Deering Sierra 5-string Banjo

It reall cracks with a sullivan bridge on. Its an amazing banjo. But even with a Deering banjo bridge its good. You just cant beat a Deering banjo.

(Posted on 4/18/12)

I recently started playing again after putting down the banjo for 25 years. My previous banjo, a 1970 gibson RB-100, sounded flat, lifeless and tinny even after a luthier reworked it. I always wanted a professional grade banjo, but I got sticker shock when I started pricing the newer professional models.
I finally decided to buy a used 1975 Gibson RB-250 Mastertone, but after playing it a week, it was too mellow, lacked punch and brilliance. Perhaps it was the aging of the wood. I went back to the music store, saw a Sierra, and after playing it a few minutes I knew I was taking it home. The store exchanged the gibson, and since then I can't put the sierra down. It felt comfortable from the minute I picked it up- fantastic action, beautifully handcrafted with terrific attention to detail. Just superb craftsmanship. And much lighter than those mastertones, which feel like boat anchors.
But the real story is the sound. Incredible sustain, ring, brilliant bluegrass sound that seems to get better by the day. This is an instrument you will have for a lifetime and never tire of it. The folks at Deering really know their trade. When you consider the sound and craftsmanship you are getting, this instrument is actually a bargain compared to other banjo makers like gibson or stelling. You never need to look at other banjos, Deering has the formula perfected.

(Posted on 12/14/11)

I'm from the UK where banjo playing is a little unusual compared to guitar.
I've played' Merle Travis picking' Martin guitars for many years and wondered how the same style would sound on a banjo. I bought a cheap one initially and picked up 'clawhammer' fairly quickly and it sounded good. Because it sounded good I decided to buy a 'proper' banjo and Deering seemed like the best bet. I managed to purchase a Sierra from Eagle Music in the UK and have never looked back. It really does sound professional compared with my cheapo banjo. So easy to move around the fretboard and is beautifully put together. Makes you feel happy playing it too. Always a good thing in this unsure world!

(Posted on 12/2/11)

I like my Sierra very much. For the price, you can't beat it. I have a Golden Wreath that I like more, but both are very good banjos.

(Posted on 10/25/11)

After using an imported beginners banjo for a long time, I decided that it was time for an upgrade. Without a doubt a professional banjo is expensive in my book, so I did a lot of research on different brands and types. I quickly decided that Deering would be my banjo, but it took much longer to decide on which one of their banjos that I would choose. After countless hours on the Internet and bugging my banjo instructor (who is also a shop owner) to death, I decided on the Sierra. After a quick tune and set up at the store I took it home. I knew that would be some differences, but I never would have guessed that it would be this noticeable. When playing Foggy Mt Breakdown on my old banjo, all of the notes ran on top of one another. The Sierra has very clear note separation. I also thought that it would take me a little while get the feel of a new banjo, but after about 30 minutes it was as if I had been playing this banjo for years. I can not say enough about the instrument. It is beautiful, smooth, a dream to play, and a sound like no other. I would not trade this banjo for another brand that is three times the price.

(Posted on 9/24/11)

I have a 2011 mahogany Sierra. Fairly new to banjo but very longterm guitarist, Sierra replaced my Goodtime 2. Build quality is beautiful, all components are Also very good quality.
The sound is darker and more woody than maple banjos I have played, it sings melody lines beautifully. Played with more oomph it pops and twangs in a heartfelt and bluesy way, a great tone. It's a very musical instrument, it's more les Paul than fender strat, it's got soul.
Go and play one, really, it's a little cracker.

(Posted on 9/14/11)

This is the best banjo for the money. The new inlays are beautiful and are a nice change from standard patterns. The only banjo I like more than this one is one costing double the price.

(Posted on 8/30/11)