Bart Reiter Grand Concert Banjo Reviews
Bart Reiter Grand Concert
submitted 2/18/2005
|
Submitter |
Little Brother (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
Sprucetree Music |
Year Purchased |
2004 |
Price Paid |
1450.00 ($US) (bought USED) |
Sound
|
The sound of this banjo is excellent for clawhammer style. It is tonally very even, with crisp highs, and strong bottom. Because of its internal resonator, the bass is sharp and clear; not muddy as I've heard on some other banjos. The internal resonator also gives this banjo some added projection that I don't get from my open back banjo. While it does not offer a traditional old-time sound, it is still a great sounding instrument. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
|
This banjo was set up by Sprucetree music before it was shipped to me and was set up very well. |
Setup Rating |
10 |
Appearance
|
Although this instrument is a 1996 model, it looked just about new when I received it. The craftmanship is flawless. The maple neck has a nice flame to it. The headstock inlay and neck inlays are beautiful. And the internal resonator, with its f-holes is just cool. |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
|
I haven't broke it yet, so I guess that's a good thing. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
|
I emailed Bart Reiter recently with a couple of questions about the banjo, and he responding quickly and thoroughly. And Sprucetree Music was very helpful to me before I purchased the banjo. |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
|
Some rainy day, I'd like to replace the fiberskyn head with a renaissance, just to hear the difference, but that's about the only upgrade I can think of. |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
|
One of the reasons that I bought this banjo was because of John Balch's reviews here, and because it sounds so good on his CDs. I would certainly recommend this instrument to someone looking for something different than a traditional openback. And I think that since Bart Reiter no longer produces this model, mine is kind of special. So if it was stolen, I'd cry. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
|
Bart Reiter Grand Concert
submitted 4/30/2004
|
Submitter |
jbalch (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
from an individual |
Year Purchased |
2004 |
Price Paid |
Don't Remember (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
|
Sound
|
This internal resonator banjo sounds great! The combination of the Bacon donut tone ring and the internal resonator accomplishes a superior balance of tone across the banjo's entire range. The bass is deep, full and bright. The trebles are clear and ring with just the right amount of sustain for clawhammer. The sound is open and rich. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
|
This bano is 16 years old...so the setup is not representative of the maker's work (which is excellent). I adjusted the head using a drumtorque tool. The head is now tuned slightly below G. At that relatively low tension, the banjo really opens up. I experimented with other bridges, but returned to the original Grover bridge which sounds very good. |
Setup Rating |
9 |
Appearance
|
Stunning pearl inlay! The flowerpot design in the headstock is very colorful. The engraving in the pearl is very well executed. The fingerboard inlay is simple and very tasteful. This banjo features wood that must have been carefully selected (Bart's recent banjos aren't this nice). The neck has beautiful straight grain Maple. The veneer on the pot is birdseye maple. The Back of the resonator and the inner rim are curly maple. The fretboard is a very nice dark smooth ebony. The only problem with this banjo is that the 16 year old finish is cracked extensively (perhaps due to exposure to cold). Some of the finish over the headstock has cracked and flaked away. I am not going to repair it.
|
Appearance Rating |
9 |
Reliability
|
The neck is straight and true. The frets are good. The hardware is standard professional grade. This is a workhorse banjo! |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
|
I have owned seven (7) various banjos from this maker over the years. I have never required any service from Bart. But he seems helpful and responsive. I'll rate Bart 10 (best) because the most meaningful service is to build great instruments that require no follow-up! |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
|
Someone added a Shubb 5th string capo...I dont like those myself, but I was told it was delivered that way from Elderly instruments. Since it has always been with the banjo, I'll leave it. The Waverly tailpiece could be improved...but I am planning to change nothing. |
Components Rating |
8 |
Overall Comments
|
Sadly, Bart has discontinued production of internal resonator banjos. I think they are very desirable for modern clawhammer playing. I think they are incredible values compared to often inferior vintage instruments. Check our www.johnbalchmusic.com for sound samples of some of the banjo reviewed on this site. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
|
|
|
|
Feeds