Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $2,169

High-end/Boutique

$499

$1300+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Deering Vega Senator 5 String Banjo". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 7, 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

Elevate your musical journey with the Deering Vega Senator 5 String Banjo, a masterpiece for both seasoned players and new enthusiasts. Crafted with precision, this banjo combines the traditional charm of folk music with modern craftsmanship. Its slim Vega neck profile offers a comfortable grip, ensuring effortless transitions and intricate fingerpicking. The durable maple neck, complemented by an ebony fretboard, delivers a warm and resonant sound that's perfect for bluegrass, old-time, and beyond.

The 3-ply maple rim and brass tone ring are meticulously designed to enhance the banjo's tonal quality, projecting clear and vibrant notes. Equipped with 24 flat hooks and Deering planetary machine heads, this instrument promises stability and precision tuning, even during the most intense jam sessions. The 11" Medium Crown Renaissance head not only contributes to its classic aesthetic but also ensures a balanced sound with every strum.

The Deering Vega Senator is finished with a satin touch, adding to its elegant appeal while maintaining the natural beauty of its materials. Whether you're performing on stage or practicing at home, this banjo is a reliable companion. Plus, with its nickel hardware and included case, it's built not just to play, but to last.

Key Features:

  • Maple neck with slim Vega profile
  • Ebony fretboard and nut
  • 22 frets for extensive range
  • Deering planetary machine heads
  • 3-Ply maple rim
  • Brass tone ring for enhanced sound
  • 24 flat hooks
  • 11" Medium Crown Renaissance head
  • Nickel hardware with satin finish
  • Includes protective case

Product specs

Available since June 2015
Number Of Strings 5
Body Maple
Open Back Yes
Neck Maple
Frets 22
incl. Case Yes
Incl. Gigbag No
Pickup No

FAQs

What type of music is the Deering Vega Senator 5 String Banjo best suited for?

The Deering Vega Senator 5 String Banjo, with its open-back design, is ideal for clawhammer and old-time music styles. Its maple body and neck provide a warm, resonant tone perfect for traditional folk music.

Is the Deering Vega Senator 5 String Banjo suitable for beginners?

While the Deering Vega Senator offers excellent quality and sound, it is more suited for intermediate to advanced players due to its craftsmanship and playability. Beginners might find it beneficial to start with a more entry-level model.

Does the Deering Vega Senator 5 String Banjo come with a case?

Yes, the Deering Vega Senator 5 String Banjo includes a case, providing protection and easy transport for your instrument.

How many frets does the Deering Vega Senator 5 String Banjo have?

The Deering Vega Senator 5 String Banjo features 22 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and playing styles.

What materials are used in the construction of the Deering Vega Senator 5 String Banjo?

The Deering Vega Senator 5 String Banjo is constructed with a maple body and neck, which contribute to its rich and warm tonal character.

Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Vega Senator by Deering | Elderly Instruments

Video thumbnail for Vega Senator by Deering | Elderly Instruments by Elderly Instruments

Vega Senator by Deering | Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Video thumbnail for New Banjo! Vega Senator by Steve Plays Banjo

New Banjo! Vega Senator

Steve Plays Banjo

Steve Plays Banjo

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

Banjo.com video: demo of a Deering Vega Senator 5-String Banjo

banjodotcom

banjodotcom

Video thumbnail for Vega Senator 5 String Banjo at Retrofret by Retrofret Vintage Guitars

Vega Senator 5 String Banjo at Retrofret

Retrofret Vintage Guitars

Retrofret Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for Recent Deering Vega Senator Open-Back Banjo by Greg Boyd's House of Fine Instruments

Recent Deering Vega Senator Open-Back Banjo

Greg Boyd's House of Fine Instruments

Greg Boyd's House of Fine Instruments

Video thumbnail for Deering Vega Senator 5-String at The Fellowship of Acoustics by The Fellowship of Acoustics

Deering Vega Senator 5-String at The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • The Vega Senator is favored for clawhammer with its soft, mellow tone, while the Eagle II is noted for bluegrass with a heavier bronze tone ring.

    Source
  • Nechville banjos are praised for playability due to a tunneled fifth string and adjustable neck, contrasting with the heavier feel of Davis banjos.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Vega Senator's wider neck enhances playability, making it versatile for both clawhammer and bluegrass styles.

    Source
  • Nechville's adjustable neck and included tools enhance customization, appealing to players seeking a tailored setup.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The Eagle II's resonator and flange are removable, offering flexibility to transition from resonator to open back.

    Source
  • Some owners suggest swapping a plectrum banjo neck for a 5-string neck to adapt it for bluegrass, while keeping the original neck for restoration.

    Source
  • Radius fretboards are preferred by some for ease of play, but require a radiused capo for proper use.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners recommend purchasing used Vega Senators and utilizing Deering's gold service package to restore them to like-new condition.

    Source
  • Owners transitioning from 4-string plectrum banjos to 5-string configurations report enhanced playability for bluegrass and clawhammer styles.

    Source
  • Owners financing Deering Vega Senator banjos often pay around $120 monthly, making high-end models more accessible.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Plectrum banjo tuning options include DGBE for jazz or DGBD for traditional banjo styles, offering versatility in musical applications.

    Source
  • Plectrum banjos are favored for jazz and big band settings due to their powerful tone, though they are less common in bluegrass circles.

    Source
  • For those with larger fingers, wider necks and radius fretboards are favored to improve playability.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A vintage Vega plectrum banjo from 1956 may be valued over $1000, highlighting its collectible status and potential investment value.

    Source
  • Used Prucha Diamond Point banjos typically hold their value well, even with minor cosmetic imperfections.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Scott Avett uses Deering Vega Senator 5 String Banjo

Scott Avett

Singer, Guitarist

The Avett Brothers

...
Verified via Hooks & Nuts - The Official Deering Banjos Blog

I’ve got the two Vega (Senators)

See how Gustavo Santaolalla uses Deering Vega Senator 5 String Banjo

Gustavo Santaolalla

Singer, Guitarist

Arco Iris

...
Verified via YouTube

In a performance of "Beyond Desolation" from the soundtrack to "The Last of Us Part II" at the 2021 ASCAP Screen Music Awards, Gustavo Santaolalla is observed playing a Deering Vega Little Wonder 5-String Banjo. This event was highlighted by ASCAP, underscoring Santaolalla's choice of instrument for this particular piece. Although the Equipboard entry incorrectly lists the Deering Vega Senator 5 String Banjo, the actual instrument used by Santaolalla in the video is the Deering Vega Little Wonder 5-String Banjo, as verified by the manufacturer's page linked below. This performance showcases Santaolalla's deviation from his usual preference to use a 6-string banjo.

https://www.deeringbanjos.com/collections/vega-little-wonder-and-vega-old-tyme-wonder-banjos/products/vega-little-wonder-banjo

Album Usage

The Deering Vega Senator 5 String Banjo has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Deering Vega Senator 5 String Banjo, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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