| For the Hartford Model, Greg Deering's years
of experience with various woods combined with John Hartford's research
into the design of vintage banjos culminated in the idea of using a "Grenadillo
tone-ring" made from a wood used on marimbas. This unique tone-ring is
mounted on a three-ply maple rim with a zinc flange to create lighter weight
(8 lbs instead of 11or 12) banjo; a very good choice for bluegrass as well
as other styles! The Hartford sounds like a vintage pre-war banjo
when new but also as it ages, it "plays-in" like a violin and gains in
volume and presence the more it is played. We've seen it out-do even the
best bronze tone-ring banjos in jam sessions!
The John Hartford model banjo by Deering is made of
flamed maple and stained to a rich Cremona brown patina. The finish
has a very vintage feel and look as it is hand rubbed to an attractive
matte luster that also gives it a "fast" feel. The "Steamboat Gothic"
inlay patterns reflect John's enthusiasm for steamboats!
The Hartford tone-ring comes standard on the John
Hartford model and can be ordered as a custom option on other models from
the Sierra on up the line. The Hartford has the most surprisingly wonderful
tone. You can listen to it on John Hartford's "Down the River" and "Hartford
& Hartford" albums. Other models featuring the Hartford tone-ring can
be heard on recent albums by David Holt, John McCutcheon, Tom Chapin, and
George Grove of The Kingston Trio!
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