For your consideration is a recent, heavily upgraded, 12-inch Deering Vega ‘Cherry’ Vintage Star banjo in near-mint condition. This Dobson tone ring-equipped, open-back banjo started its life as a stock, cherry-wood Vintage Star. However, for fun I decided to 'upgrade' most of the bronze-colored powder-coated hardware with new nickel-plated replacements.

These upgrades include: 1) a Deering-branded black suede head; 2) a grooved, nickel-plated tension hoop; 3) solid brass, nickel plated ball bracket shoes, to include upgraded nickel tension hooks; and 4) a new nickel-plated armrest, mounted to match the rest of the hardware, and likewise a nickel-plated Deering tailpiece.

Also of note, this banjo has factory-installed ‘gold’ EVO-style fret wire, rather than the nickel silver variety found on most banjos. Deering never mentions this upgrade in their catalog description but there it is, and it nicely complements the overall aesthetics of this banjo. BTW, due to the long-wearing nature of gold EVO wire, there is no discernable wear on any of the frets.

Lastly, this banjo currently lacks a spike or pip to keep the fifth string in place as it travels over the fifth fret. When I got this banjo new, I wanted to replace the factory spike with a bone fifth-string pip, as is found on most traditionally appointed banjos. However, I found to my surprise, that the fifth string was perfectly lined up from the tuning peg’s barrel to where it crossed over the fifth fret. And the break-angle pressure of the fifth string from barrel to fret was enough to keep the string from drifting left or right when playing. I left well enough alone and let the current setup stand as is and found no problem in doing so.

SPECIAL NOTE: At the time of sale, if you desire to have a spike installed at the 5th fret, I will do so at no extra cost.

Also included with this sale is the original Deering hardshell case in minty condition.

The reason for selling this banjo: I've developed an unquenchable obsession with long-neck banjos (ala Pete Seeger). The sale of this Vintage Star, as well as the sale of my gorgeous ‘30th Anniversary’ Takamine Santa Fe guitar, will help me purchase a better quality 'long neck' than what I'm currently playing.

The sale price of this upgraded Cherry Vintage Star is $1,659, reduced from the $1,849 when it was originally listed. An additional $175 for shipping, insurance, and tracking via US Postal Service (USPS) Priority Mail will be added to the price.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If the actual cost of shipping is less than $175, you’ll be reimbursed the difference via PayPal or personal check (your choice). However, if the cost is more than the stated $175, I’ll absorb the difference.

Sorry, this sale is limited to the 48 contiguous United States (i.e., the Lower Forty-Eight). No sales to Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, or any foreign destinations. :o(

If interested, please contact me through The Banjo Hangout. And as always, thanks for looking!