Hi all!
This is my first post here. I recently bought a Deering Goodtime II Artisan but returned it, it felt cheap and not like the cost of $1250. So… I rather spend a fr hundred more and get an instrument that be lasts.
My ears likes the a bit more mellow Mahogany (sound) Deering Sierra the most but can’t really judge if that justifies the extra $. Since I live in Sweden and don’t want to pay extra for shipping (returns etc) I have searched around mostly “locally”. I would like to get some opinions on how to think..,
These are the deals in Sweden, Denmark & Germany I’ve found so far:
- Sierra Maple for $1450
- Eagle II for $1600
- Sierra Mahogany A/E $1850.
All inclusive shipping.
Even though I don’t know if I ever need to amplify it, it could be fun… I’m not sure though.
Kind regards
John
If you are only playing bluegrass, get the Sierra you prefer. If you also pay clawhammer or old-time fingerpicking without picks, get the Eagle II. The buest buy is easilhy the maple Sierra, btw. I would likely buy that and tweak the setup for the sound I like. It’s easy enough to mellow out a maple banjo.
Bill Rogers yeah, that’s the thing… I don’t know what I like to play the most. I like blues, jazz… improvisation with the sound of a Banjo…;)
How would I mellow a tone of a maple banjo? The Eagle is the brightest of the tree right?
I think I was kind of in your position at one point - I wanted a “bluegrass” banjo, but I also like banjos that sound more “mellow”.
I went pouring over message boards, tried banjos out, talked to people - then it dawned on me - many of the pros, like Bela Fleck doing some of his jazzy stuff or John Bullard playing classical pieces that sound mellow to my ear are all playing Gibson or Gibson style banjos which are the same ones the brightest bluegrass guys play.
So I stopped trying to over analyze my decision and bought a used Sierra for a few reasons - I like how it sounds, it was the best quality banjo I could afford, and I like the neck profile. Someone helped me set it up and I’ve been off to the races. I have no clue if it’s maple or mahogany- the guy selling it wasn’t sure.
I’m really far from a banjo expert, but just based on anecdotal evidence, if you like Deerings, and you don’t plan on going back and forth between an open back and resonator - get one of the Sierras otherwise get the Eagle.
There are a lot of threads and videos on banjo setup that talk about how to get the desired tone out of your banjo and I think that will get you where you want to go.
quote:
Originally posted by Bill RogersIf you are only playing bluegrass, get the Sierra you prefer. If you also pay clawhammer or old-time fingerpicking without picks, get the Eagle II. The buest buy is easilhy the maple Sierra, btw. I would likely buy that and tweak the setup for the sound I like. It’s easy enough to mellow out a maple banjo.
Have you considered a Nechville? You can adjust the tone very easily to suit your mood.
quote:
Originally posted by MonoklangHow would I mellow a tone of a maple banjo? The Eagle is the brightest of the tree right?
Slightly looser head (88-89 on DrumDial). Slightly heavier bridge (2.3 g or more). Thicker head. Different tailpiece angle.
Also try bridges made of different woods that supposedly produce mellower sound.
Write to Silvio Ferretti (member here), maker of Scorpion banjo bridges in Italy. Describe what you're after. See what he suggests. You can also check out the sound samples of Tim Purcell's bridges, if not to order from the USA at least to hear the difference a bridge can make.
While the maple Sierra appears to be the best deal, based solely on price, I would want to know the years of manufacture of both Sierras. 2006 or later gets you the current "06" tone ring, with a different profile and fit to the rim that perhaps contributes to a more open sound. 2013 or later gets you the current fancier inlay. Maybe that started in 2011 or 12. I don't remember.
The Eagle II has looked the same since its introduction and has its own tone ring different from the rest of the Deering line. I've played Eagle II banjos, and I think they do fine for bluegrass as well as the other styles you mentioned. If the Sierras are older, pre-2006, dot-inlay models, the Eagle could be a good choice to get you a contemporary and versatile instrument.
Any of the three could be all the banjo you ever need.
As you discovered with the Artisan, it's a dressed-up expensive beginner instrument.
Good luck.
quote:
Originally posted by HighLonesomeF5quote:
Originally posted by Bill RogersIf you are only playing bluegrass, get the Sierra you prefer. If you also pay clawhammer or old-time fingerpicking without picks, get the Eagle II. The buest buy is easilhy the maple Sierra, btw. I would likely buy that and tweak the setup for the sound I like. It’s easy enough to mellow out a maple banjo.
Have you considered a Nechville? You can adjust the tone very easily to suit your mood.
The OP clearly does not have a Nechville budget.
Thanks to all of you!
After I created this thread I got in contact with the guy/shop owner of the Eagle II. I gave them an offer of $1200, which they accepted.
It’s a 2012, that never had an owner. So brand new and never played. And since I can discover a lot of Banjo styles more easily with this model I think it’s a very good deal.
And if it’s too bright and shiny, I’ll deal with it.
I’ll pick it up tomorrow;)
quote:
Originally posted by MonoklangThanks to all of you!
After I created this thread I got in contact with the guy/shop owner of the Eagle II. I gave them an offer of $1200, which they accepted.
Congratulations!
That is an outstanding deal in any country.
I love the Eagle II. If I were in the market for another banjo or had to replace a lost or stolen instrument, an Eagle II would be on my short list.
The sound and playability of the one I played in my neighborhood music shop was thoroughly enjoyable. I also like that it looks different than most banjos.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
I really like Eagles as well.
That's a screaming deal on a NEW Eagle! That would be a great deal on a used one, but new!!!
The shop owner told me that a blind man bought the banjo 12 years ago. He gave up immediately and traded it for a guitar. Since then it’s just hanging in the shop, waiting for me to find it. It’s perfect.
quote:
Originally posted by MonoklangThe shop owner told me that a blind man bought the banjo 12 years ago. He gave up immediately and traded it for a guitar. Since then it’s just hanging in the shop, waiting for me to find it. It’s perfect.
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