Deering Sierra 5 - String Mahogany Banjo

Exceptional Craftsmanship with Superior Tone - The Deering Sierra 5- String Mahogany Banjo

Our most popular professional grade banjo for almost 30 years. We are proud to manufacture the Sierra as affordably as possible and still retain all of the high end features that affect the tone and playability.

“The Deering Sierra banjo is truly the flagship of our entire line! How is it that this is so? Well, I’ll tell you. The pot assembly of the Sierra, the violin grade maple 3-ply rim, the -06- tone ring, the one-piece zinc flange, the notched tension hoop, the Deering tailpiece and the armrest are exactly the same as our whole line all the way up to the Gabriella, with just a few exceptions. The only exceptions are; the Golden Era has a different zinc flange, the Hartford has a Grenadillo wood tone ring, the Terry Baucom has an -06- tone ring that is just a few ounces lighter than the standard -06- tone ring, and the Tenbrooks banjos have the Swiss Jens Kruger tone ring.

When I first introduced the Sierra I kept the cost down by keeping the cosmetics simple. I put the money into the pot assembly. I wanted to build a top professional banjo at a price that I could have afforded when I was a kid going to the music store on my way home from school every day.

With the implementation of new technology we have been able to make the Sierra exquisitely beautiful without raising the price. I have been greatly inspired by the artwork of the old masters of the Boston banjo era from the turn of the last century. With this inspiration in my blood, I have brought art to the Sierra that is usually reserved for banjos costing much, much more.

"The Sierra is truly a professional masterpiece of both sound and art at a price that is within your reach." - Greg Deering

SPECIFICATIONS

Neck

• Neck Wood: Quartersawn Mahogany or Maple
• Neck Shape: Slender "D" Shape
• Stain: Brown Mahogany
• Finish: Satin
• Nut Material: Ebony
• 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

Pot

• Rim: 3-Ply Violin Grade Maple
• Rim Diameter: 11"
• 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
• Finish: Satin

Resonator

• Resonator Wood: 3-Ply Poplar/Poplar/Mahogany or Maple
• Resonator Finish: Satin
• Resonator Sidewalls: Straight
• Resonator Diameter: 13 7/8"
• Resonator Stain: Brown Mahogany

Dimensions

• Neck Width at the Nut: 1 1/4"
• Scale Length Nut to Bridge: 26 1/4"
• Rim Diameter: 11"
• Overall Instrument Length: 38"
• Weight Approx.: 11 lbs

We are Musictoner Musictoner

Since 1958, Chuck Levin’s Musictoner has been the trusted destination for musicians and audio professionals across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Family-owned and operated, our legendary music store delivers Everything in Music®—from instruments and recording gear to pro audio, rentals, and repair services.

Our team of musicians and industry experts lives and breathes gear, helping you build the perfect setup for your next performance, studio session, or installation. As an authorized dealer for top brands, we also offer our award-winning CHUCKSCLUSIVE line—exclusive, limited-edition instruments and collaborations recognized with the NAMM Top 100 Dealer Innovation Award for redefining what a music retail experience can be.

Chuck Levin’s isn’t just a store—it’s a community built by players, engineers, and creators who share a lifelong passion for sound. Stop by our legendary Wheaton, MD showroom or contact us anytime for expert advice, product questions, or the best possible deal on your next piece of gear.