1997 Deering Long Neck Crossfire Electric Banjo — Rare, Custom Ordered, Original Owner

**Detailed video at the bottom of this listing. More upon request.**

1997 Deering Long Neck Crossfire Electric Banjo — Rare, Custom Ordered, Original Owner

Selling due to changing personal circumstances and health considerations. After nearly 30 years, this is a difficult instrument to part with, but it's time for it to find a new home where it can be appreciated and played.

History and Provenance

Custom-ordered in 1997 and offered for sale by its original owner, this is a rare Deering Long Neck Crossfire electric banjo, originally purchased through East Coast Music Mall in Danbury, Connecticut.

According to recent correspondence with Deering, this instrument is one of only two long-neck Crossfire banjos made in 1997. This example is dated July 1997.

Deering confirmed the following details:

• Serial number: 327 5763 (original paperowk not available)
• Originally sold through East Coast Music Mall in Danbury, Connecticut
• Deering has not produced a long-neck Crossfire in more than 20 years

Note: The quoted MSRP is for the standard Crossfire in 2015, not a valuation of this custom long-neck model.

Ownership and Playing History

• Original owner since its custom order in 1997.
• Kept in a smoke-free home.
• Originally purchased with the intention of playing in a touring band, but the instrument was never played outside the studio.

Custom Features and Modifications

• Factory-custom turquoise diamond-shaped inlays.
• Custom-shaped headstock: Reshaped from the original “boat paddle” design to a more traditional profile by Paul Von Schmidt, known for building and custom work associated with the Dave Matthews Band. A small Kermit the Frog detail was added to the headstock because Kermit was the character who inspired me to take up banjo.
• Custom maple long neck: 25 frets, three more than the stock configuration, with an ebony fretboard and truss rod.
• Additional on/off switch: Installed by Paul Von Schmidt.
• Custom-fitted Calzone hard case: Yellow case made specifically to accommodate the long-neck instrument, as Deering did not offer a long-neck case.
• 11-inch black banjo head.
• Factory-option brass notched tension hoop with chrome plating.
• Compensated bridge.

Standard Crossfire Features

• Gloss-black alder body.
• Tone ring.
• 24 round hooks with 1/4-inch hex nuts.
• Two active EMG pickups mounted beneath the head.
• Three-way pickup selector switch.
• Tone and volume controls.

Professional Maintenance and Recent Upgrades

• Professional setup and adjustments: The banjo received tune-ups and maintenance from Vic Schwartz, associated with Pete Seeger and other New York folk artists, and later from Chris Griffin of Beacon Guitars after the instrument's move from New York.
• Recent upgrades: Brand-new Golden Gate tuning machines and a fresh set of Deering strings (2 other sets of strings will be included)

A Rare Piece of Deering History

The extended maple neck, ebony fretboard, turquoise diamond inlays, distinctive custom headstock, and custom-fitted case set this instrument apart from a standard production Crossfire. Combined with its documented production history and nearly three decades of original ownership, these details make it an unusual offering for collectors and players seeking something genuinely distinctive.

More Than Just an Instrument

This banjo has a history that goes beyond its specifications. Custom ordered in 1997, it reflects the vision of its original owner and the craftsmanship of the people who helped shape and maintain it over the years. From its distinctive headstock and personal Kermit the Frog detail to its rare long-neck configuration, this is an instrument with a story of its own.

I'm hoping it finds a new owner who appreciates not only what it is, but also the history behind it.

Additional photographs or details can be provided upon request.