1987 Deering John Hartford Prototype 5-String Banjo – Used

John Hartford loved the sound of wood rim banjos without a metal tone ring and when you play this one you just might become another convert. When you hear “Grenadillo tone ring” you probably think it must sound dull compared to the cast bell-brass ring in the typical Mastertone-style bluegrass banjo, but it doesn’t sound dull at all. Instead it’s a solid, ringing tone but with woody overtones that make it more compatible with a guitar, for instance, or most vocalists. And it certainly doesn’t take a backseat when it comes to volume. This example hasn’t seen much use as the previous owner had a large collection of banjos. It’s in nearly perfect shape. This banjo was one of seven prototypes that Deering sent to John Hartford while he was deciding what the final version would look like. The banjo includes a letter from Deering affirming that. Oh, and John sighed the head in his famously elegant handwriting.