Local Craigslist has one for about a month now. Excellent shape with Deering hard case. Asking $1,200…I imagine I could get it for a lot less. Owner plays guitar but never got into the banjo. . I really really don’t need another banjo, but is this too good to pass? From what I have read sierras are decent units.
I have read something about a tone ring change in Deerings at some point in the past and the later rings being better than the previous. Not sure exactly which way it works but just check it out and then try to determine if this one has the preferrable ring. Other than that, the price sounds good, especially the part about getting it for way less than that. BTW, stop listening to the person telling you that you really don't need another banjo. Even if it's you. :>).
Bobby
Edited by - BobbyE on 09/27/2023 08:53:13
Older Sierras have a skinny neck; newer ones are a bit wider similar to a Gibson. $1,200 is a good price for any of the many variations the Sierra line has gone through over the decades. If you play, you'll want to check it out in person.
My first good banjo was a Sierra. Bought it new in the mid 00s. Wound up selling it 3-4 yrs later to finance some other life endeavors. Not a wise thing to do, if I'd kept it I wouldn't have spent $2000 on a Mastertone 3-4 yrs later. It was well made and sounded as good as any other pro level banjo, just a little plainer looking.
I would never buy a banjo that was made by a manufacturer with a name that ends in "ing".
I remember back in the 00s someone complaining on the Hangout about Scientology literature being included with their new Deering banjo. That kinda soured me on the brand. But I never heard any more about it. Heck it might not have even been true, IDK. Regardless of how deep they went down that rabbit hole or not, it doesn't seem to have affected the business. So I got over it. I wouldn't hesitate to own a Deering now.
I bought a Sierra for $1,800 new in 2018. Didn't include any scientology crap, just a real nice hard case. Now I see them retailing for three grand-ish. I still love to play it.
The Sierra sold. Prob was a good buy. Just waited too long. Oh well, didn’t need another one anywho.
