Deering Deluxe 5-String Banjo

by Deering

Product Features

• Genuine Deering '06 Tone Ring
• Mahogany Neck and Resonator
• Ebony fingerboard and peghead overlay
• Mother of pearl inlays
• High Gloss Finish

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 38 x 13.9 x 4.2 inches ; 12.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 28.4 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B0002H08UI
• Item model number: Deluxe 5 string
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #81,424 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)

Product Description

The American made Deering Deluxe 5 string banjo is one of Deering's most popular bluegrass banjos. The genuine Deering '06 tone ring and special maple rim with one piece resonator flange create the tonal foundation of this warm and powerful world class banjo. The gloss finished mahogany neck and resonator create the sweet, clear tone professionals demand in mahogany banjos. The mother of pearl peghead inlay and slotted diamond inlays are accentuated by the ebony fingerboard and peghead overlay. For the banjoist who prefers the warm, sweet voice and full-bodied power of a mahogany banjo, the Deering Deluxe has it all and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb tone & construction, December 4, 2010

By 

New England Yankee (Northern New England) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Deering Deluxe 5-String Banjo (Electronics)

This banjo itself exceeds expectations in every way as it pertains to construction quality and tone, and Amazon's price was superb when I purchased ... actually below wholesale.

The downside?

I contacted Amazon before purchasing because the listing showed photos of both the earlier version of the Deluxe as well as the current version, Amazon responded, but was wrong on two points: in stating that the banjo was the current model, based on Amazon's own picture of the new version with the current inlays, and stating that the case was not included. In fact, the banjo that arrived was the earlier version with diamond inlays and the plainer headstock and did include the Deering case (a positive surprise, of course).

From my original email to Amazon:

"1) There are two sets of images - the first one by Amazon, the next two by a customer ("Banjoski"). They show two different models - actually, the Amazon picture is of the current Deering Deluxe, the customer pictures are of an older version of the same model. Which is correct for what you are selling?

2) Is a case included? (This is a normally-provided case with Deering)"

In response to my query, the email from Amazon customer service stated (emphasis mine):

"1) I've checked our website for the Deering Deluxe 5-String Banjo and confirm that the image posted by AMAZON is correct. ...

2) I'm sorry the case isn't included with this item."

Naturally, I'm a bit put off by this. Fortunately, I had put off the purchase of a banjo case, as I hadn't decided on which one to buy yet and would have had to return it. It is, of course, still an excellent banjo at a good price (lower than the price currently listed as of this writing). I suspect their "confirmation" of the model was cursory, rather than a physical inspection, and the Amazon photo on the listing itself simply pulled from Deering's website (showing, naturally, the current model).

The 5 stars refers to the banjo itself, as I don't like to knock down ratings based on customer service issues. In my experience with Amazon, this is an exception. It was, however, quite a miss.

3.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly disappointing, December 13, 2011

By 

Jess H - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Deering Deluxe 5-String Banjo (Electronics)

BACKGROUND:

I am a musician of some 20 years experience, though entirely new to banjo. I chose to purchase this brand and model of banjo, partly because of the Deering reputation and online commentary, but predominantly because of the available video content demonstrating the tone of the instrument and quality of the craftsmanship. Not being a banjo player myself, I opted to rely on the informed opinions of many other players.

SHIPPING:

The banjo was shipped in the Deering Hardshell case surrounded by a plastic bag, inside a rectangular cardboard carton with one cardboard 'collar' panel over the neck, presumably to keep it stable inside the box. I had it shipped to my address in the U.S (I was on vacation from Australia) utilising Amazon Prime 2-day shipping. It arrived on time.

THE HARDSHELL CASE:

Unfortunately, upon opening the carton, I discovered one latch was broken off the case. Upon closer inspection, I found the top piece of one latch and two rivets caught in the folds of cardboard at the bottom of the box. This is extremely disappointing, given that the hardshell case is meant to be robust, and further, that the item should have been treated as fragile and shipped more appropriately.

I contacted Amazon customer service, and explained that I would be returning to Australia within a couple of days, and asked what might be done to resolve the issue. The customer service person immediately offered to ship a new case, but then discovered it would not arrive in time for me to receive it before leaving the country.

THE DEERING DELUXE BANJO:

The banjo itself looked beautiful, and I was delighted to have gotten such a good price for it through Amazon, in spite of the broken case. Upon closer inspection however, I discovered flaws in the nickel plating beneath the strings, right where the neck meets the body. It looks as if the plating has been burred before it has "dried" or "set". The flaw is about 5-6mm long.

Again, I sent a follow-up email to Deering, but received no response. (I included pictures showing the problems). I asked what might be done to resolve the problems, given that I was returning to Australia and shipping back and forth to the U.S becomes cost-prohibitive.

Now, I have returned to Australia, and contacted my local luthier for advice on set-up. Through conversation, I inspected the banjo more thoroughly and have discovered that one of the hex nuts for the 24 hooks is missing entirely. This part (I have since learned from Deering's website) retails for less than a dollar, but is nonetheless extremely frustrating to be without (and critical) when setting up this new instrument.

I have now sent a third email to Deering, and await their response.

AMAZON CUSTOMER SERVICE:

Amazon offered me an immediate $150 refund to obtain a new case in the local area prior to departure. In the end, I was unable to find a store with a flight case in stock so had to gaffer tape, and bubble wrap, and box around the case, and then have it checked as fragile oversize luggage to protect it as best I could for the flight home at great expense.

Nonetheless, the Amazon customer service was excellent, and the assistant demonstrated a willingness to listen to my individual circumstance and provide constructive, timely help.

DEERING CUSTOMER SERVICE:

I contacted Deering by telephone and email to inquire about warranty on the case. By telephone I was told that "Christina" was away, but would address any emails upon return to the office, so I put my issues in writing. I've not yet had a response (almost one week later). I've registered my warranty on their website, but would urge others considering a similar purchase to familiarise themselves with the Deering Warranty policy which states:

"All new Deering, Vega, or Tenbrooks banjos are warranted to the original owner only, without time limit, against defective materials or workmanship.

The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, the frets, finish, or accidental damage and is not transferable to subsequent owners. Return of warranty registration is a condition precedent to warranty coverage. Incidental and consequential damages are excluded from this warranty and we assume no liability other than for the actual repair of the instrument."

I am yet to find out whether the case is covered, and indeed whether the flawed nickel plating falls under "finish" or "defective materials or workmanship", or whether I will be forced to accept such flaws without recourse. It seems unreasonable to do so for such an expensive item.

I am also now waiting to hear if they will ship me another hex nut in Australia, in order that I can actually set up the banjo and play it. Playing it and enjoying doing so, is after all, the goal.

SUMMARY:

Overall, the packaging for the banjo was inappropriate, and appears to have caused damage to a hardshell case that itself should have been able to withstand reasonable handling.

Amazon customer service was outstanding in the circumstance. Deering customer service has thus far been non-existent.

New from the box, the banjo has a flaw in the nickel plating, and is missing a critical hex nut.

In spite of these problems, and the annoyance and inconvenience it continues to cause, the instrument is beautiful and I anticipate that good customer service will ensure it can actually live up to its reputation and provide many years of enjoyment. Here's hoping Deering comes through!