Montanarick - Posted - 11/02/2012:  10:45:23

Well, I purchased a new Bart Reiter Round Peak yesterday and now the waiting begins. I'm probably the most fickle banjo addict on BHO.....just recently I was talking about how I refer 11" rims over 12" rims....The Round Peak is 12"......I was also talking about how I thought I wanted a heavier tone ring than rolled brass....The Round Peak has rolled brass. But after much research and listening it seemed like the right banjo for me. Go figure! Well it's  time to set my chair in front of the window and begin the long wait for the delivery truck.

steve j. - Posted - 11/02/2012:  10:55:05

well , I bet your anxious. what about the Enoch? I thought it sounded good

Montanarick - Posted - 11/02/2012:  11:03:00

quote: Steve....it was a great banjo but I sold it to buy the Deering Little Wonder which I really like and now I have to sell my Goodtime to help fund the Bart Reiter. I have limited funds so I have to keep moving the same pile of money around to support my habit.......that's what I mean by Fickle....none of it makes any sense whatsoever, but I'm having a lot of fun. Rick

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Originally posted by steve j.

well , I bet your anxious. what about the Enoch? I thought it sounded good

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steve j. - Posted - 11/02/2012:  11:08:50

I understand that, be interesting to see how you rate the reiter with the enoch ,,, for my own future purchase

Montanarick - Posted - 11/02/2012:  11:38:25

Steve....No matter how I feel about the Reiter....I will highly recommend the Tradesman. It was a super banjo and Kevin Enoch was very responsive when I had questions for him. I have asked Bart Reiter a couple of questions and he has also been very responsive. The problem for me is that from the beginning I really wanted a Bart Reiter and for one reason or another I couldn't make it happen. I live in a place where I can't try banjos so I guess I'm doing it the hard way. I'm also watching the driveway for the men in white coats......I think my wife is working a deal on the side to have me committed. Rick

steve j. - Posted - 11/02/2012:  11:43:46

Rick I hate to say this,, but Ive heard from 2 knowledgeable fellows that Ramseys are mighty good too,,, you may need one of them as well,,, to complete your comparison. :)

no banjos around here either, except lower end  at GC, or 3 at fuller

Edited by - steve j. on 11/02/2012 11:44:22

Montanarick - Posted - 11/02/2012:  11:54:01

quote: Ha, ha......don't forget OME, Chuck Lee, etc., etc......I talked about my "pile" of money......it's really small and I really can't justify buying anything at all (that's why I'm watching for the men in white coats)....This all started with a $125 Morgan Monroe Bean Blossom a year and half ago. I played guitar for years and thought that banjo might be fun to try. I never dreamed it would turn into this obsession. And, by the way, my playing still matches up better with the Bean Blossom than anything I've had since.

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Originally posted by steve j.

Rick I hate to say this,, but Ive heard from 2 knowledgeable fellows that Ramseys are mighty good too,,, you may need one of them as well,,, to complete your comparison. :)

no banjos around here either, except lower end  at GC, or 3 at fuller

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Brentk5s - Posted - 11/02/2012:  11:58:23

Alright you guys. He said he purchased the Round Peak. He's gonna love it. Now is not the time to start pitching him other makes and models. (Although you should have tried a Buckeye). A brass hoop makes a fine tone ring and you'll grow to love the richness of the 12" rim. Enjoy until BAS sets in again.

scthompson - Posted - 11/02/2012:  12:10:24

I ADORE my Bart Reiter with scalloped ring. I had a WL-250, and it was nice, but I had the Reiter bug for some reason, too. As soon as I could make it happen, I did, and it SINGS! I replaced the no-knot with a Kershner and put ivoroid tuner knobs on, and if I can't play it I just look at it:) Have fun!

Montanarick - Posted - 11/02/2012:  12:10:25

quote: Brent, Buckeye is on my bucket list also....Rick

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Originally posted by Brentk5s

Alright you guys. He said he purchased the Round Peak. He's gonna love it. Now is not the time to start pitching him other makes and models. (Although you should have tried a Buckeye). A brass hoop makes a fine tone ring and you'll grow to love the richness of the 12" rim. Enjoy until BAS sets in again.

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steve j. - Posted - 11/02/2012:  12:10:36

quote:

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Originally posted by Montanarick

quote: Ha, ha......don't forget OME, Chuck Lee, etc., etc......I talked about my "pile" of money......it's really small and I really can't justify buying anything at all (that's why I'm watching for the men in white coats)....This all started with a $125 Morgan Monroe Bean Blossom a year and half ago. I played guitar for years and thought that banjo might be fun to try. I never dreamed it would turn into this obsession. And, by the way, my playing still matches up better with the Bean Blossom than anything I've had since.

