Strings: Sands Nylon "Classical" Strings

Submitted by lucydog on 4/25/2011

Where Purchased: Elderly Instruments

Overall Comments

I've been playing around with a number of different string sets to see what I like, and I've really liked these. They don't take as long to stretch out as Nylgut strings, but they still have that old time "plunk." The tension is fairly light, but it is manageable. There are medium and high tension string sets as well, but I haven't played around with those.

Definitely recommended for old time styles.

Overall Rating: 9

Homespun Video: Five-string Banjo for Beginners

Submitted by lucydog on 6/18/2010

Where Purchased: Elderly Instruments (via the Homespun On-Demand system).

Overall Comments

Happy Traum takes an interesting approach in this DVD. He starts with two-finger (old time) style and progresses into Pete Seeger style up-picking. There aren't many DVDs that cover those techniques in a beginner's format. Absolutely worth the price.

Overall Rating: 9

Deering: Classic Goodtime Special Openback

Submitted by lucydog on 5/11/2010

Where Purchased: Spruce Tree Music

Year Purchased: 2010
Price Paid: Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound

This is the newest (2010) model that has the "patent pending" tone ring. I must admit that the sound is *far* crisper than the standard Goodtime open back. There is a large sound difference. Where the standard sounded a bit muddy and thick (in a good way), the new tone ring cranks up the higher frequencies significantly. I replaced the stock head with a Renaissence head which balanced the highs and lows very well.

Sound Rating: 9

Setup

This is a no-brainer: Spruce Tree setup the banjo beautifully. If you can't get a local shop to do the setup, buy from another vendor (Elderly comes to mind) that knows how to setup a banjo properly. This makes a HUGE difference. One additional factor is the head tension. The tone ring seems to prefer an even 10kg./cm. to 12kg./cm. (on a Neary Torque Wrench) in order to boost the clarity and volume of the notes.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

It is a beautiful instrument. I like the dark stain and prefer a satin neck, so this really appeals to me.

Appearance Rating: 9

Reliability

The finish seems to be pretty bulletproof. The neck is tight, everything is squared up correctly and the frets are evenly glued (no buzzing). I see no reason why this wouldn't be an excellent choice as a gigging instrument. It is basic and solid with a very good tone.

Reliability Rating: 8

Customer Service

I actually did deal with Deering indirectly, both through some e-mails and via my local store. At every turn, Deering patiently answered my questions, gave me status without acting frustrated, etc. I'm a dyed in the wool cynic, but Deering really is paying attention to their customer service. Bravo for that.

Customer Service: 9

Components

I like the simple tailpiece and no-frills hardware. Everything fits together and there isn't anything fussy about it. If I were to nitpick, I'd say that it would be nice to have an adjustable tailpiece and better Planetary tuners, but those are only mild issues and don't detract from the instrument as a whole.

Components Rating: 9

Overall Comments

I'm extremely happy with this purchase. I was pretty skeptical about the new tone ring, but it really does sound great. It really is worth its price. I would have no reservations with taking this to a gig - it would certainly hold its own.

Overall Rating: 9