely different than anything else I've owned. The fret board is beautiful. Even my wife remarked on the fretboard. she said it is the nicest looking of all the banjo's I've owned, I agree with her. early first opinion is very good. I've only had limited chance to play it so far, but it plays easy. I like that the bridge shows the Deering name and Size. The Deering case, save the silk cover/blanket on the gibsons, is the most attractive case I've owned, I really like the raised curved neck area. More after I've had a chance to really play it.

Rob MacKillop - Posted - 12/05/2010:  00:03:15

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Congratulations, Bizdoc. I love my Eagle II. I agree the fingerboard is one of the most beautiful ever made. The tuners are great, and everything seems in balance. I love the sound of the tone ring. As the song says, crisp and smooth and even. Very seasonal.

firemx220 - Posted - 12/14/2010:  18:03:02

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Congrats on the new jo! I really like the way it sounds. I think this might be the one!

Bizdoc - Posted - 12/24/2010:  11:18:57

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Had to return my Eagle II, had a crack between the fret board and neck. So I took the opportunity to re-order a little customization on the replacement. changed from Maple to Walnut, 3 RR spikes, and changed out to a Rennaisance head. Going to take a month to make, am expecting shipment by end of third week in January 2011. I really liked the original unit, but have always wanted a Walnut banjo, wasn't all that much to change, also had a rennaisance head in the past and really liked it. Looking forward to this banjo like none in the past.

1four5 - Posted - 12/24/2010:  11:24:29

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Just a suggestion, but if you really like that banjo, and plan to play it a lot, I'd got the extra $85 for SS frets.

KANINJACK - Posted - 12/24/2010:  19:56:29

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I played one this week as well and was very impressed. Had a very bright tone. I played the Kruger with the tenbrooks tone ring the same day. Might say I liked the eagle better, especially since it was about 4 grand cheaper.

choolie - Posted - 12/24/2010:  23:23:12

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I have ordered one too, I am abit nervous since I haven't had the chance to play one yet. But no one has said anything negative so I am trusting it will work out ok. It is the best looking banjo of all the Deering's up to the GDL imo, that's what swung it for me. Shallow guy that I am.

firemx220 - Posted - 12/25/2010:  18:54:42

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Just bought the Deering Eagle II. Should be here wed. Congrats to choolie and Bizdoc on their new jo's

Rob MacKillop - Posted - 12/25/2010:  23:08:56

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You'll enjoy it, Luke, I'm sure.

Rob

Bizdoc - Posted - 12/26/2010:  05:27:19

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Gently played my original one for two days, waiting for the go ahead to send back. Good tone, beautiful, and the weight was enough less than my prior Gibson that it dosn't hurt my shoulder to play.

Coolie and Firemx you'll like this one.

firemx220 - Posted - 12/26/2010:  12:05:26

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Thanks Rob and Bizdoc.

Max Banjer - Posted - 01/01/2011:  13:02:23

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I just ran across this thread and read where a couple of y'all mentioned taking the reso off to play clawhammer but the flange would still be there. Not the case. Just take the nuts off the hooks, remove the two flange plates, and put the nuts back on. To me, that's one of the more attractive features of this banjo-- allowing a true openback option.

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Edited by - Max Banjer on 01/01/2011 13:03:58

Emiel - Posted - 01/01/2011:  13:41:18

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quote:

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Originally posted by Max Banjer

I just ran across this thread and read where a couple of y'all mentioned taking the reso off to play clawhammer but the flange would still be there. Not the case. Just take the nuts off the hooks, remove the two flange plates, and put the nuts back on. To me, that's one of the more attractive features of this banjo-- allowing a true openback option.

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That's right. That's the way to convert it an openback banjo. Often a banjo sounds nicer as an openback when playing clawhammer or some other oldtime style. Sometimes it's nice with the resonator on...

lethegoodtimesroll - Posted - 01/02/2011:  06:09:16

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Deering banjos have a steel tailpiece and armrest. I wonder if the ring in the Eagle II is made from steel also...has anyone put a magnet to thier Eagle tone ring yet? Eagle owners try that and lets us know the results!

Bizdoc - Posted - 01/02/2011:  06:24:56

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Initially mandolinbros.com had them at just under 1,600 (cash price, no cr cards) but I see they have raised their prices now to where everyone else is in that 1,995 area, but their cash price would be somewhat lower, also the one on their site has 3 RR spikes already on it. If you didn't want the RR spikes it may be a little less. I just placed a custom order for an Eagle II and one of my options was the addition of RR spikes, which was an additional cost.

lethegoodtimesroll - Posted - 01/03/2011:  12:52:01

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anyone put a magnet to that tone ring yet?

choolie - Posted - 01/03/2011:  13:05:37

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quote:

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Originally posted by lethegoodtimesroll

anyone put a magnet to that tone ring yet?

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Posted by Janet Deering on her thread;

4. What is the physical differences between the Eagle II's, and New Goodtime Special's, 2010 pat pend tone rings?

The Eagle II's has a slightly different shape and is made of a special brass alloy. The Goodtime Special has a slightly lighter design and is made of high grade steel.

choolie - Posted - 01/29/2011:  14:20:52

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My New Eagle 2 finally arrived Yesterday!!! I was a bit worried that with all this talk of "warm" and "bright" that it wasn't going to Growl like a banjo should. But when I played it, it sounds like the gates of hell have opened...beautiful.

Rob MacKillop - Posted - 01/29/2011:  14:33:01

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Congratulations. From Eagle Music? That's where I got mine. Very happy with it!