This is a great old 1981 Deering Artist model, made in the early days of the company when they were just starting to make waves in the banjo world. Deering launched in the mid-’70s with a focus on high-quality, American-made instruments, and by the time this one rolled off the line, they’d already started earning a serious reputation. The Artist was one of their top-tier models at the time—fancy enough to show off a little, but built to be played hard.

It’s in very good shape for something over 40 years old, with the Mahogany neck and resonator, ebony fingerboard, multi-ply maple rim, and all nickel-plated hardware all looking nearly as good as they did when it rolled off the production line in Spring Valley.

The inlays are classy without being gaudy, and the headstock has just enough flair to let you know this wasn’t the very lowest model on the Deering tree (being the basic, predecessor to their current Boston line) It’s got planetary tuners, a Deering bell-brass Flathead style tone ring, and all the usual bells and whistles you’d expect on a pro-level banjo from this era, minus fretboard binding.

Sound-wise, it’s warm and punchy, with clear highs and a bit of that mellow mahogany roundness in the mids. The tone ring gives it plenty of cut and volume when you need it, but it doesn’t get harsh. Plays fast and smooth up the neck—definitely built with serious players in mind, but not so pristine that you’ll be afraid to actually take it out of the house.

Great shape, with just a few blemished in the headstock finish. Comes with a hard case.