The Julia Belle low-tuned banjo is a collaboration between Deering and Alison Brown, inspired by the music and artistry of John Hartford. This unique instrument honors John's legacy while embracing modern innovation.
Tuned down low in open E, the Julia Belle pays homage to Hartford's iconic low-tuned banjo. As the proud owner of Hartford's prototype Deering low banjo and a longtime friend of the Hartford family, Alison asked the Deerings the help her design a modernized rendition of John's original low banjo that would be suitable for the rigors of modern-day touring. Greg and Janet Deering were longtime friends of John Hartford as well, so they were eager to take on the project.
The result is a low-tuned 5-string resonator that celebrates Hartford's music while showcasing his sketches, including a captivating figure on the peghead dubbed "The Julia Belle." Additional inlays feature Captain Trone and motifs from the Mississippi riverboat The Julia Belle Swain, reflecting John's love for riverboats.
The Julia Belle's design is optimized for lower tunings like E, but some players tune it down in D. The rim is 3-ply Violin Grade Maple, and it has a Deering -06- Tone Ring, and a Mahogany resonator. The scale length is 26-1/4", so despite the lower tuning, it doesn't feel that much bigger. Nevertheless, it has a full-feeling neck profile with a radiused fingerboard, and the nut is the traditional 1-1/4" width. Then, it has a custom Evans head designed to produce warm, resonant tones at the lower tuning. With two extra frets and an overhanging fingerboard, the Julia Belle offers expanded range and creative possibilities. Alison's preferred string gauges ensure a brilliant tone with depth and body.
Built with high level craftsmanship and attention to detail, the Julia Belle banjo brings about a new layer of musicality: a tribute to John Hartford's legacy and a voice that adds new dimensions the banjo vocabulary.
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Neck Wood: Quartersawn Mahogany
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Neck Shape: Slender "D" Shape
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Stain: Brown Mahogany
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Finish: Satin
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Nut Material: Ebony
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Tuners: Deering Planetary Tuners with Black Tuner Buttons
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5th String Tuner: Deering Gotoh Geared 5th String Tuner
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Frets: 24 Glued In Nickel Silver Frets
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Fingerboard: Radiused AAA Grade EbonyRim: 3-Ply Violin Grade Maple
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Rim Diameter: 11"
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Tone Ring: Deering -06- 20 Hole Bell Bronze Tone Ring
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Head: 11” Medium Crown Custom D'Addario Banjo Head designed by Evans
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Tension Hoop: Notched Brass Tension Hoop
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Hooks & Nuts: 24 Round J-Hooks and 1/4" Hex Nuts
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Flange: Deering One Piece Cast Zinc Flange
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Armrest: Deering Armrest
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Hardware Plating: Nickel Plated Hardware
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Tailpiece: Deering True Tone Tailpiece
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Finish: Hand Finished Satin Polyurethane
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Resonator Wood: 3-Ply Poplar/Poplar/Mahogany
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Resonator Finish: Satin
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Resonator Sidewalls: Tapered
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Resonator Diameter: 13 7/8"
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Resonator Stain: Brown Mahogany
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Neck Width at the Nut: 1 1/4"
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Scale Length Nut to Bridge: 26 1/4"
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Rim Diameter: 11"
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Overall Instrument Length: 38"
- Weight : 12 lbs 2.5 oz