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Subject: banjo wood quesiton
Date: Sun, 18 Jul 2004 12:22:58 -0700

Hi again Mickey

Greetings Dan,

I want a banjo that sounds like Bela Fleck's prewar (the best example is his "Salty" on Fiddle Tunes for Banjo (Trischka, Keith, Fleck).

Yes, I have this album...it's the one with the driving banjo trio of Bill Cheatum...wow!

So I was looking at maybe getting (or doing myself) a prewar Gibson conversion. But at the same time, I really like Deerings. I've read your many praises about the Golden era which is Maple throughout. But I prefer the look of the Golden Classic model, but that's Mahogany like my 1986 Deering Deluxe (which sounds great, but not pre-war).

The pre-war sound is still based on the original Granada with maple woods...I personally believe that the best way to cover your bases would be to have both a maple and a mahogany banjo...especially since both seem to offer two completely different tonal ranges (on average)...since you already have a good mahogany banjo, you might now target a hard maple banjo...there are many vintage ones available...or you can opt to purchase a new Deering such as the Maple Blossom, Calico or Golden Era...you might also consider the Crafters maple banjos...they sound superb...

But when I checked Deering serial number (banjo pages), it looks like Fleck '37 style 75 is also Mahogany...SO WHICH IS IT??? Mahogany or Maple for the neck and resonator.

I'm not too sure which Fleck banjo you're referring to...however, I have been informed that Bela prefers mahogany over maple banjos.

Second thing: which is a more faithful pre-war tonering, the Huber flathead or the Deering 20 hole?

You'll want to consult with a banjo builder on this one...maybe Barry with Deering or Mark with Crafters of Tennessee...I have heard some great reviews on the Huber...

Best of luck to you in your further research, Mickey

Thanks so much!
Dan