Bart Reiter Professional Banjo Reviews
Bart Reiter Professional
submitted 11/3/2002
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Submitter |
jbalch (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
Mugwumps.com classifieds |
Year Purchased |
2002 |
Price Paid |
Don't Remember (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
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Sound
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This banjo sounds fantastic. It is a custom model made in 1993 that features a 12" pot. It has a simple brass hoop tone ring. The sound is rich and brilliant with just the right amount of brightness and not too much sustain. It is perfect for clawhammer.
See my website: www.johnbalchmusic.com for Bart Reiter photos and sound clips. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
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I bought it from an individual. The setup was really very good. However, I made a couple of adjustments to suit my taste. Specifically: I loosened the fiberskin head a bit and set an even tension using a drum-torque wrench. I changed to an Emerson 'powerbridge. |
Setup Rating |
9 |
Appearance
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This is a simple un-adorned banjo. No carving, no engraving or fancy inlay. Nonetheless, the workmanship and design are flawless. I love it! |
Appearance Rating |
9 |
Reliability
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This banjo features basic professional-grade hardware. Better tuners and tailpiece would be a good idea. But everything works just fine. I plan to keep it stock. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
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Bart is a fantastic maker, I have never needed service, on any of his instruments that I have owned. I have spoken with him on a few occasions. I trust that if I needed help, he would respond. |
Customer Service |
9 |
Components
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This is a custom banjo with a 12" pot. I believe that Bart no longer offers this option. However the 11" "professional" model is very similar with the addition of a very cool Bacon style tone ring. Check out my review of an 11" Bart Reiter "Professional" also on this site. |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
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It would be tough to replace this banjo if lost. But I would surely try. It is my new favorite banjo. I currently own other great banjos from Bart and Mike Ramsey. This one is the best of them all. In the past I have owned vintage Vegas, Gibsons, an SS Stewart and a few others not worth mentioning. The new instruments from Bart Reiter and Mike Ramsey (Chanterelle) are superior in materials, workmanship and sound.
See my website for Bart Reiter sound clips and pictures : www.johnbalchmusic.com. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
|
Bart Reiter Professional
submitted 7/1/2002
|
Submitter |
Unknown |
Where Purchased |
Elderly Instruments |
Year Purchased |
2001 |
Price Paid |
Don't Remember (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
|
Sound
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I play old time 2 finger style. This banjo suits my style well. It has a bright clean sound with just the right amount of sustain. It sounds round as a bell or sharp and cutting depending on where and how I pick it. |
Sound Rating |
9 |
Setup
|
The banjo had a very low action when I got it. Perfect for up-picking. Too low for frailers who have tried it. It has a 1/2 |
Setup Rating |
10 |
Appearance
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This is a Bacon clone with the internal resonator. The fit and finish is excellent. It's all maple with a clear finish. Not a flashy banjo except for the internal resonator which can't be seen by anyone when you're playing anyway. The neck is straight grained but plain looking. No fancy wood here! |
Appearance Rating |
8 |
Reliability
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Great player and dependable. This is a very well made banjo. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
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I dealt with Elderly as the banjo was used. I have always been happy with the treatment I've had from
Elderly. |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
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It could have a better bridge. The tuners work well but could be a little better. Average tailpiece. For the money, though, the hardware is better than I'd expect. |
Components Rating |
|
Overall Comments
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I'd recommend it at a higher price. I love it. It's as comfortable as an old shoe. As good and playable a banjo as I've had. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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Bart Reiter Professional
submitted 5/15/2002
|
Submitter |
jbalch (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
Elderly Instruments |
Year Purchased |
1994 |
Price Paid |
Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
|
Sound
|
This is a great banjo for melodic clawhammer. It is a custom instrument featuring a Bacon-style internal resonator with both Whyte Lady and Bacon style tone rings installed. It is rich, bright and very well balanced. Check out my website for mp3s (www.johnbalchmusic.com) |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
|
The set-up was good from Elderly. However, I frequently re-set the head tension using a drum-torque wrench. The tone is fat. It has a bit less sustain than a tubaphone and more ring than a plain whyte lady or bacon.
Update Nov 2002: I switched to an Emerson powerbridge for even better tone. |
Setup Rating |
9 |
Appearance
|
This custom instrument is beautiful. The woods, inlays, engraving and finish are all top-notch. The deluxe heel carving (by Ron Chacey) is the best I've seen anywhere. Photos are also available on my website. |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
|
The nickel plating on the tension brackets tends to corrode. Otherwise I've played the fool out of it since 1994 without a single problem. I sold my vintage Vega Whyte Lady and Tubaphone. I no longer needed them after buying this banjo. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
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I've had no reason to bother Bart. But when I call him he seems like a great guy. Bart builds superior banjos! I think they are the best. |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
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All are standard professional grade. A better design tailpiece would be a good idea. I added a non-standard Vega style armrest. All other parts are stock, including the fiberskin head. |
Components Rating |
9 |
Overall Comments
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Highly recommended. I love it. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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