Deering Banjo Company has introduced a new edition of their signature Mark Johnson Clawgrass model, designed to offer the same tone and playability of the original, but at a price point more accessible to the average picker.
The Clawgrass No. 2 uses the same high-grade rim and tone ring as Mark’s original Deering, but without the intricate wood carving, metal engraving, and gold plating that put its price up near $15 K.
Mark’s idea with the Clawgrass model was to create a banjo with the sort of wide fingerboard ideal for clawhammer style, but with volume sufficient to cut through a bluegrass band. It utilizes an 11” head and a full-size tone ring, but in an open back banjo.
Johnson gave it a run-through at the Winter NAMM show in January, along with his music mate, Emory Lester.
The Clawgrass No. 2 sells for $4475 with a hard shell case and a lifetime warranty.
Additional photos and specifications can be found on the Deering site.
