Golden Era 5-String Banjo

I was given this Banjo as a gift after mentioning wanting to learn how to play the Banjo. I have to say, after 2 years I still get excited everytime I hear the sounds coming from this beautiful work of functinal art.

(Posted on 9/6/12)

I have played Bluegrass and Old-Time music for over 35 years. At times professionally, at times semi-pro. Fiddle is my bread and butter, but I had an opportunity to get a Golden Era when Strait Music closed their downtown store in Austin. I had no idea at the time what I had just acquired! Unlike other instruments, I have never had a need or desire to look for another prewar style Bluegrass banjo. This meets all of the demands in tone, workmanship, looks, and best of all, weight. Well, that's what it takes to get the sound. From time to time I take some Flitz to the nickel finish which keeps it looking sparkling new. I like the new Rennaisance head (it came with a clear mylar head) for a better prewar sound. I suppose that was humidity affecting the skin head, but it is still very clear with good note separation. Although the frets were glued in, I had a luthier I know who works for a major guitar company remove some frets above #5 and file off the underside, which makes it possible to "fret" the fifth string without defacing the fretboard or the neck in any way. I think the Master should have endorsed this banjo, but you can see that with the Terry Baucom signature model and John Hartford's banjo that Deering is pretty much without any rival. I do prefer a radiused fretboard on most instruments but you can get away without it on the Golden Era. I must have been fortunate because the curly maple on the neck and the one piece resonator back are about as beautiful as I have seen on any instrument. The Hearts and Flowers inlay is perfect. When I was thinking of a summary title for the review, ti was obvious. I have heard hundreds of other banjos, including precious and expensive prewar instruments. You cannot go wrong with the Deering Golden Era if that is the sound (and look) you are seeking. Mine is a 1996 purchased in 2003. If any specs have changed I have not followed them. My banjo has an ebony fingerboard, which is essential in my view. The spec sheet I have seen says rosewood. I do believe you need the density of ebony to get the prewar sound.

(Posted on 6/25/12)

This is the banjo i don't deserve. The sound! the feeling! The ease to play! For a guy that plays bluegrass banjo only as a hobby this is an overkill! But I love this music and for its plice, this guy is a MUST! DB

(Posted on 5/25/12)

I bought my Golden Era about 5 or 6 years ago. I drove from Santa Maria to McCabes to see one in person. When I sat it in my lap the sheer beauty made me fall in love with it. I started picking it and if felt like an old friend, an old friend with new sounds. I have been a professional for forty years and have relied on my Mastertone all of those years. I could not leave the Golden Era in Santa Monica, it came home with me. It is a great partner to my Mahogany arch top Flying Eagle Mastertone. The archtop is sweet, but the Deering Golden Era flat top with Hearts and flowers and fantastic finish is truly a piece of art. If you want a true hard working, great pre-war, sound, and beautiful work of art, this is the one for you. I'm telling you straight.

(Posted on 12/2/11)