Sierra Openback?

[Austin]

Has anyone owned one of these? I'm thinking of financing one, but I don't know if they're worth it.

[Byron Thomas]

I haven't owned it but I have played the Deering Sierra. It feels like a well-made modern professional banjo at a well-made modern banjo price. The worth is going to come down to the sound and feel for which you are seeking. Your best bet is to find a shop, if you can, and try it out.

[Austin]

Already tried one out and I remember it was one of the best banjos I've ever held

[carrie horgan]

I really like the Deering neck profile and the Sierra has a nice resonant sound - the only thing I'd say is that it's on the heavy side for an open-back (banjo hooks/bolts can dig in but you could put a towel over your legs).

[Joel Hooks]

Derring seems to be very proud of their work.

These seem to be well thought of for modern wire string based styles. 

At well over $2k I'd rather have my pick of anything from the classic era.  That kind of money, if you are patient, will get you aN unmolested Vega WL or Tubahone, a high end Stewart like a #3, several lower styles, a few Weavers, Fairbanks Electric, Cole Eclipse, etc..

[Byron Thomas]

To second Joel, I saw an amazing W.M. Stahl on ebay a few weeks ago that sold for 700 and it didn't look to seem like it had wire string abuse. An absolute beauty! I've also seen some nice John Grey banjos show up for decent prices.

[Austin]

Only problem is, you can't finance the banjos from the classic era

Joel Hooks said:

Derring seems to be very proud of their work.

These seem to be well thought of for modern wire string based styles. 

At well over $2k I'd rather have my pick of anything from the classic era.  That kind of money, if you are patient, will get you aN unmolested Vega WL or Tubahone, a high end Stewart like a #3, several lower styles, a few Weavers, Fairbanks Electric, Cole Eclipse, etc..

[Joel Hooks]

True, but instead of taking out credit one could just save the money instead and then buy outright.  During the saving period one could continue to practice and research to learn exactly what they wanted to get. 

Austin said:

Only problem is, you can't finance the banjos from the classic era

Joel Hooks said:

Derring seems to be very proud of their work.

These seem to be well thought of for modern wire string based styles. 

At well over $2k I'd rather have my pick of anything from the classic era.  That kind of money, if you are patient, will get you aN unmolested Vega WL or Tubahone, a high end Stewart like a #3, several lower styles, a few Weavers, Fairbanks Electric, Cole Eclipse, etc..