The 2004 Deering Calico was the last year of the glossified blond maple finish - then in 2005 the Calico was reintroduced with the "upgraded tonering" and [downgraded] "honey brown" uptown finish.
In spite of my sideways sarcasm above does anyone know for sure what the standard issue Calico tailpiece was for the 2004 and earlier production units ?
Several of the higher level models (Tenbrooks and Ivanhoe) show in a 2004 catalog as being fitted with the "DEERING" name imprinted on the top of the tailpiece (a non-Presto type) but a web search doesn't turn up a photo specifically for a Calico. Although, in a few other non-Deering random photos I can make out Presto-style tailpieces.
So, are there any 2003-4-5 Calico owners out there who have an answer - and if so, thanks for your help.
I have a 2003 Calico with a non-Prucha Kershner tailpiece. No engraving on it. I'm assuming it's the original tailpiece since it's gold plated and matches the plating on the rest of the instrument.
thanks Brian......being gold plated etc. I have no doubt your TP is original. ....A follow-up Q though is, is your Deering 'Kershner' basically a PLATED 'Kershner or a PROPRIETARY Deering 'pretty-similar- Kershner-look-a-like' ?
The reason I'm asking is I have a near-mint I want to ensure has the correct TP before passing along to next custodian.
thx
I'm pretty sure it's a Deering proprietary Kershner but not really an expert on Kershners - just know it has the screws rather than the hex bolts. Who knows what Deering did in 2003? They have not been forthcoming on this banjo. I've asked them a couple of times for any history since I'm assuming it was a custom order - Koa wood, gold- plated, radiused fretboard.
I can’t say for sure if they were original tailpieces or not… but back in the day, I had both a pre 04 Calico, and pre 04 Sierra, and they both had the same Deering tailpiece, with “Deering” engraved on them. I bought them both from the classifieds here, and there was no indication that they were anything but all original.
My "99" Deering GDL came from the factory with a Deering Engraved Kershner style tailpiece.
I would imagine if you contacted Deering with your model and serial # they would get you on the right track.
....thanks all.
Sounds a bit potpourri but I have lots of input here, although, since already having it installed, I favor the Deering imprinted one. I wasn't sure if that TP was period accurate but you've reported yes.
[Must say though, other topics, other sub-forums, have reported lately that upon contacting Deering Customer Service representative(s) several folks were met with impatience, smarminess, and less-than-helpful attitude. If true then disappointing and sounds rather corporate. Hello.]
