Sound

To me this banjo is ideal for old-time music.It's resonant but clear and rich with not too many overtones.While it's not as warm as my 1890s no-namer it's certainly not harsh and there's no need to stick a sock in this banjo!It's a very responsive banjo.....chucks and plucks really come off clear.It can be played loud or soft.It's not too bright sounding but that 5th string really sings...punchy.I can't find fault with the sound of this banjo and sound is the most important thing.It's quite tinny and metallic sounding but it is a banjo after all.

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

I love the look of the old Vega Regent models and this is practically identical.It's not flashy but I don't like flashy.The Vega-style headstock is beautifully done and it has the all-important star!I think all the inlay is MOP....the fretboard has dots at the 3rd,5th,7th,10th,12th,15th and 17th.The two-piece Maple neck with ebony strip is a beauty.Ebony heelcap and rosewood rimcap are also nice features.The finish is a traditional satin laquer finish beautifully executed.The planetary tuners are great but I don't like the plasticy look of them...they'd be nice in ebony or ivoroid.I like the look of the bracket band on the old Vega Whyte Ladies but I'm sure that's easier said than done!This Regent model seems to have everything Bart's Whyte Lady has except that ugly Gryphon on the headstock!

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

I've never dealt with Bart Reiter but the banjo has a one year warranty.I have to mention Tim at The Music Emporium (MA) here for his patience and professionalism.No question was too annoying!I'm giving The Music Emporium a flawless Ten.Bart Reiter's website is a good resource and the banjo came with a handout on banjo maintenance.

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

For the price this is top notch!I think money won't buy a better sound at any rate.Most of my minor complaints were not surprises to me.......I bought this over the net and I researched well.As I've said sound is of paramount importance to me and this banjo is a joy to play and sounds great.It may not be the fanciest banjo in the world and there are a few minor things I would change but it's not custom-made and it's not a custom-made price.This banjo delivered on all it's promises.It's a nice contrast to my 1890's no-namer...It's like a clean,clear,professional,new-sounding version of it (which is just what I wanted).I don't know why the WL tone-rings were called "Electric" originally but this banjo has an electric twang to it.I love it and I will not need another banjo......but if a nice,clean 1920s Vega WL that sounded as good as this banjo landed in my lap I'd manage to overlook that hideous creature on the headstock!If it was stolen I would stuggle in vain to convince myself that you shouldn't let your possessions possess you............then I'd save up and buy another!

Edit Nov. 2009: I've since replaced the head with a Bill Miller calfskin head and put a Sosebee bridge on it........the effect is smoky and shimmering...beautiful. I also replaced the hideous plastic tuners with ivoroid and it looks much better.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

Excellent treble and really fine base. Bright with Lots of punch and
good sustain though appropriately less with its Whyte Laydie tone ring than my old Vega tubaphone. Fits clawhammer and melodic styles
just fine.

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

The banjo is unadorned. Just round mop inlay position markers and a simple star on the headstock. Rosewood cap on bottom
of rim. Ebony cap on heel. It is simple in appearance but the craftsmanship is excellent. It is beautiful in its simplicity.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

I e-mailed the maker regarding head dimensions and string gauge.
I received a prompt, informative and courteous reply.

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

I feel fortunate to have been able to acquire this instrument.
If lost I would hope to replace it a soon as possible.
I've been playing my Pete Seeger Vega for 40+ years. The Regent's
tone is pleasingly different but in no way inferrior.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

This banjo has a whyte laydie tone ring, giving it a punchy, rich tone. It's perfect for clawhammer, and I also find it well suited for other fingerpicking styles. I've heard and played nicer sounding banjos, but they were generally much more expensive than mine.

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

Very simple and plain. It is maple with a natural satin finish. The pot has a very attractive piece of brown rosewood on it. This model is exactly the same as the Reiter White Lady except it lacks the fancy inlays and the griffin character on the headstock. Instead it simply has a star on the headstock, regular dot position markers, and an inlaid star at the fifth fret. I personally prefer "modest" banjos with simple inlays so I find this one perfect. People are often amazed that such a plain looking banjo sounds so good.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

I called Bart when I lost my fifth string tuning peg screw. I told him the screw hole was stripped and had been so since I recieved the banjo. He seemed surprised by this and asserted I simply didn't have the screw tightened enough. The hole is definitely stripped to a degree and the screw tends to pop out if one doesn't look after it often, but I have worked out a solution. I didn't need it to be perfect and simply asked him for another screw. This is my one and only interaction with the builder because all other problems have been very minor. I have no doubt Bart would fix any problems with his banjos.

Customer Service

7

Overall Comments

Yes I would recommend this banjo. Yes my banjo has *some* problems, but they are really quite minor. Bart individually builds each banjo and there is no substitute for having a banjo built by a small maker. For the price this banjo is a dream. Highly recommended!

Overall Rating

9