scthompson - Posted - 06/25/2012:  09:09:58

I'm chewing on that used Reiter Regent in the classifieds, but I think the price is too high. He's sending me some pics of the capo fill, but I'm not too concerned. A brief internet search revealed that the last several of these that have sold used have been scooped (which I consider an upgrade), and one had a skin head, which would also seem like an upgrade. Those were priced at 900 and 1100. I saw a new (sold) one for $1295. He wants $1440 shipped. What do you all think these are worth (it is in mint condition, but it *is* used as far as the resale market is concerned)?

Sarah

Viper - Posted - 06/25/2012:  09:20:00

I've been eyeing that ad as well, but have been a bit put off on the price. Seems high for an instrument with repairs done, no matter how minor. It's $1495 brand new at Elderly with free shipping (but of course, it's also on order right now). Just my thoughts. 

scthompson - Posted - 06/25/2012:  09:21:01

Or is this question not cool? If I'm in violation of BHO etiquette, I'll pull it. Let me know. It's just so hard to figure out what's a fair price.

scthompson - Posted - 06/25/2012:  09:27:20

I've got time, too. If I can make it happen, great. I'd like a Regent some day. OTOH, I'm in no hurry and I have also thought about ordering a custom Fawley electric-by the time he could get to it I'd probably be ready!

Ron Ortegel - Posted - 06/25/2012:  10:09:12

Elderly has a Reiter Galax in stock now.

Same banjo- mahogany neck.

Bart Reiter makes excellent banjos.

Ron.

jbalch - Posted - 06/25/2012:  10:11:47

I won't comment on the sellers asking price.

But these are great banjos. If you can find one for $900 or even $1100 - BUY IT - quickly!  If you can find one at a dealer for under $1300, I'd say do the same.  But I don't think you will see very many (in good condition) offered at those prices these days.

I think, relatively few of the Regent model banjos are scooped.  The model is standard with a fill fret board. Bart will make them with a scoop - but it is a special order.

The current dealer price on a new Regent seems to be $1495 plus the cost of a case  ... and that is if you can find one in-stock.  It is more likely you might have to pay a deposit and wait for the next one to be delivered. 

No doubt, bargains are out there to be found.  But you have to be lucky and quick.  Best wishes!

Dave Coin - Posted - 06/25/2012:  11:41:50

If it's $100 or $150 high, that's not a huge amount of money, at least not enough to pass on a lifetime banjo.

The Old Timer - Posted - 06/25/2012:  12:43:16

Sarah as far as BHO etiquette, I've never seen any rules, but in my few years on the BHO this is also the first time I've seen someone post an open question about why an item in the classifieds is priced as it is.

1) Have you asked the seller these questions-- remember the seller will probably see your question here too.
2) Have you made the seller an offer on what you'd like to pay?

Let's put it this, had I wanted to get a discussion going like this, I might have made it more vague about "what's the going rate on a used Bart Reiter with some modifications to it?" or something like that.

How are things in Georgetown, from one old Maniac to another? Looking forward to getting up home for a few days this summer.

Good luck for a successful purchase whenever you feel the time and situation is "right".

scthompson - Posted - 06/25/2012:  12:48:26

Thanks Old Timer. I assume he will see it, and I have expressed my reservations in our exchange. I'm not playing any games, though; just trying to ask the "experts" what the market looks like. I'm a terrible politician:) Since this was exactly what I wanted to know, I figured it's what I would ask.

Life is splendid in Georgetown, mosquitoes protect us from over-population! And the sailing is nice:)