What is a Premier dealer and who are they?

Deering’s Premier dealers are a select group of music retailers who have elected to stock twelve or more Deering banjos and a minimum of four Goodtime banjos. Having a large number of banjos to choose from is a great benefit for us as customers. Choosing between different models of Deering banjos allows us to fine tune our choice of tone, feel and appearance, and hearing many banjos in the same physical space creates a consistency that helps us make an accurate assessment of how that banjo really affects our own artistic sensibilities. Of equal importance and benefit, is the fact that Deering’s premier dealers encompass some of the most knowledgeable acoustic instrument shops in the world, operated by individuals who are motivated by a deep and sincere passion for the music. Among Deering’s premier dealers you will find world famous teachers, deeply knowledgeable music historians, authors of world renown instruction books and videos, repair craftsmen of the very highest skill and all focused on bringing the magic of acoustic music to you.

Why is that important to us, the consumer? There certainly is a definite science in building beautiful banjos. If the principles of the physics of sound are not addressed and built into a banjo, then the result always leaves us with a wistful longing for something that we are unable to draw out of our banjo. The art of combining the science of sound with the subtle, difficult to measure “feel” and tone of a great banjo is a high art that is not necessarily measurable with a dial caliper or six inch rule. Developing a “feel” or an intuitive sense about how instruments work and how to keep them working their best is usually the result of years and years of study, experimentation, persistence and experience. What we, as consumers, really want, is to find musical instrument dealers that have developed this understanding and are sharing it with their customers in everyday business.

For those of us who are long time banjoists and who are fine tuning our tone and approach in the never ending search for “the magical tone that lives between our ears” we need to consult these great thinkers and dedicated acoustic instrument experts for their help and insight to attain these most noble goals. For those of us who are just getting started, we often don’t know yet what questions to ask. “What is a good banjo?” is a classic question that is always best answered by an expert who has seen and experienced a wide variety of banjos and can speak with clear authority as to why one banjo may be well suited to your musical needs and desires and why another is not necessarily appropriate for you. An expert can explain to us details of Deering’s superb craftsmanship so that we clearly understand the inherent value of a Deering banjo based on a deep and broad knowledge of the world’s finest quality banjos.

Deering’s Premier dealers can help you find the banjo you are searching for (because they probably have it in the store) and help you adjust, maintain and understand your Deering banjo. By utilizing their expertise and experience, you can get the most out of your beautiful new Deering, Tenbrooks, Vega or Goodtime banjo.

We all owe a deep and sincere gratitude to these dedicated artisans and keepers of the timeless art of banjos and other acoustic fretted instruments. Far from being just “store owners”, many of these individuals have chosen the life of an acoustic instrument retailer based purely on the love of the instruments and the innate beauty of the banjo and acoustic music. For great selection and helpful insight, contact one of these premier dealers and enjoy being the “kid in the musical candy store”