Custom Deering Sierra 19-Fret Tenor Banjo with Pre-War Flange & Fiberskyn Head

Custom Deering Sierra 19-Fret Tenor: Modern Precision Build with Pre-War Aesthetics

The Deering Sierra has long been the "workhorse" of the banjo world, known for its professional-grade -06- tone ring and no-nonsense aesthetics. But at Banjo Studio, we wanted to push the Sierra platform into a more vintage, soulful territory.

This custom 19-Fret Tenor Sierra is the result. By blending the punch of a professional resonator banjo with the warmth of a "plunky" setup and the aesthetics of legendary banjos, we’ve created a tenor that is as much a visual masterpiece as it is a tonal powerhouse.

What Makes This "Custom"?

This isn't a factory-standard model. We’ve hand-selected specific appointments to give this banjo a "Pre-War" personality:

• The "John Hartford" Maple Stain: Normally, a Maple Sierra features a light, honey-colored finish. We requested the deep, rich, chocolatey stain used on the John Hartford signature model. This gives the maple a sophisticated, vintage-brown hue that makes the wood grain pop and sets it apart from any other Sierra on the market.

• Pre-War Style Flange: Instead of the modern Deering flange, this build features a one-piece "Pre-War" style flange. This provides the classic, iconic silhouette found on the most sought-after banjos of the 1930s, giving the instrument a more traditional, high-end profile.

• Fiberskyn Head: To tame the natural brightness of a 19-fret tenor, we opted for a Fiberskyn head. This adds a beautiful warmth and "thump" to the attack. If you’re an Irish session player looking for a rounder melody tone, or a jazz player who wants a less "piercing" lead, this head choice is the secret sauce.

The Foundation: Professional Power

Underneath the custom aesthetics is the heart of a professional Deering. It features the 06 Bronze Tone Ring, providing incredible sustain and clarity. Whether you are tuning it to GDAE (Irish) for punchy jigs and reels or CGDA (Jazz) for sophisticated chord melodies, this banjo offers the projection and responsiveness that professional players demand.

Why You Need This Banjo

In a world of mass-produced instruments, this Custom Sierra offers a unique identity. It provides the rock-solid reliability and playability Deering is known for, but with a custom aesthetic and tonal warmth you simply won't find on a showroom floor elsewhere.

If you want a professional 19-fret tenor that looks like a vintage heirloom and sounds like a dream, this is the one.

Serial: BE59