This is a 1993 Deering Golden Era model with very low action. It is in good condition with a nice straight neck, low action and a beautiful sound. Mechanically, this is a wonderful banjo. There is no rust or pitting anywhere. The price is lower than normal because there are few cosmetic issues and the first five frets do show some wear. One issue is that the top coat of laquer has come off in one small spot on the side of the neck (see photo). Also, the top coat of laquer has come off the resonator and it is dulled with some finish crazing.

I bought this banjo to play while my Deering Advanced was being refretted and set up by Deering. After cleaning it up this Golden Era turned out to be a fantastic banjo as well. Ironically, I now have both of them back and really can't decide which one I like better--the Maple Blossom or the Golden Era. Different sounds but both are excellent. The Golden Era has a thicker neck, but a deeper bass. This Advanced has one of the sweetest tones I've ever heard and the very thin profile neck. I can't afford to have them both right now so I have decided to put both up for sale and the one that sells first will be reluctantly released.

Here are some of the features of this particular banjo:

Beautiful sound -- the very nice growl and lots of volume
20 Hole Tone Ring -- Full bluegrass banjo made with prewar specs
Thin neck -- very comfortable neck
Tuners -- Excellent condition, very smooth
Frets -- first five frets show some wear and could stand to be dressed or refretted
Flange -- excellent condition
Finish -- a few cosmetic flaws including the spot on the side of the neck and the resonator as mentioned above
Action and Setup -- lowest action of any banjo I've ever played. Very little to no relief in the neck so if someone wanted higher action it would be very easy to achieve
Case--comes with a very nice fabric and hard foam triangular case. I've never seen a case like this one and it has enough room for a music stand and all your music you might take to a gig

This is a fine American made banjo. It comes with a Lakota Leathers cradle strap and case to complete the package.

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. I have packed several banjos for shipping across the country over the last few years so it will be well packaged. Again, if you have any questions please feel free to contact me.