Dexter - Posted - 03/09/2012:  19:46:55

I am a fan of Reiter and Ramsey banjos even though I haven't had the pleasure of owning either yet. Lately I've noticed the OME Flora which is a beautiful banjo and I know the great reputation of OME. What I don't understand is the price difference....Why is the OME so much more expensive?

pastorharry - Posted - 03/09/2012:  23:09:00

A bit more detailed workmanship,exotic woods, brass hardware....and most to the point larger overhead. Ome has a plant with several employees turning out lots of instruments, whereas Reiter and Ramsey are both basically one man operations...cottage industry,so to speak.I love all the banjos listed, but the new Omes are sensational!!

Bill Rogers - Posted - 03/09/2012:  23:15:12

Probably nicer wood; more handwork, e.g., the inlays.  There's a difference too, in the cost of producing a banjo in a "factory," small as Ome is, and as an individual craftsman.  As for me, I'd take the Ome any day, higher cost or not.

kmwaters - Posted - 03/10/2012:  04:27:49

I have to agree with Bill.  If you can afford it, Ome is one great product.  Chuck Ogsbury is a legend in the world of banjo making.  Nothing against the other two, but Chuck simply takes banjo building to the next level.  Granted, you pay for it, but I have yet to meet an Ome owner who is disappointed in their banjo in any way.

biscuit joiner - Posted - 03/10/2012:  06:04:10

One could also look at it more glass-half-full, I think the Reiters and Ramseys are underpriced.

The Ome really isn't that much different, the inlay on that model is pretty spartan, moreso than the Ramseys I have that cost way less.

banjered - Posted - 03/10/2012:  07:02:44

Everyone above nailed it! Everyone has to answer how much banjo is ENOUGH banjo. Banjered

Dexter - Posted - 03/10/2012:  08:24:50

Great responses....thanks.....I noticed that OME uses metal co-rods....in the case of the Flora it's a faux dowel. I know that Bart Reiter and Mike Ramsey use actual dowel rod construction. I was wondering if this is just a cosmetic traditional feature these days or if there is an actual pro or con of going one way or the other....thanks, Rick

RWJones1970 - Posted - 03/10/2012:  08:41:52

I am with biscuit joiner. I think Reiter banjos were underpriced but are now finally beginning to reach their true value as the prices at Elderly indicate. Reiter banjos are built consistently with high quality craftsmanship. Sight unseen you can always count on a Reiter banjo being rock solid and they always hold their value. I have never met an owner of a Bart Reiter banjo that didn't feel this way. In my opinion Ome banjos are excellent high quality instruments but a bit overpriced.    I have seen through the classifieds that Ome banjos tend to lose their resale value a bit. However, If I happened to stumble on a deal or was quite wealthy I would not hesitate to own a Ome.

Dexter - Posted - 03/10/2012:  15:50:16

Still kind of curious about people's opinions on co-rods vs. dowel sticks....thanks, Rick

dwdeacon - Posted - 03/10/2012:  16:21:07

I think a dowel looks more elegant. I love my Bart Reiter Special--simple restrained elegance.

Dexter - Posted - 03/10/2012:  16:36:36

quote: dwdeacon....I agree....I keep leaning towards the Bart Reiter Standard or Special.

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Originally posted by dwdeacon

I think a dowel looks more elegant. I love my Bart Reiter Special--simple restrained elegance.

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John Gribble - Posted - 03/10/2012:  16:47:38

Getting the dowel rod angle right when glueing it into the neck is more difficult than using rods to attach a neck. And the rods allow for more adjustability on down the line. But that said, the dowel is more traditional and does look good!