Submitted by Stev187 (see all reviews from this person) on 2/1/2007

Where Purchased: Elderly Instruments

Year Purchased: 1995
Price Paid: 500 ($US) (bought USED)

Sound

This is Bart Reiter banjo #46, his former "Student" model made back in 1984. This banjo is my soulmate. It has a crisp, clear tone that is just plunky enough. The sound decays at a moderate rate, but it can also sustain notes well. This was the perfect banjo for me playing in a string band.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

Soon after I bought the banjo, I had David in the Elderly repair shop scoop the fingerboard, add a taller bridge, and tweak the banjo for my agressive bass-player like clawhammer. Until now, I have had the same funky, discolored fiberskyn head on it. Lately I have been experimenting with new ones.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

Bart no longer makes the student model. He told me that he upgrated the appointments on this model, which became his Standard. This banjo has a one-piece mahogany neck with a thin, dark Rosewood peghead vaneer. It has a rosewood fingerboard. The lines are subtle and elegant. Can you tell I love this banjo?

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

Everything is very basic (the type A tailpiece, for example) and yes it has lasted. The finish is ROCK SOLID. This instrument has been ridden hard and put away wet for years. I used it for many years on gigs without backup.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

I've never had to work with Bart about the banjo. When I inquired with him about the model, he sent a very prompt (but brief) reply to my question. He's earned the reputation he has--he's a great banjo builder.

Customer Service: 10

Components

The Schaller tuners are functional but ugly. They are more accurate and dependable than any I've seen, which is why I don't replace them (though just about anything would look nicer). The Type A tailpiece is kinda cheap, but it's still working.
[UPDATE: I have replaced the tailpiece and tuners: No-Knot tailpiece and 5-Star tuners. I'm really happy with them--I had to use acid to dull the finish so they would match the other hardware.]

Components Rating: 8

Overall Comments

I can't be objective about this banjo. I feel very fortunate to have found it used when I did. If something happened to it, I would be very upset. I'd probably try to have Bart build another, but I'd get a 3-piece neck. This neck has stayed straight over the years, and I love it.

Overall Rating: 10