Deering says (edited): “For the
modern banjoist, the Black Diamond breaks with tradition both in the distinctive
appearance and in the unique tonal quality. The black Mylar head creates a
phenomenal sounding modern banjo! The Black Diamond has been
called elegant, progressive, modern, gorgeous, and sweet. Actually, they are all
true. It has a slender mahogany neck that is shaped for easy, comfortable
fingering, ideal for large and small hands. If you look closely at the naturally
beautiful ebony fingerboard you will see the custom touch of our master
luthiers’ hands in the engraved mother of pearl diamond inlays. The ebony
peghead overlay also has a mother of pearl Deering banner and an elegant mother
of pearl diamond cluster also displaying the master’s artful engraving.”
This banjo shows finish checking on the
headplate, which is ebony overlain and inlaid with “Deering” in a banner, and a
five-point etched and blackened star at center. It has the bell-shaped
adjustable truss rod to allow easy access to adjustability. The apparently
ebony bound black fingerboard is inlaid with etched diamonds in 8 fret positions
with a double diamond at the 12th. It has pearl side dots in the
same positions, a volute carved on the back of the neck. The Black Diamond
comes with a distinctive black Mylar head. There is small wear on the armrest,
and some oxidation on the metal parts of the large pearloid button geared tuners
as well as on the flange. The top and back edges of the resonator are bound in
black plastic with black-white-black purfling around the back and what appears
to be a thin line of maple around the black side binding and around the black
heel cap. The repeating pattern in the flange take the form of three contiguous
circles. As Deering says: “The black shiny head and these beautiful
features give the Black Diamond a unique tone and progressive look that is both
beautiful and irresistible. It’s an excellent performing banjo and hot looking
as well.”