Deering Deluxe 12-String (1990)

Traditionalists are welcome to turn up their nose at the Deering Deluxe 12-String - this 12-string, all-mahogany resonator banjo is certainly not "how Earl did it" - but we'd be real liars if we told you that this smooth playing, hand-built, and thunderously loud reso isn't a whole lot of fun. Dating from the first half of 1990, this 12-string version of the company's standard Deluxe 5-string model showcases just how long Deering have sat near the top of the heap in the world of banjo luthiery. The Deluxe 12-String has a seemingly limitless store of volume and sustain, aided by Deering's proprietary -06- tone ring and a one-piece flange which bolster the already huge sound of a 12-string instrument. Heavy-duty hardware adds mass and sustain, and Deering opt for Gotoh closed-gear nickel tuners at the headstock, as the planetary tuners that come stock on the 5-string Deluxe would obviously not be an option on this one.

This instrument arrived in our store in very good condition, with relatively light playing wear relative to its age. Scuffing and denting is very uniform and minor, and overall cosmetic imperfections are well below the average. Despite the massive amount of tension the instrument is constantly under, the set up is very good and relief is moderate. The original ball-end terminator-style tailpiece is in good working order, and all the banjo's parts are original. Included in the price is a non-original hybrid-style case.

Specifications

Scale Length: 26"
Nut Width: 1.75"
Neck Wood: Mahogany
Fretboard Wood: Ebony
Peghead Overlay: Black acrylic
Peghead Inlay: Deering old logo with eagle
Fret Markers: 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th, 17th, and 19th frets
Nut Material: Graphite
Spikes: None
Tuners: Gotoh nickel closed-gear
Finish: Full gloss
Rim Size: 11"
Rim Wood: Mahogany
Rim or Resonator Binding: White
Resonator Wood: Quartersawn mahogany
Tailpiece: Modified nickel terminator-style
Head: Frosted white
Armrest: Nickel
Case: Non-original hybrid-style case