New, lower price! Sadly, I find that I need to sell my recently acquired Deering Deluxe banjo. I just bought this a couple of months ago from a gentleman here on the hangout. Two months ago we were given a chance to move to my wife's hometown, but it will require pretty much every financial asset we have. Thus, I must part with this amazing banjo. This is one of the earliest Deluxe models with the two piece flange. The action is the best I have ever had and the profile of the neck is very thin. It has a beautiful sound. If we weren't moving I wouldn't be parting with this banjo. I believe this is one of those banjos I will sit around 20 years from now and say "I wish I never parted with that thing." I had this listed before at a higher price, but we are now in the middle of our move and with all of the construction I am doing on the new house I find that I have aggravated a nerve condition and will not be able to play any banjo for the foreseeable future. This banjo deserves to be played.

I bought this beauty from the original owner who has moved to a Sullivan banjo as I recall. In the summer of 2010 the banjo was sent back to Deering to correct a slight back bow and it was refretted at that time. Consequently, the action is low and very consistent up the neck. The frets have little if any wear since it was refretted and the fingerboard is in excellent condition. The original purchase receipt from 1979 and the receipt for the recent work by Deering is included in the case.

Now for the flaws, which are all cosmetic. There are two small chips in the black paint on the inside of the resonator. The nickel plating is tarnished in several places, most notably on the tone ring edge on the top of the banjo near the neck. I have not tried to polish it at all. There was a 5th string capo that I took off the banjo when I got it. I had spikes installed on it instead, but the holes are still there. There is very light crazing on the resonator back due to age. This is nearly impossible to catch in a photo it is so light. There is one spot on the back of the neck that is a little lighter from playing (you can see this in one of the photos). That's pretty much it.

Serial Number:1103779
Date: 11-11-79

Much to the woe of all that might listen to it, I recorded a sound clip of me playing a few months ago. Please ignore the lack of skill. Deering Deluxe Medley

It comes with the original hard shell case and a well used leather strap (not the one pictured).

Please email me if you are interested.