Hankster2 - Posted - 05/07/2012:  18:39:50

I have a Bart Reiter Whyte Laydie that I plan to list but I'm wondering what to call it... it's a Vega conversion that was done some time ago with one of Bart's necks. Do I advertise it as a Bart Reiter Whyte Laydie or a Vega/Bart or what - how do I differentiate it from a totally Bart built banjo. And btw, what might it be worth?

Hank

Fultoncreek - Posted - 05/07/2012:  19:11:07

The custom seems to be that most banjos are listed by the maker of the pot--I don't really know how much it matters.

jbalch - Posted - 05/07/2012:  19:25:03

I would advertise it as a Vega conversion with neck by Bart Reiter.

That is accurate and appeals to folks nterested in either (or both) Vega & Reiter.

Good luck!

NYCJazz - Posted - 05/07/2012:  20:45:03

Do you have the original neck?

If so, you counld list it as an original Vega Whyte Layde with a matching Bart reiter conversion neck.

Hankster2 - Posted - 05/07/2012:  22:12:16

I don't have theoriginal neck... bought it as a conversion. Thanks, guys! H.

Deaf Lester Crawdad - Posted - 05/07/2012:  23:05:25

quote:

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Originally posted by Hankster2



I have a Bart Reiter Whyte Laydie that I plan to list but I'm wondering what to call it... it's a Vega conversion that was done some time ago with one of Bart's necks. Do I advertise it as a Bart Reiter Whyte Laydie or a Vega/Bart or what - how do I differentiate it from a totally Bart built banjo. And btw, what might it be worth?

Hank

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 I'd list it as, "1927 (or whatever) Vega Whyte Laydie pot, serial # 37501 (or whatever) with Bart Reiter Whyte Laydie # 2 (or whatever) conversion neck."   Simply fill in the gaps with the correct information for your banjo, and there you go.

BTW: It would be a good idea to tell potential buyers exactly how much of the hardware is original and how much is modern, too.    People like to know those things.

As to value, if it's in good condition with all -or even most- of the original pot hardware it might go for around $1,500 or a bit more.   Since you're selling it rather than auctioning it off on Fleabay, you'd be better off to start out a bit high and work down if you don't get any offers.

~Pete

P.S.   I get down to Sandy Eggo on the second Saturday of every month and could probably give you a better estimate if I could see the instrument.

Edited by - Deaf Lester Crawdad on 05/07/2012 23:15:45

The Old Timer - Posted - 05/08/2012:  05:23:11

One of these was my first open back banjo, in the 1990s. They are a BARGAIN, and the neck is a much better, more playable quality than the old originals, in my opinion. The tuners certainly work better! I traded mine off years ago toward an old Martin. I can recommend them highly. Mine was a Style R (4 string) pot from the late 20s.

That's the other thing you should list, what the pot is. Bart saved the original dowel stick and used it on his neck, to preserve the old stamps.

Hankster2 - Posted - 05/08/2012:  08:38:15

All good input... thanks.

I had posted a picture in a previous post if anyone's interested...banjohangout.org/topic/223555

Hank