The Twelfth Fret ~ Since 1977 ~

Deering GDL Burl Walnut 5-String Banjo, 1985

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The Deering GDL – the Greg Deering Limited – Walnut 5-string banjo sits near the top of the line for production models. It is a spectacular illustration of the state of the Banjo art.

For materials, the resonator features a Burl Walnut veneer, a Maple rim and Walnut neck with bound Ebony fingerboard. The Walnut is sourced from English Walnut trees grown in California. Walnut has long been a traditional wood for banjos, and provides a warmer, rich tone while supporting the clarity and attack of a banjo. The inlays on the fingerboard and headstock are Mother of Pearl, with Abalone purfling layers below the binding on both the fingerboard and resonator.

This Deering GDL 5-string banjo was built during 1985 in Spring Valley, California and is in good working condition with expected wear. During July 2023 it was refretted and set up at The Twelfth Fret Repair shop and plays very well. The original owner placed side marker dots.

Sold with a lightweight but substantial rigid foam case.

Check out the video with Jens Kruger playing the Deering GDL!

Deering GDL Specifications:


  • Neck Wood: Quartersawn Curly English Walnut
  • Neck Shape: Comfortable “D” Shape
  • Stain: Brown Mahogany
  • Finish: High Gloss
  • Nut Material: Bone Nut
  • Tuners: Deering Planetary Tuners
  • 5th String Tuner: Deering Gotoh Geared 5th String Tuner
  • Frets: 22 Glued In Nickel Silver Frets
  • Fingerboard: AAA Grade Ebony
  • Rim: 3-Ply Violin Grade Maple
  • Rim Diameter: 11″
  • Tone Ring: Deering -06- 20 Hole Bell Bronze Tone Ring
  • Head: 11″ Top Frosted Medium Crown
  • Tension Hoop: Notched Brass Tension Hoop
  • Hooks & Nuts: 24 Round J-Hooks and 1/4″ Hex Nuts
  • Flange: Deering One Piece Cast Zinc Flange
  • Armrest: Deering Armrest
  • Hardware Plating: Nickel
  • Tailpiece: Deering True Tone Tailpiece
  • Finish: Hand Finished Satin Polyurethane
  • Resonator Wood: 3-Ply Maple with Burl Walnut Veneer
  • Resonator Finish: High Gloss
  • Resonator Sidewalls: Tapered
  • Resonator Diameter: 13 7/8″
  • Neck Width at the Nut: 1 1/4″
  • Scale Length Nut to Bridge: 26 1/4″
  • Rim Diameter: 11″
  • Overall Instrument Length: 38″
  • Weight Approx.: 11 lbs

Price: $5,400.00 CAD
  • Model: GDL
  • Year: 1985
  • Finish Mahogany Stain Walnut
  • Class: Vintage
  • Serial Number: 0103485, built during 1985 at Spring Valley CA
  • Country of Origin: USA
  • Condition: Good
  • Date Posted: 22/11/2023

  • Consignment Item

  • Including Semi Rigid Padded case
  • Instrument Weight: 12.188lbs 5.54kg
  • Scale Length: 26.25in 666.75mm
  • Nut Width: 1.242in 31.56mm
Deering Banjos Website

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