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Originally posted by steve j.

yeah but those are mega money,, I can see how a Ramsey could be bought with just a slight wiggle and waggle :0 just kidding,   Im holding out for next yrs 20 yr bonus ,   at least Im gonna try to hold out.  I dont want to use a card

as a long time guitar picker,,,  i can say   banjo IS better!!!  I guess youd agree

Rick I hate to say this,, but Ive heard from 2 knowledgeable fellows that Ramseys are mighty good too,,, you may need one of them as well,,, to complete your comparison. :)

no banjos around here either, except lower end  at GC, or 3 at fuller

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Montanarick - Posted - 11/02/2012:  12:18:00

quote: Steve, it's funny but I've never looked back and I never anticipated that. Rick

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Originally posted by steve j.

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Originally posted by steve j.

as a long time guitar picker,,,  i can say   banjo IS better!!!  I guess youd agree

 

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Slick Salmon - Posted - 11/02/2012:  13:30:28

Please let us know how you like it. I just got an RP, myself, and I'd be interested in your thoughts.

pastorharry - Posted - 11/02/2012:  13:47:47

Just my 2c about Bart's banjos after owning a standard, a special, a Galax and now a Regent.They sound alot better with the head real tight! I know the trend is loose heads, but especially on his banjos that will magnify "bottom of the empty trashcan echos". I find also, remo frosted heads , ren. heads, or especially Balch skin heads to work best, fyberskyn not too great! So tighten those heads down boys, and play them up around the fingerboard-pot zone and you'll be amazed at the tone you'll get! Happy frails to you, PH

jbalch - Posted - 11/02/2012:  14:01:23

Congratulations.  Bart makes great banjos. 

I've owned and played and traded a BUNCH of banjos over the last 40+ years. I now have several Reiter models ... they are the ones I play and enjoy the most.

As Pastor Harry says - Reiter banjos respond well to set-up changes.  Head type and tension, bridge selection and tailpiece all matter  - when it comes to getting your preferred tone from this banjo. Don't be afraid to tweak the set-up.  Finding your perfect sound is half of the fun.

Montanarick - Posted - 11/02/2012:  15:16:56

I've been quite amazed at the sweet tone and volume of my Deering Vega Little Wonder (it was made in 2002) and does not have a tone ring....I got a really good deal on it and quite frankly didn't expect a whole lot. I've heard people say it's just a souped up Goodtime, etc. I own a Goodtime and there is no comparison between the two in my opinion. I'm real curious to compare it to the Round Peak. Rick

Slick Salmon - Posted - 11/02/2012:  15:24:34

quote:

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Originally posted by pastorharry

Just my 2c about Bart's banjos after owning a standard, a special, a Galax and now a Regent.They sound alot better with the head real tight! I know the trend is loose heads, but especially on his banjos that will magnify "bottom of the empty trashcan echos". 

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I agree with this as far as the RP is concerned.  It tends toward tubby if the head is too loose...at least in my hands, anyway.

Montanarick - Posted - 11/02/2012:  15:28:11

quote: Steve Davis quarter trick or tighter?

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Originally posted by Slick Salmon

quote:

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Originally posted by pastorharry

Just my 2c about Bart's banjos after owning a standard, a special, a Galax and now a Regent.They sound alot better with the head real tight! I know the trend is loose heads, but especially on his banjos that will magnify "bottom of the empty trashcan echos". 

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I agree with this as far as the RP is concerned.  It tends toward tubby if the head is too loose...at least in my hands, anyway.

 

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Slick Salmon - Posted - 11/02/2012:  16:01:44

quote:

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Originally posted by Montanarick

quote: Steve Davis quarter trick or tighter?

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Originally posted by Slick Salmon

quote:

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Originally posted by pastorharry

Just my 2c about Bart's banjos after owning a standard, a special, a Galax and now a Regent.They sound alot better with the head real tight! I know the trend is loose heads, but especially on his banjos that will magnify "bottom of the empty trashcan echos". 

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I agree with this as far as the RP is concerned.  It tends toward tubby if the head is too loose...at least in my hands, anyway.

 

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I posted on this in the Setup & Repair section.  On the RP you have to use an 11.5" rule instead of a 10", because the head is bigger.  If I do that, then a drum dial setting of 90 gets me to a quarter clearance.  I'll probably crank it up a little tighter.  By comparison, it was delivered to me with a drum dial tension of 86, and the instrument was quite tubby.  Some people suggest going all the way to 94 with a Renaissance head, but I doubt I'll get that far.

 

 

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Montanarick - Posted - 11/02/2012:  16:07:36

quote: Thanks!

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Originally posted by Slick Salmon

quote:

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Originally posted by Montanarick

quote: Steve Davis quarter trick or tighter?

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I posted on this in the Setup & Repair section.  On the RP you have to use an 11.5" rule instead of a 10", because the head is bigger.  If I do that, then a drum dial setting of 90 gets me to a quarter clearance.  I'll probably crank it up a little tighter.  By comparison, it was delivered to me with a drum dial tension of 86, and the instrument was quite tubby.  Some people suggest going all the way to 94 with a Renaissance head, but I doubt I'll get that far.

