Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
$5,999.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (2)
$5,999.00
Amazon
5.0 (3)
$5,219.00
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$5,999.00 New
$2,950.00 Used
Musician's Friend
3.0 (3)
$5,999.00
Thomann
5.0 (2)
$4,333.00

Average Price: $5,214

High-end/Boutique

$499

$1300+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Deering Calico 5-String Banjo". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Step into the world of timeless sound with the Deering Calico 5-String Banjo, a masterpiece that beautifully marries elegance and tone. This banjo is not just an instrument; it's a statement of quality for musicians who appreciate both artistry and performance. The Calico's bell bronze tone ring ensures a vibrant, clear tone, while its violin-grade maple rim provides a rich resonance that captivates any audience. The slender "D" neck profile, topped with an AAA ebony fingerboard, offers unparalleled comfort and fluidity, allowing your fingers to dance effortlessly across its 22 frets.

The Calico’s resonator, crafted from curly maple with tapered walls, is designed to project your sound with remarkable clarity and sustain. The mother-of-pearl inlays adorning the fingerboard and peghead add a touch of sophistication, making this banjo as visually stunning as it is sonically impressive. Whether you're strumming in a bluegrass ensemble or leading a folk solo, the Deering Calico stands ready to deliver powerful sound and instantaneous response with every note.

For players who value precision, the Calico features a True Tone tailpiece and Deering Planetary tuners, ensuring your pitches remain perfectly in tune. This banjo is not just an instrument; it's a partner in your musical journey, crafted for those who demand excellence both on stage and in the studio.

Key Features:

  • Bell bronze tone ring for vibrant and clear sound
  • Violin-grade 3-ply maple rim
  • AAA ebony fingerboard with mother-of-pearl inlays
  • Slender "D" profile neck for comfortable playability
  • Curly maple resonator with tapered walls for enhanced tone projection
  • True Tone tailpiece and Deering Planetary tuners for stable tuning
  • Includes a premium hard case for protection and portability

Product specs

Type Acoustic
String Type Steel
Number of Strings 5
Body Style Resonator
Top Material 11" Frosted Bottom
Body Material 3-ply Maple
Neck Material AA Curly Maple
Neck Shape Comfortable D Shape
Fingerboard Material AAA Ebony
Number of Frets 22, Nickel Silver
Scale Length 26.25"
Nut Material Bone
Nut Width 1.27"
Tuners Gotoh Planetary Tuners, 14:1
Hardware Polished Nickel
Strings .010, .011, .013, .021w, .010
Case Included Hardshell Case

FAQs

What type of music is the Deering Calico 5-String Banjo best suited for?

The Deering Calico 5-String Banjo is ideal for bluegrass and folk music due to its resonator body style and bright, clear tone.

What materials are used in the construction of the Deering Calico Banjo?

The Deering Calico features a 3-ply maple body, AA curly maple neck, and an AAA ebony fingerboard, contributing to its durability and rich sound.

Does the Deering Calico Banjo come with a case?

Yes, the Deering Calico Banjo includes a hardshell case for protection and easy transport.

How many frets does the Deering Calico 5-String Banjo have?

The Deering Calico 5-String Banjo has 22 nickel silver frets, providing a wide range of notes for versatile playing.

What is the neck shape of the Deering Calico Banjo?

The Deering Calico Banjo features a comfortable D-shaped neck, making it easier for players to navigate the fretboard.

Are the tuners on the Deering Calico Banjo high quality?

Yes, the Deering Calico Banjo is equipped with Gotoh planetary tuners and a Deering geared 5th string tuner, ensuring stable and precise tuning.

What is the scale length of the Deering Calico 5-String Banjo?

The scale length of the Deering Calico 5-String Banjo is 26.25 inches, which is standard for many banjos, allowing for comfortable playability.

Deering Banjo Company

Deering Banjo Company

The Calico with Jens Kruger | Deering Upperline Banjos

Video thumbnail for The Calico with Jens Kruger | Deering Upperline Banjos by Deering Banjo Company

The Calico with Jens Kruger | Deering Upperline Banjos

Deering Banjo Company

Deering Banjo Company

Video thumbnail for Deering Calico 5 String Banjo... by MorrellMusic

Deering Calico 5 String Banjo...

MorrellMusic

MorrellMusic

Video thumbnail for Deering Calico 5-String Banjo Review by JDMC by Jake Stogdill Guitar

Deering Calico 5-String Banjo Review by JDMC

Jake Stogdill Guitar

Jake Stogdill Guitar

Video thumbnail for Banjo.com video: demo of a new Deering Calico 5 String Banjo by banjodotcom

Banjo.com video: demo of a new Deering Calico 5 String Banjo

banjodotcom

banjodotcom

Video thumbnail for Banjo.com video: demo of a new Deering Calico 5-String Banjo by banjodotcom

Banjo.com video: demo of a new Deering Calico 5-String Banjo

banjodotcom

banjodotcom

Video thumbnail for Deering Calico Resonator Banjo | Elderly Instruments by Elderly Instruments

Deering Calico Resonator Banjo | Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Video thumbnail for *** SOLD *** 2009 Deering Calico 5-String Banjo For Sale near Richmond, Virginia *** SOLD *** by Richie Dotson

*** SOLD *** 2009 Deering Calico 5-String Banjo For Sale near Richmond, Virginia *** SOLD ***

Richie Dotson

Richie Dotson

Video thumbnail for Deering Calico Demo at Banjo Ben's General Store! by Banjo Ben Clark

Deering Calico Demo at Banjo Ben's General Store!

Banjo Ben Clark

Banjo Ben Clark

Video thumbnail for Deering Calico banjo from Fuller’s Vintage Guitars by Mark Rocka

Deering Calico banjo from Fuller’s Vintage Guitars

Mark Rocka

Mark Rocka

Reviews

PROS

  • Produces loud, snappy, and bright tones perfect for various music genres

  • Exceptional handwork and inlay, making it a professional-level instrument

  • Beautiful, curly maple neck and resonator with a warm finish

  • Playable with crisp and true string tones across the fingerboard

  • Comes with a lifetime warranty if purchased new

  • Highly recommended by seasoned banjo players over other high-end models

  • No need for amplification due to its loudness

  • Deering offers detailed historical records for each banjo

CONS

  • Significantly heavy, necessitating a good strap for playing

  • Expensive, reflecting its professional craftsmanship and features

  • Some concerns about overall customer service from Deering

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Deering Calico 5-String Banjo.

Features and functionality

  • The tunneled 5th string design, though sleek, can cause tuning challenges due to friction within the tunnel.

    Source

User experience

  • Some players find the absence of a 5th string tuner peg as a neck landmark disorienting, affecting playability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Applying graphite lubricant to both ends of the 5th string tunnel can help alleviate tuning friction issues.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to traditional designs, the Nechville Midnight Phantom's tunneled 5th string offers improved playability but requires adjustment to the lack of a 5th string peg.

    Source

Build quality

  • Custom tunneling of the 5th string has been implemented in upper-line Deering banjos, reflecting their experience in this design.

    Source

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