Does anyone out there have experience with these two banjos who can give a good description of the differences and advantages of them? I play mostly folk music, learning three finger, do a good deal of clawhammer, but would like a banjo that can fit many styles. I know the Wreath is a straight ahead bluegrass banjo, but is capable of being adjusted to manage a lot of tones. The Eagle is also designed specifically for versatility.
For people who have played or owned them both, why would you go with one over the other, and what did you like about one or the other that made you keep it? Any disadvantages? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
The Eagle II has a removable flange if you want to play openback. The banjos are really in different classes. You seem to get it. The GW is a Mastertone like banjo. It's hard to compare the Eagle II. Jens Kruger does really good videos describing the benefits of each Deering model. The production quality of his videos is good, so you can hear the banjos really well. Of course, none of us will sound like Jens Kruger, but we can dream.
The Golden Wreath is a Masterclone. Much more of a professional banjo than the Eagle II.
My favorite two-way banjo is the Gibson ball-bearing. You should be able to find a reasonably-priced conversion.
From Google AI:
AI Overview
“The Deering Eagle II 5-string banjo is the primary instrument featuring the revolutionary "2010" tone ring, designed to provide a bright, versatile, and high-quality sound. The 2010 design is often used in specific models aimed at bridging the gap between professional and entry-level”
My first question, would be if this is the same tone ring that comes in a Goodtime Special? A search was kind of conflicting, and the Deering website doesn’t quite say. If that were true, the Eagle 2 would be a super dressed up Goodtime Special? I’ve never touched an Eagle 2, but have owned a Goodtime Special. It was a great banjo, but not a full blown tone ring banjo by any means.
Edited by - Dean T on 05/07/2026 05:34:33
I also hope you don’t mind if I add another model to your list. That would be an open back with a full blown tone ring. Such as a Deering Sierra open back, or Clawgrass model, which is basically a super dressed up version with a wider neck. That’s what Steve Martin plays with his band. I bought a used Sierra openback last year, and it’s a great banjo. The guy I bought it from used it for classical, clawhammer and his old time band for over 10 years, and now I’m using it with my band, using picks and 3 (4) finger style. Of my 4 banjos, this is the one I would keep if forced to choose only one. It does everything I ask of it beautifully, without messing around with its set up. It’s also only 9 pounds. I’ve said it before here, but I’m surprised this configuration isn’t wildly more popular.
Edited by - Dean T on 05/07/2026 06:46:49
quote:
Originally posted by Dean TI also hope you don’t mind if I add another model to your list. That would be an open back with a full blown tone ring. Such as a Deering Sierra open back, or Clawgrass model, which is basically a super dressed up version with a wider neck. That’s what Steve Martin plays with his band. I bought a used Sierra openback last year, and it’s a great banjo. The guy I bought it from used it for classical, clawhammer and his old time band for over 10 years, and now I’m using it with my band, using picks and 3 (4) finger style. Of my 4 banjos, this is the one I would keep if forced to choose only one. It does everything I ask of it beautifully, without messing around with its set up. It’s also only 9 pounds. I’ve said it before here, but I’m surprised this configuration isn’t wildly more popular.
Agreed. They are somewhat scarce, but Jim Britton has one available: LINK I had a CG2. It was an excellent banjo. It just wasn't the one I ended picking up, so I sold it. If you like Deering's regular necks (I do), the Sierra openback would be an outstanding choice. The sound will be virtually identical to the CG2.
Thanks for the feedback everyone. I suppose I'm looking for the perfect banjo (like everyone else), but dont have access to trying out every banjo on earth to really know. I'm also finding, and this is the same for all other instruments, that at some point a banjo sounds like a banjo, like a steel string guitar will sound like a steel string guitar with flavors or variations but all sound "good" at some price point.
I've eyed the Deering Deluxe (with radius), but those are really hard to find, and I wonder if it will be more to my liking than my current Golden Wreath (no radius).
Any place in Los Angeles/ Southern California that I can go to try a bunch of different banjos, or am I doomed to have to buy/ sell to try them out?
quote:
Originally posted by Dean TI also hope you don’t mind if I add another model to your list. That would be an open back with a full blown tone ring. Such as a Deering Sierra open back, or Clawgrass model, which is basically a super dressed up version with a wider neck. That’s what Steve Martin plays with his band. I bought a used Sierra openback last year, and it’s a great banjo. The guy I bought it from used it for classical, clawhammer and his old time band for over 10 years, and now I’m using it with my band, using picks and 3 (4) finger style. Of my 4 banjos, this is the one I would keep if forced to choose only one. It does everything I ask of it beautifully, without messing around with its set up. It’s also only 9 pounds. I’ve said it before here, but I’m surprised this configuration isn’t wildly more popular. These hit the mark for banjos with a full voice, even outdoors, that are easy keepers. I have not observed that the brand matters (beyond 'known' build quality, many are parts type 'sleepers') and tube/plate banjos with a bronze tone ring work just the same...
+1 For clawhammer and mixed use; Dean's right. And, it opens the door on a bigger set of options.
Edited by - pinenut on 05/07/2026 10:11:30
quote:
Originally posted by krfoss
Any place in Los Angeles/ Southern California that I can go to try a bunch of different banjos, or am I doomed to have to buy/ sell to try them out?
Spring Valley, and the Deering factory and showroom, is 2 hours south.
I've been to the Deering showroom and it was a HIGHLY disappointing visit. I knew more about the banjos they had and they had all the good time banjos you imagine, but hardly any of their upper line banjos (they had a golden era and a custom banjo that was not to spec with the typical one (had a flat board when the regular one comes with a radius). So, I'll probably have to keep trolling the BHO classifieds.
quote:
Originally posted by krfossI've been to the Deering showroom and it was a HIGHLY disappointing visit. I knew more about the banjos they had and they had all the good time banjos you imagine, but hardly any of their upper line banjos (they had a golden era and a custom banjo that was not to spec with the typical one (had a flat board when the regular one comes with a radius). So, I'll probably have to keep trolling the BHO classifieds.
Man that sucks! I've always dreamed about visiting, and just assumed they would have one of everything they make. I also find it interesting these days, that their website lists anything higher than the Goodtimes as "made to order, check your dealership for availability" or something like that. Are banjos so popular that they can't keep them in stock, or are they cutting back on the premium banjos, and letting the Goodtimes keep them afloat?
Yes it was really disappointing. I think they don’t want to spend the money on the high end banjos to just sit. I think it would be in their interest to have one of everything. That said, I don’t see the need to spend 4 hours total driving on that showroom again. I’d prob have better luck at a festival.
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