The John Hartford model banjo is completely unique as a Deering original concept as well as unique in the industry. Just as the classic banjos were unique when they were first introduced 100 years ago, there is no comparable model from any banjo maker with this combination of tone, design and aesthetics. It's quality and design make it a current classic for future generations. TONE: The granadillo tone ring mounted to the three ply rock maple rim gives this banjo a rich, full bodied tone with beautiful and complex harmonics. It also contributes to the extremely wide dynamic range inherent to this banjo. Greg Deering designed this banjo for John Hartford (world famous banjoist, singer, songwriter and entertainer best known for his hit song "Gentle on my Mind".) who was searching for a vintage prewar sound. In the same way a fine violin matures and "tones in", the granadillo tone ring in the Hartford banjo matures and "tones in", gaining in volume and presence the more the banjo is played. The pot is fitted with a one piece resonator flange that is thicker and stronger than many competitor's banjos. The flange highlights the warm tones and solid punch of the John Hartford banjo. PLAYABILITY: The neck is slender with a low profile for fast accurate fingering and comfortable for large and small hands. The ebony fingerboard is polished to a slick, fast, surface. The frets are glued in to ensure perfect fretting accuracy, long term stability and ease of refretting. The two way adjustable truss rod provides precision adjustment to maintain superb playability without buzzing. The lighter weight of the John Hartford banjo is more comfortable for some players. The granadillo tone ring is lighter in weight than the Deering bronze tone ring. For some players, this lighter weight (8 lbs compared to about 12 lbs) enhances comfort and therefore longer playing/practicing time. AESTHETIC: The peghead shape is patterned after the classic banjos of the twenties. The ornate inlays are a steamboat gothic motif reflecting John Hartford's fascination with riverboats. The fingerboard has three clusters of inlays in the same steamboat gothic pattern at the first fret, around the 8th fret and around the 21st fret. There are small mother or pearl dots at the usual positions to help guide the players to the desired frets. The warm brown stained neck and resonator are satin finished for a quietly elegant appearance.

Model	Deering John Hartford Model Banjo
Pot	Granadillo tone ring Three ply rock maple rim One piece cast resonator flange Internal tapered resonator walls Dark walnut stained curly maple resonator Satin finish Lifetime Warranty
Neck	Curly rock maple Ebony Fingerboard Paramont peghead shape Steamboat Gothic Inlays Dark walnut stain Satin finish Two way truss rod