Eagle II™ 5-String Banjo

A Banjo is so much more than an instrument. The right banjo becomes an appendage. I have a 6 string and a 5 string Banjo. I don't play with picks and I use medium heavy gauge strings.I'm not trying to find a tone of yesteryear. I wanted to find my voice just as a guitarist and a horn player would find their sound.The Eagle 2 has more sustain than I could have ever hoped for.

I'm new to clawhammer style but my 5 string delivers. I love the way Blues sound on a 6 string Banjo. It's a raw and earthy tone that I found. I have the Kavanjo pickups which brings this beast to life. The only thing missing from my Eagle 2 is a lifetime of music ringing from it's strings!!!

I'm a very Happy Camper.

(Posted on 3/27/13)

I really got lucky by picking this as my very first banjo. I was not going to watse my time or money on cheap junk as I am a seasoned musician, new to banjo. I wanted to play more Appalachian clawhammer so I ordered mine as an open back.

Now after a year or so of use, I am blown away at how good this thing sounds compared to dozens of others I have played, including vintage Vega, vintage Gibson, etc. I know it is an opinion but I would not trade this for an old anything at this point. I know there is so much hogwash BS out there about what a banjo should sound like, or if old is better than new etc, but even the old timers tell me how nice this is and how great it sounds.

A few points though. Now that I have more experience, I can say that the tone really is a compromise but not so much old timey in stock form - much too tinny and no thump. It is very loud even as a open back version though and projects very well. The best thing I have done is recently mounted a calf-skin head. Now this thing is an absolutely amazing clawhammer machine. What an improvement! And yes a real 5th string pip would be nice.

The finish and workmanship is top notch, although I would have prefered a satin finish neck like the Sierra. Other than that I can hardly complain. I will never let this go even if as I add to my collection. This is a keeper.

(Posted on 10/11/12)

This American made Deering banjo is head and shoulders above the foriegn made model I have . If this one plays that good , I can only imagine how the other higher quality Deering professional banjos play. I also enjoy the Deering web site support , stories and functions . Great job Deering!

(Posted on 8/27/12)

After owning a Gibson Long Neck for 20 years and not playing much because I couldn't keep it in tune I began shopping for a replacement. I knew the Deering brand from their GoodTime banjos and wasn't aware of the high end line. After auditioning everything in my price range I picked up the Eagle II just to hear the difference and the difference was clear. I hadn't planned to spend that much but the quality convinced me that it was worth the investment. I haven't regretted my decision at all and I am playing more and enjoying it more!

(Posted on 8/7/12)

You can not find a better banjo for this price. I doubt I will purchase another Banjo in my life.

(Posted on 7/11/12)

I've played banjo for over fifty years. Last summer, I needed an openback (OB) on short notice, and I bought an Eagle II OB. I can't quite figure it out, and it looks like Deering can't either since they don't even include it in this list. The workmanship and quality are beyond excellent, beautiful wood, finish, inlays. The problem, I think, is the 10-20 tone ring, which (IMO) does not lend it self to clawhammer playing. The sound is clear, and bell-like but lacks the"pop" I associate with OB banjos of any sort. The project I bought it for was cancelled. Over the winter I've tried several combinations of different heads and bridges but the fundamental sound remains pretty constant. I take it out every week or so and play a tune or two, but my opinion remains the same. Deering tells me they were only selling the Eagle II through two dealers, and I have not yet seen any other reviews. Maybe it is just me. I would love to keep it as it is a very lovely instrument, but I really wish it sounded different.

(Posted on 5/25/12)

I did a lot research before buying and once I got it, I never regretted it. The quality of the fit and finish was absolutely stunning. It had the versatile tone I was looking for. Made in the USA too. What more could you want?

(Posted on 5/5/12)

I received my Eagle II a week ago and I am KNOCKED OUT by the sound,the tone,and the look of this instrument!
I have owned a Rogue,a Goodtime,a Goodtime II,a Morgan Monroe and have played many others.
If you are looking for a banjo that is worth MUCH more than the going price,one with a sound that is both unique and traditional at the same time,a banjo theat plays so smooth it makes YOU a better player-THIS IS IT!

Pick one up,play it and see what you think-I think you'll end up owning one.

(Posted on 5/4/12)

I bought this banjo last summer when i was looking for a good priced Resonator banjo for the extra projection. I'm a clawhammer banjo player and have always played openbacks but found problems with projection playing on the very noisy busy streets of Gatlinburg TN. I wanted a Resonator banjo that would have a good sound for Clawhammer and the Eagle II was just right. the sound is Crisp and Clean with nice midrange just as advertised it is great for any style of music. I also like that I can set it up as an openback if I ever want to. I like almost everything about this banjo as far as tone and playability goes. the only things I would change would be a real fifth string pip instead of the rail road spikes that many banjo makers are going to, and I'm not real crazy about the gloss finish I prefer the satin finish like the Sierra. I guess my perfect banjo would be a Deering Eagle II with a Satin Finish, a real 5th string nut, and a pop off resonator!

(Posted on 12/16/11)