slickstrings - Posted - 05/10/2011:  18:42:25

Not that I'm looking for a new banjo, because I already have a beautiful one, but are the Deering Tenbrooks really worth their price? Are you paying for a name, or are they really that good? If you own or have played one, please tell me about it. I'm rather curious.

bAJNo - Posted - 05/10/2011:  19:04:09

I have seen a few used ones recently for around 3,500 to 4,000. I have not played one but do think they sound wonderful.

banjori - Posted - 05/10/2011:  19:04:10

I own a Saratoga Star. The person who sold it to me described its sound as "unique" and I must agree. It lacks the crackle that one normally looks for in a bluegrass banjo, but the sound produced has a clear and pure singing quality that to my ears is remarkable.

beegee - Posted - 05/10/2011:  19:08:45

I haven't played one. I love the sound of Jens Kruger's banjo, but the Tenbrook  Legacy on banjo.com's website doesn't sound very good to me. It has a raspy tinny sound to me. I hope they don't all sound that way. I'd certainly expect more from a $6-8000 banjo. Or maybe just a better demo?

Edited by - beegee on 05/10/2011 19:09:31

mikey5string - Posted - 05/10/2011:  20:03:48

one of the best banjos ive ever played. wether is worth it or not depends on if you got the $$

DIV - Posted - 05/10/2011:  22:11:25

I have one, and it's the banjo that made me stop buying banjos!  It's an incredible pure tone, and with respect, I disagree with banjori ("It lacks the crackle that one normally looks for in a bluegrass banjo")--it's everything AND MORE that I would ever want in a Bluegrass banjo.  It has more "honk" than my Gibson copy (which is no slouch either!).

What's great about the Tenbrooks banjos is that the Swiss Tone ring is extremely responsive and you can make changes in tone by very subtle changes (for example in hand position--closer/farther to the bridge, or in how hard you pick)....

You can play with more sustain by picking softer and then you can have less sustain if you pick harder...

The only thing I didn't like about the Tenbrooks models was the fatter neck profile, but it looks like Deering has changed that. 

My Tenbrooks is actually a custom Calico with the classic, more slender Deering neck.

Definitely worth the money, ESPECIALLY if you find one used.  Unfortunately/fortunately (depending on which side of the sale you're sitting on), Deerings don't retain their retail price/value very much, so when buying used, it's hard to get a better deal on ANY banjo.

 

birdmanUK - Posted - 05/11/2011:  04:30:19

I have recently bought a used Saratoga Star.  I am extremely happy with it.  It inspires me to play more.  I would agree that it has a beautiful and pure musical tone.  I also agree with DIV that it has the capability to produce a great variety of sounds with different right hand positions.

I was wary of the "fatter neck profile", the V-neck shape, before I played it for the first time.  However, I did not find this an issue at all.  It feels slightly different to a more "normal" neck profile, but you adapt to it instantly.

I would try to play one if you can and judge for yourself.  I'd be surprised if you are disappointed.

Edited by - birdmanUK on 05/11/2011 04:30:59

mullie1 - Posted - 05/11/2011:  05:15:54

FANTASTIC banjo! I have a friend that owns one and the sound is wonderful. I had the chance to try it and it is definitely a banjo that I would save my money to own. The tone ring, build quality, feel, and great sound really won me over

jsowers - Posted - 05/11/2011:  05:22:50

I also bought a used Saratoga Star, and agree  with everything DIV wrote regarding tone. As to the neck I share birdmanUK's opinion. At first I was concerned about the neck profile but now I prefer it's shape compared to my Gibson. The neck is not only thicker but a bit wider which I've learned to appreciate. Tony Trischka also plays a Saratoga. youtube.com/watch?v=n-SZAvNLx3Q On Tony's banjo academy website I asked his opinion of the neck and he wrote that he liked it's shape. Janet Deering, on the long running Deering BHO forum topic, mentioned that Tenbrooks owners could send their instrument back to have the neck reshaped. I have not elected to do so.

As far as I know, the earliest Tenbrooks did not have a Swiss ring. I think that they were introduced around 2006. Perhaps someone more knowledgeable could comment. It is my understanding that on new ones the 06 ring is standard and the Swiss ring a $2500 option! The Deering website isn't very clear on this point. So anyone looking for a used Tenbrooks needs to specifically inquire about the ring. The Swiss ring is clearly marked. An older BHO forum topic stated that Jens no longer uses the Swiss ring. Again I do not know if this is accurate. In any case if I was in the market for a Tenbrooks I would definitely make sure it had the Swiss ring. To me that seems like the whole point of the Tenbrooks.

Bottom line is that I love my Tenbrooks and buying used got me what I consider a great deal. I'm not sure that any banjo for $6000 is "worth it". If mine was stolen and I could not find a used one I honestly don't know what I would do.

Trevor M Hyett - Posted - 05/11/2011:  05:39:56

I have two Saratoga Stars…I love them both…for purity of tone and sound and ease of playing. I prefer the "fatter neck". They project like no other banjo I have played and the tonal variation I can achieve is most satisfying…so subtle, so responsive. Also excellent at low volume…for me, a really sophisticated bit of kit.

Gomer - Posted - 05/11/2011:  06:45:49

The Tenbrooks is best described a " luxury banjo for the working man" That's the way I described it then and that's the way I describe it as I lovingly gaze upon it beautiful lines and the reflections that glint off it's buttery wood finish. I took the 06 tone ring because I am told that Mr. Jens did the same. My Instructor, ARAU the Indisputable, has the bronze tone ring. It is mellower and more sonerous. Mine is more like a predator drone missile. I would have either.  I hate to be smug, but most people will tell you that the __________ is just as good as the Tenbrooks. You never hear the discussion where they say the the tenbrooks is just as good as the _________.

Bob Murphy - Posted - 05/11/2011:  10:25:46

I also own a Tenbrooks:  the Legacy with the swiss tone ring.  DIV nailed it!  The tone is pure and beautiful, but unlike any other banjo I've ever played.  If you have an opportunity to buy one used, I wouldn't hesitate to do so, especially with the Kruger ring in it.  They seem to sell for a fraction of the list price.

Bob

birdmanUK - Posted - 05/11/2011:  10:34:16

Regarding the introduction date of the Saratoga Star, I'm not sure what that year was, but my understanding is that mine was made in 2004 and has the Swiss tone ring - I checked just to make sure!

Bob Murphy - Posted - 05/11/2011:  11:17:27

I also agree with BeeGee:  the demo of the Legacy on Banjo.com is terrible!  They need to re-record that if they want to sell any of them!

Gomer - Posted - 05/14/2011:  07:45:08

The Banjo.com is a plant to distract those that don't know, from becoming aware.