Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
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Price
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.
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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
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What type of music is the Deering Vega Senator 5 String Banjo best suited for?
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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.
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Is the Deering Vega Senator 5 String Banjo suitable for beginners?
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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.
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Does the Deering Vega Senator 5 String Banjo come with a case?
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Yes, the Deering Vega Senator 5 String Banjo includes a case, providing protection and easy transport for your instrument.
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How many frets does the Deering Vega Senator 5 String Banjo have?
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The Deering Vega Senator 5 String Banjo features 22 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and playing styles.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Deering Vega Senator 5 String Banjo?
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The Deering Vega Senator 5 String Banjo is constructed with a maple body and neck, which contribute to its rich and warm tonal character.
Videos
Elderly Instruments
Vega Senator by Deering | Elderly Instruments
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
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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.
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Nechville banjos are praised for playability due to a tunneled fifth string and adjustable neck, contrasting with the heavier feel of Davis banjos.
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Features and functionality
Setup and maintenance
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The Eagle II's resonator and flange are removable, offering flexibility to transition from resonator to open back.
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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.
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Radius fretboards are preferred by some for ease of play, but require a radiused capo for proper use.
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User experience
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Owners recommend purchasing used Vega Senators and utilizing Deering's gold service package to restore them to like-new condition.
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Owners transitioning from 4-string plectrum banjos to 5-string configurations report enhanced playability for bluegrass and clawhammer styles.
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Owners financing Deering Vega Senator banjos often pay around $120 monthly, making high-end models more accessible.
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Use cases and applications
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Plectrum banjo tuning options include DGBE for jazz or DGBD for traditional banjo styles, offering versatility in musical applications.
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Plectrum banjos are favored for jazz and big band settings due to their powerful tone, though they are less common in bluegrass circles.
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For those with larger fingers, wider necks and radius fretboards are favored to improve playability.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
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.
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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