Bart Reiter Special Reviews

Bart Reiter Special submitted 12/22/2006 Submitter canerods (see all reviews from this person) Where Purchased Banjo Hangout Classifieds Year Purchased 2006 Price Paid 800 ($US) (bought USED) Sound Rich tone, bright and full. A great open back clawhammer, old-time style instrument. Easy fingering right on up the neck and great tone in the higher registers too. Sound Rating 10 Setup This banjo was purchased with the option of adding a Renaissance head and a No-knot tail piece. So it's not the stock, off-the-shelf Bart Reiter set-up. I opted for this because I heard that for clawhammer, old-time music that would be a good way to go. I'm glad I did. BConk did a great job setting it up!! Setup Rating 10 Appearance Beautiful maple neck and pot. The overall appearance is not "flashy"... but, very handsome in a classic manner. Very professional looking and feeling. No flaws, no problems. The amber color of the Renaissance head looks fantastic with the natural maple color of the wood components. The classic shape of the headstock and the finish details are a pleasure to behold. When I'm not playing it -- I love looking at it. Appearance Rating 10 Reliability This is a professional instrument. It's solid as a rock. Well made by one of the finest luthiers in the business. There should be no problems in a lifetime of playing. Reliability Rating 10 Customer Service Bart Reiter's reputation for customer service is legendary. I'm sure there would be no problems with service if that should ever become necessary. Customer Service 10 Components Nothing looks or is "cheap". Very professional and solid components. It has a rolled brass tone ring that sounds great. Components Rating 10 Overall Comments I got this beauty for $800 which included a TKL hardshell case and shipping -- that's an awesome deal. I love the Bart Reiter Special. I'm proud to own it and would be really bummed if it were stolen. I'd replace it with another Bart Reiter banjo without a doubt. Overall Rating 10