Deering Sierra 5-String Mahogany Resonator Banjo | No Limit Guitar Co, Idaho Falls
The Deering Sierra is the flagship of the entire Deering line, combining professional-grade pot assembly components with exquisite artistry inspired by the old masters of the Boston banjo era. Featuring the same violin-grade 3-ply maple rim, legendary -06- bell bronze tone ring, one-piece zinc flange, and notched tension hoop found in Deering's top-tier instruments, the Sierra delivers professional masterpiece sound at an accessible price point. Whether you're a bluegrass musician seeking authentic resonator tone, a developing player ready for a professional-grade instrument, or a seasoned performer who values traditional craftsmanship with modern reliability, the Sierra represents exceptional value and performance backed by Deering's lifetime warranty.
Product Overview
The Sierra features a slender "D" shape quartersawn mahogany neck with brown mahogany satin finish, providing comfortable playability and elegant aesthetics that complement the instrument's traditional voice. The A-grade ebony fingerboard hosts 22 nickel silver frets and original Deering-designed engraved inlays, while the ebony nut ensures optimal string spacing and sustain. Deering planetary banjo tuners and a Gotoh geared 5th string tuner provide smooth, precise tuning stability essential for live performance and recording sessions.
The pot assembly represents the heart of the Sierra's professional sound quality. A 3-ply violin-grade maple rim measuring 11" in diameter provides the resonant foundation, while the legendary Deering -06- 20-hole bell bronze tone ring delivers the crisp, powerful tone that has made Deering banjos favorites among bluegrass professionals. The 11" top frosted medium crown head, notched brass tension hoop, 24 round J-hooks with 1/4" hex nuts, and Deering one-piece cast zinc flange work together to create optimal sustain, volume, and tonal clarity.
The 3-ply resonator (poplar/poplar/mahogany) with brown mahogany satin finish measures 13 7/8" in diameter with straight sidewalls, providing traditional aesthetic appeal and excellent sound projection. Nickel-plated hardware including the Deering armrest, 5/8" Deering Smile bridge, and Deering True Tone tailpiece complete the professional appointments. At approximately 11 pounds with an overall length of 38", the Sierra balances substantial tone with comfortable playability for extended practice sessions and performances.
Ideal For
- Bluegrass musicians seeking professional-grade resonator tone at accessible pricing
- Intermediate to advanced players ready to upgrade to a lifetime-quality instrument
- Studio recording artists requiring authentic traditional banjo voice with modern reliability
- Church musicians and community orchestra performers who value traditional craftsmanship
- Music educators teaching bluegrass and traditional American music styles
Key Features
Professional Pot Assembly Components
The Sierra shares its core pot assembly with Deering's top-tier instruments including the Gabriella, featuring a 3-ply violin-grade maple rim, legendary -06- bell bronze 20-hole tone ring, one-piece cast zinc flange, and notched brass tension hoop. This professional-grade foundation delivers the crisp attack, powerful volume, and sustained resonance that define authentic bluegrass banjo tone, giving you sound quality typically reserved for instruments costing significantly more.
Legendary -06- Bell Bronze Tone Ring
The Deering -06- bell bronze tone ring has become legendary among bluegrass players for its ability to produce clear, cutting tone with exceptional sustain and harmonic complexity. This 20-hole design optimizes head vibration transfer while the bell bronze composition delivers the brilliant high-end sparkle and focused midrange projection that allows the banjo to cut through ensemble playing without harshness.
Quartersawn Mahogany Neck with Ebony Fingerboard
The slender "D" shape quartersawn mahogany neck provides exceptional stability and comfortable playability across all 22 nickel silver frets. Quartersawn construction resists warping and twisting over decades of use, while the A-grade ebony fingerboard delivers smooth playing surface, optimal string response, and the dark visual contrast that highlights the original Deering-designed engraved inlays inspired by turn-of-the-century Boston banjo artistry.
Premium Hardware and Appointments
Deering planetary banjo tuners provide smooth, precise tuning with excellent gear ratio for fine adjustments, while the Gotoh geared 5th string tuner ensures your thumb string stays perfectly in tune during performance. The Deering True Tone tailpiece optimizes string angle and sustain, the 5/8" Deering Smile bridge ensures proper intonation across all strings, and the Deering armrest provides comfortable playing position while protecting the instrument's finish.
Lifetime Warranty and American Craftsmanship
Every Deering Sierra is backed by a lifetime warranty ensuring the quality of materials and workmanship, reflecting Deering's trust and pride in their instruments. This lifetime commitment provides peace of mind whether you're purchasing your first professional banjo or adding to an established collection, knowing that Deering stands behind their craftsmanship for as long as you own the instrument.
What's Included
- Deering Sierra 5-String Mahogany Resonator Banjo
- Deering lifetime warranty
- Free standard shipping
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Serial Number | BD39 |
| Strings | 5-string configuration |
| Neck Wood | Quartersawn mahogany |
| Neck Shape | Slender "D" shape |
| Stain | Brown mahogany |
| Finish | Satin |
| Nut Material | Ebony |
| Neck Width at Nut | 1 1/4" |
| Scale Length | 26 1/4" (nut to bridge) |
| Tuners | Deering planetary banjo tuners |
| 5th String Tuner | Deering Gotoh geared 5th string tuner |
| Frets | 22 nickel silver frets |
| Fingerboard | A-grade ebony |
| Inlays | Original Deering-designed engraved inlays |
| Rim | 3-ply violin-grade maple, 11" diameter |
| Tone Ring | Deering -06- 20-hole bell bronze tone ring |
| Head | 11" top frosted medium crown |
| Tension Hoop | Notched brass tension hoop |
| Hooks & Nuts | 24 round J-hooks and 1/4" hex nuts |
| Flange | Deering one-piece cast zinc flange |
| Armrest | Deering armrest |
| Hardware Plating | Nickel |
| Bridge | 5/8" Deering Smile bridge |
| Tailpiece | Deering True Tone tailpiece |
| Resonator | 3-ply poplar/poplar/mahogany, 13 7/8" diameter |
| Resonator Sidewalls | Straight |
| Resonator Finish | Brown mahogany satin |
| Overall Length | 38" |
| Weight | 11.81 lbs. |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty |
Experience This Resonator Banjo Today
Discover the professional sound and exquisite craftsmanship of the Deering Sierra 5-string banjo in person at No Limit Guitar Co in Idaho Falls. Our knowledgeable staff can demonstrate the instrument's legendary -06- tone ring clarity and help you understand why the Sierra represents exceptional value in professional-grade banjos. Contact us today to schedule a private demonstration or visit our showroom to experience why Deering's flagship model has earned its reputation among bluegrass musicians worldwide.