 

 

RWJones1970 - Posted - 11/02/2012:  16:49:42

Your gonna love your Reiter !  My main player is an a Reiter Regent. Bart builds a banjo as sturdy as a battleship that produces fantastic tone under a myriad of various setups. Consistent  high quality is what you get and Bart is a standup great fella to work with. My Regent is setup with a John Balch goatskin head, Will Fielding bridge and tailpiece. I love it....here are pictures to boot. I am waiting on another killer banjo to arrive before Thanksgiving....a custom Wyatt Fawley Fairbanks Electric !!! Isn't BAS fun?!

Edited by - RWJones1970 on 11/02/2012 16:55:45

bohemian - Posted - 11/02/2012:  22:08:28

Congrats, fine banjos.. I have my third Bart Reiter.

mbuk06 - Posted - 11/03/2012:  06:19:24

quote:

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Originally posted by scthompson



I ADORE my Bart Reiter with scalloped ring. I had a WL-250, and it was nice, but I had the Reiter bug for some reason, too. As soon as I could make it happen, I did, and it SINGS! I replaced the no-knot with a Kershner and put ivoroid tuner knobs on, and if I can't play it I just look at it:) Have fun!

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SC I'm kind've curious to know what effect on tone you got with the Kerschner tailpiece?

Slick Salmon - Posted - 11/03/2012:  07:15:50

quote:

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Originally posted by scthompson



I ADORE my Bart Reiter with scalloped ring. I had a WL-250, and it was nice, but I had the Reiter bug for some reason, too. As soon as I could make it happen, I did, and it SINGS! I replaced the no-knot with a Kershner and put ivoroid tuner knobs on, and if I can't play it I just look at it:) Have fun!

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My wife as a Reiter with a scalloped ring, as well, and she'd get rid of me before she got rid of that banjo.  However, the Round Peak is a completely different instrument.  I'll be interested to hear how the OP likes it.

OldPoppy - Posted - 11/03/2012:  08:34:16

Thank you, Pastor Harry, for your comments on head tension. I was beginning to wonder if there was something wrong with me or my Bart. After reading numerous posts on head tension I decided to play around with it on my BR Whyte Laydie. It was sounding fine, but with the straight edge/coin test, a dime barely cleared, so I started loosening the head for the quarter fit, which seems to be some kind of standard or default for a lot of people. Before I even got to that point the banjo started sounding awful. I tried increasing the tailpiece tension to see if that made a difference. It did. It sounded even worse. So I cranked the head tension back up to the dime fit and things started getting better, but it didn't really get to where I wanted it until I relieved the tailpiece tension (it's the stock Waverly).

Seemed to me during the course of all this twiddling that altering the tail tension had at least as much impact on sound as the head tension. Does that make sense?

banjo bill-e - Posted - 11/03/2012:  11:10:55

Rick, I am one who agrees with you about the Little Wonder, it is a very sweet little banjo and way beyond the Goodtime in both sound quality and build quality. Congrats on your new Reiter. Having an 11" Little Wonder and a 12" Round Peak should give you a nice range of great banjo tones. Give us a report when you have enjoyed it for a while.

Montanarick - Posted - 11/03/2012:  11:26:54

quote: Will do.....thanks banjo bill-e

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Originally posted by banjo bill-e

Rick, I am one who agrees with you about the Little Wonder, it is a very sweet little banjo and way beyond the Goodtime in both sound quality and build quality. Congrats on your new Reiter. Having an 11" Little Wonder and a 12" Round Peak should give you a nice range of great banjo tones. Give us a report when you have enjoyed it for a while.

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superdave - Posted - 11/03/2012:  12:06:16

Being in the Reiter camp with both feet I can attest to the high quality of Bart's banjos. Bart recently built me a plain jane tubaphone and now sports a John Balch goat skin head and couldn't sound any better. Bart's banjo are very consistent. Once you get them dialed in where you want them nothings left but to play them. I have sold a few of my Reiter banjo's but never because there was anything wrong with any of them. You will enjoy yours equally I'm sure.

Thanks, Dave

Tatersoup - Posted - 11/03/2012:  12:21:35

Congratulations on a fine choice of instruments. I wish I had the money for one right now.

erikforgod - Posted - 11/03/2012:  12:40:11

Congrats Rick!! I know you will love your new Bart Reiter. For the record, my Pisgah banjo that is being built will have a 12" rim with a rolled brass tone ring..I am sure you will have your Reiter before I have my Pisgah so I want to know your first impressions about it when you get it.

I also wanted to say I have a Goodtime Crow and a Goodtime Scooped neck banjo with the brown varnish and the heavier tension hoop....I think they sound different. My Scooped neck Goodtime is louder than my Crow and also a tad bit heavier, but yet its supposedly the same banjo.

Edited by - erikforgod on 11/03/2012 12:40:32

Montanarick - Posted - 11/03/2012:  16:00:23

quote: Me too Tatersoup! Rick

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Originally posted by Tatersoup

 I wish I had the money for one right now.

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Montanarick - Posted - 11/03/2012:  16:03:42

quote: Thanks Eric.....I wish you could get your Pisgah sooner....Rick

Originally posted by erikforgod

Congrats Rick!!

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erikforgod - Posted - 11/04/2012:  05:51:41

Check this out Rick

VIDEO: Pisgah Banjos: White Ladye (click to view)