The Deering Sierra has been the "workhorse" of the professional banjo world for decades. While the standard Sierra is typically built with mahogany, we wanted to create something that offered a more aggressive, traditional bluegrass "crack" without losing that classic, dark aesthetic.
We worked with Deering to build this custom version of this model using a Maple neck and resonator, then finished it with the Dark Hartford Walnut stain usually reserved for the John Harford Banjo 5-string. The result is a banjo that looks like a vintage heirloom but sounds like a modern bluegrass powerhouse.
Why This Custom Model?
If you’ve ever played a jam session and felt like your banjo was getting "lost" in the mix of guitars and fiddles, this is your solution.
The Maple Advantage: Maple is denser than mahogany, providing a brighter, punchier tone with incredible note separation. It gives you that "Earl Scruggs" crispness that cuts through any ensemble.
The Custom Aesthetic: Most maple banjos come in a light, "blonde" finish. By applying the Dark Hartford Walnut stain, we’ve given this Sierra a rich, understated look that stands out from the crowd.
Professional Specs, Accessible Price: You’re getting the legendary Deering -06- 20-hole bell bronze tone ring and a three-ply violin-grade maple rim—the exact same internal components found on Deering’s much more expensive models.
Specifications
Neck:
Maple Neck
Natural Ebony Fingerboard
22 Pressed In Nickel Silver Frets
Original Deering Designed Engraved Inlays
Slender Deering Neck Shape
Fully Adjustable Truss Rod
Deering Planetary Banjo Tuners
Deering Geared 5th String Peg
Dark Hartford Walnut Stain
Satin Finish
Pot:
Deering -06- 20 Hole Bell Bronze Tone Ring
Three-Ply Violin Grade Maple Rim
True Tone Deering Tailpiece
Deering Brass Notched Tension Hoop
11” Top Frosted Medium Crown Head
24 Round Hooks and ¼” Hex Nuts
One Piece Cast Zinc Flange
Slender Shaped Armrest
Nickel Plated Hardware
Dark Hartford Walnut Stain
Satin Finish
Resonator:
Maple Stained Brown
White Binding
Satin Finish
Includes a Deering Hardshell Case
Tone:
With the standard Mahogany, the Sierra has the sweet sound of mahogany with less sustain than maple or walnut. With optional Maple, at no extra cost, the Sierra has a brighter and crisper professional quality tone that is easy to play with clarity and good note separation
Tuned:g,D,G,B,D in standard tuning
Can easily be tuned in other tunings as well.
Dimensions:
Neck Width at the Nut 1 1/4”
Scale Length Nut to Bridge 26 1/4”
Resonator diameter 13 7/8”
Overall Instrument Length 38”
Weight Approx. 11 lbs
Warranty:
Lifetime Warranty
