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Deering’s Flagship Model: The Sierra





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When he first set upon creating the Sierra 5-string banjo, Deering cofounder Greg Deering wanted to build a top-notch professional instrument he could have afforded when he was a kid peeking into the local music store after school. Sweetwater can confirm he achieved his goal! One of Deering’s most popular banjos for nearly 30 years, the flagship Sierra 5-string banjo brings together professional looks and playability that include a 3-ply poplar/poplar/maple resonator, 3-ply violin-grade maple rim, quarter-sawn maple neck, and gorgeous A-grade ebony fingerboard. These expertly picked tonewoods bring out the best of the Sierra banjo, imbuing your fingers with glorious banjo tone that's crisp, clear, and undeniably projective. Other factors like an 11-inch Deering Frosted Top, 24 J-hook brackets, bell bronze tone ring, and True Tone Tailpiece outfit this banjo with that special Deering quality you can’t find anywhere else.





What goes into a flagship Deering model?





Imbued with the essence of the original banjo designs created by Greg and Janet Deering, the Flagship series of Deering banjos is headlined by the Sierra 5-string banjo. The Sierra’s time-tested design, unique simplicity, and workhorse construction have endeared it to professional pickers and serious starters alike. This model features a poplar and maple construction, lending a delightfully bright sound and responsive nature to this banjo.Its flat A-grade ebony fingerboard feels phenomenal and lends itself to various styles. The Sierra’s modest yet refined looks include pearloid inlays and polished nickel hardware. Pick one up for yourself, and you’ll never look back!





Bell bronze ? good vibrations, better tone!





The Sierra's bell bronze tone ring and brass tension hoop raise the bar on tone quality and resonance. Discerning modern pickers and prewar builds both rely on bell bronze tone rings to keep their banjo loud and musical. The unplated bell bronze used in the Sierra's tone ring ups the resonance even more and adds a bright, shimmering cut that’s comparable to maple resonators. By including bell bronze on the Sierra, Deering has guaranteed that your banjo's resonator and tonewoods sing together in harmony.





Hardware that brings the tone home





While the tonewoods of the Deering Sierra 5-string banjo set it up for multi-style success, its professional-grade hardware also brings the tone home and delivers exceptional performance. Planetary headstock tuners, a Gotoh geared 5th string tuner, and an ebony nut keep intonation rock solid while an 11-inch Frosted Top banjo head anchored with 24 heavy-duty J-hook brackets ensures maximum vibrational transfer between head, body, and strings. The Deering True Tone Tailpiece and patented 5/8-inch Smile Bridge seal the deal with responsive string action and buzz-free playability.





Deering: decades of banjo excellence





From professional-grade parts and exciting accessories to an impressive range of banjo series befitting players of all calibers, Deering is heralded as “The Great American Banjo Company” ? and for good reason! Since 1975, Deering has shown an unrivaled dedication to top-tier American-made quality and innovation in the banjo domain. Today, Sweetwater is proud to walk alongside Deering ? but we aren’t alone! Numerous bluegrass, folk, and country stars spanning the past and present, including Scott Avett, Keith Urban, and Jeff DaRosa, have engaged in the Deering banjo revelry. Are you ready to join the ranks?





Deering Sierra 5-string Resonator Banjo Features:


Deering's flagship banjo design, a workhorse that transcends musical styles and keeps up with the pros


3-ply poplar/poplar/maple resonator contributes bright crisp tone and responsive sound


Deering Craftsman 3-ply violin-grade maple rim aids in excellent note separation


Smooth A-grade ebony fingerboard adorned with 22 frets


Comfortable "D" shape maple neck


11-inch Frosted Top banjo head and 24 J-hook brackets ensure superb vibrational transfer


Brass tension hoop and bell bronze tone ring for projective, musical sound


Hardware including an ebony nut, a zinc flange, and a Gotoh geared 5th-string tuner support top-notch performance


True Tone Tailpiece and patented Smile Bridge safeguard tone and enhance performance