I just got this banjo back from Deering. I had them do a complete refret and also to completely take it apart and set it back up to Deering specifications. This is a Deering Advanced model with a very thin neck profile. It is in very good condition with a nice straight neck, well set action and a beautiful sound. The Advanced model was the precursor of the Maple Blossom. This is one of the earlier examples of this model with the serial number indicating that it was the 55th Advanced made and that it was produced in January of 1980. A previous owner wrote a new date over the original date for some unknown reason, but you can see most of the original date underneath. This Advanced has one of the sweetest tones I've ever heard and the very thin profile neck.

Here are some of the features of this particular banjo:

Fingerboard -- excellent condition
Beautiful sound -- the wood has really aged nicely and this has a very sweet tone
No hole tone ring -- heavy banjo, not for those with back problems
Thin neck -- if you like a thick neck this banjo is not for you. This has a very thin profile neck which was the reason I originally purchased it
Tuners -- the tuners are fairly new Schallers I believe
Frets -- complete refret done by Deering first week of April 2014
Flange -- flange is the two piece circle cutout flange
Finish -- in very good condition for its age with minor scratches and scuffs only
Action and Setup -- just completely disassembled and set back up by Deering in early April 2014.

This is an American made banjo that was just completely taken apart, refretted and set back up by Deering in April 2014. It comes with a hardshell case. I will throw in the Lakota Leather Strap seen in the photo.

I've taken very high resolution photos, so if you are interested I encourage you to check those out in detail. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I am not really open to trades because I am using the proceeds of this sale to pay for an upright bass for my mother to play. That's right, after 6 years of dad and I playing, mom is joining in on the fun! Buyer will pay shipping costs using the shipping company of their choice. I prefer to only ship in the Continental United States. Again, if you have any questions please feel free to contact me.