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The banjo reviews database is here to help educate people before they purchase an instrument. Of course, this is not meant to be a substitute for playing the instrument yourself!
7232 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Elderly Instruments
Year Purchased: 2013
Price Paid: 1500 ($US)
I've been a bluegrass player for 25 years, just getting into old time style, so I like a bright sound and this banjo strikes a great balance between bright, clear tone and a nice old timey feel. I haven't messed with the setup at all. I've been plying it for six months now and I'm still delighted with the sound.
Sound Rating: 10
Setup was perfect, haven't made any changes.
Setup Rating: 10
Natural maple finish rim and neck with rosewood cap on the back of the rim and heel. I thought I would want darker wood finish but bought this for the sound and have been very pleased with the appearance - clean and simple. It is distinctive and has gotten admiring comments. I also like the griffin inlay on the headstock.
Appearance Rating: 10
I haven't used this banjo hard, just playing around the house and at some community jams, but the finish, construction and harware all seems top notch.
Reliability Rating: 10
Bought through a dealer, didn't deal directly with the company. I live in Michigan and was glad to find a first class banjo made right here. Bart Reiter's web site says this model has been discontinued, which is too bad.
Customer Service: 10
The whole system works great together - high quality parts and materials, excellent fit and finish. I wouldn't change a thing. On my bluegrass banjos I have swapped out bridges and tuners, played with the action, don't feel the need to mess with this one at all.
Components Rating: 10
I'm new to old timey style banjo but have played bluegrass banjo for 25+ years, so I have definite opinions about tone and playability. After playing this banjo for six months I am still delighted by how it sounds and plays. This has been a real positive boost to my practicing and learning the old time repertoire.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased:
Year Purchased: 2008
Price Paid: 1200 ($US) (bought USED)
Used mainly for clawhammer but the white lady tone ring is also great for bluegrass. Everything I play in the way of frailing sounds the way it should. This banjo can be bright or full sounding depending on set-up and the way you attack. Overall a very versatile instrument. I have used it with a schatten pick-up which worked really well.
Now jamming with this banjo and it really holds its own with the mandolin.
Sound Rating: 10
Was set-up superbly. The only thing I have changed are strings and moon bridge but to be honest not overly impressed with moon bridge! May well change back to original bridge.
OK the moon bridge has grown on me now it's settled in.
Setup Rating: 10
No finish flaws. Took apart and polished with artisan metal polish on all the chrome and came up like new. Love the griffin inlay and overall finish superb. Reiter is obviously a real craftsman.
Appearance Rating: 10
Should outlast me and will have the opportunity as I will never sell this banjo! Stays in tune and is solid as.
Reliability Rating: 10
Never dealt with the maker but heard only good things.
Customer Service: not rated
Tuners superb. Everything about this instrument is fantastic for the money paid.
Components Rating: 10
Yes, as you can probably tell I love this banjo and really really enjoy playing her.
Overall Rating: 10
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