Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo main image

Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo

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$2,540.27 to $3,499.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (1)

1 Review

Find out who is using Deering Sierra 5-String

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The Banjo Chronicles: Finding you Perfect Instrument

1 wishlisted

3 saved

Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

$3,499.00

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5.0 (7)

$3,499.00

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5.0 (16)

$3,499.00

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5.0 (12)

$2,540.27 11 available New

$1,500.00 7 available Used

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4.7 (3)

$2,699.00

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Average Price: $2,873

High-end/Boutique

$499

$1300+

Price Tier

In the Banjos category, Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Discover the soulful harmony of tradition and innovation with the Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo, a masterpiece that resonates with both the seasoned professional and the passionate enthusiast. This instrument marries the rich, deep tones characteristic of classic banjos with modern craftsmanship, offering a playing experience that’s both authentic and distinctly forward-looking. Its virgin bell bronze tone ring and three-ply rock maple rim are not just components; they are the heart and soul of the Sierra, engineered to project a sound that's as deep and rich as the musical heritage it represents. Whether you're on a tour or just jamming at home, the Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo stands as a testament to what music can be when at its best—unfettered, vibrant, and endlessly compelling.

Key Features:

Virgin bell bronze tone ring for unparalleled sound quality
Three-ply rock maple rim, ensuring durability and rich tonal resonance
One-piece resonator flange, designed for professional-grade sound projection
Ideal for both touring musicians and banjo enthusiasts
Melds beauty with playability in an impeccably crafted package

Product specs

Available since	March 2008
Number Of Strings	5
Body	Mahogany
Open Back	No
Neck	Mahogany
Frets	22
incl. Case	Yes
Incl. Gigbag	No

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo, and how does it affect the sound?: The Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo features a mahogany body and neck, which provides a warm, rich tone with a strong midrange. This wood choice contributes to the banjo's smooth sound, making it suitable for a variety of musical styles.
Is the Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo suitable for professional players?: Yes, the Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo is designed with professional players in mind, offering high-quality construction and excellent tonal characteristics that meet the demands of advanced musicians.
Does the Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo come with a case?: Yes, the Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo includes a hard case, providing protection and easy transport for the instrument.
How many frets does the Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo have?: The Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo features 22 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and versatility in playing styles.
Is the Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo an open-back model?: No, the Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo is not an open-back model; it has a resonator, which enhances its volume and projection, making it ideal for bluegrass and other genres requiring a louder, fuller sound.

Videos

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Deering Banjo Company

The Sierra with Jens Kruger | Deering Upperline Banjos

Deering Banjo Company

Deering Sierra Demo–Banjo Ben's General Store!

Banjo Ben Clark

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

banjodotcom

Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo Demo by JDMC (Improved Audio)

Jake Stogdill Guitar

Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo | CME Quick Riffs | Jack Tell

Chicago Music Exchange

Deering Sierra Banjo | Highlights & Features

Deering Banjo Company

Reviews

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PROS

Impeccable craftsmanship with a highly praised satin finish
Comes with a robust hard shell case that fits securely
Renowned for its exceptional tone and volume
Offers easy fretting and playability
Mahogany construction provides a unique, rich sound
Widely recommended by professional musicians and bluegrass players
Made in the USA with high quality standards
Suitable for players of all levels, from beginners to professionals

CONS

Requires professional setup out of the box for optimal performance
No bracket wrench included, necessitating an additional purchase
Some users experienced issues with high frets affecting playability
Heavy weight may require a specialized strap for comfort during long sessions

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

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The Deering Sierra is noted for a more mellow sound compared to the sharper attack and decay of traditional bluegrass banjos like Recording King or Huber.
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A Deering Sierra, with its 3-ply wood rim, is often considered superior to 70s Gibson banjos, which have multi-ply rims and less reliable neck quality.
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The Bishline Cimarron is suggested as an alternative in the same class, though neck shape differences are minimal compared to the Deering Eagle II.
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User experience

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Owners familiar with the Deering Goodtime will find the Sierra's neck feel familiar, making the transition smooth for those upgrading within the Deering brand.
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A user reported upgrading from a Recording King RK-Elite-75 to the Sierra for a more complete sound experience.
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Another owner mentioned having a positive long-term experience with the Sierra until finding a used Stelling at a pawn shop.
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Use cases and applications

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The Sierra's tone, described as warm and earthy, is ideal for players seeking to avoid the bright, "plinky" sound often associated with bluegrass banjos.
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The Deering Sierra's bronze tone ring is particularly sought after by those desiring a resonant, full-bodied sound for bluegrass playing.
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Value and pricing

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While not an extraordinary deal, $1,200 is considered a fair price for a Deering Sierra with minor cosmetic blemishes, reflecting its quality and tonal uniqueness.
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A 2004 Deering Sierra purchased for $1,200 now holds a resale value well over double, indicating strong investment potential.
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Build quality

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The newer Deering Sierra models feature more intricate inlays, elevating their aesthetic to resemble higher-end models like the Golden Era and Calico.
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A 2004 Deering Sierra's bronze tone ring contributes to a hefty weight of 13 lbs, enhancing its desired sound profile for some players.
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Setup and maintenance

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One owner experimented with changing the banjo head multiple times, ultimately settling on a black mahogany finish for aesthetic appeal.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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1 star

natspeight

about 10 years ago

Exceptional Instrument.

Best Bluegrass banjo on the market, it is clear to see why this is Deering's most popular banjo. The tone on this banjo is top quality.

Artist usage

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Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

Verified

In the referenced photo, Paul McCartney is seen playing a Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo, providing visual confirmation of his use of this instrument.

Scott Avett

Singer, Guitarist

The Avett Brothers

Verified via Hooks & Nuts - The Official Deering Banjos Blog

"The first banjo I got was a Sierra and then the second one was a Black Diamond. They sound similar and they are the banjos I use more on stage as my number one and two. They are both very resilient and very sturdy. And just do terrific on the road as my workhorses.

I have a Tenbrooks Legacy it is a much prettier sounding banjo, a little more delicate.

I’ve got the two Vega (Senators) and the Calico (with a custom 4” openback pot) and those I play more now at home than anything else."

Charley Crockett

Singer

Verified via Rolling Stone

Charley Crockett has been confirmed to use the Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo primarily in his recordings from 2020 to 2023, as reported by Joseph Hudak in Rolling Stone's article, "Charley Crockett Skewers the Nashville Star-Making Machine in ‘Music City USA’."

Critter Fuqua

Singer, Guitarist

Old Crow Medicine Show

Verified via Deering® Banjo Company

Critter Fuqua has been confirmed to use a Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo, as documented by the Deering® Banjo Company in their feature on Old Crow Medicine Show.

Spencer Swain

Guitarist

Flogging Molly

Verified via Photo

In an Instagram photo posted by Spencer Swain, he can be seen with a Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo.

Kermit the Frog

Singer

Verified via YouTube

In the video "Rainbow Connection by Kermit the Frog from The Muppet Movie," uploaded by infinite echoes on YouTube, Kermit the Frog is seen playing a Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo.