usmc2msu - Posted - 03/13/2013:  04:56:24

So I'm looking to buy a Bart Reiter Galax with the Whyte Laydie tone ring. I played a couple of other Reiters including the Standard. I want a banjo that is mellow, but not too mellow. I know setup has a lot to do with the sound produced by any banjo and I'm wondering if a Galax can be setup to make a bit more mellow tone. I really like the Galax over the others I played, but the sound is just a little too ringy. Any comments are appreciated!!!

Banjolution - Posted - 03/13/2013:  05:15:07

 A natural skin head,a Fiberskyn head,or a heavier bridge may do the trick. Are you aware of the Reiter Banjo group? If not check it out!!

 banjohangout.org/group/bartreiterbanjos

jbalch - Posted - 03/13/2013:  05:19:26

The Galax is a great choice. A mahogany neck definitely produces a "warmer" more mellow "tone" than maple (which is more often used in WL type banjos). I have two (2) Galax-PLUS (or Bacophone- PLUS as Bart calls them) banjos that are my favorites.  One is Mahogany (like a Galax).  The other is Maple. The Mahogany neck is warmer & more mellow sounding  for sure.

Otherwise - modify the set-up to your taste. It might take some experimentation.  But Bart's banjos respond very well to changes.

 I also like a warm, mellow tone.  My personal preferred set-up includes:

1. hide head (I admit I am biased toward them),

2. bridges by Gary Sosebee (bowing ball-rack wood)  or Tim Purcell (Ambrosia Maple or Locust)

3. Prucha presto tailpiece (set up high to put very little down pressure on the bridge).

Edited by - jbalch on 03/13/2013 05:23:19

Lost Cherokee -Reiter bacophone-plus #3575 sample	~HOT~ BISCUIT JAM on 2012 Reiter Bacophone-Plus	Year of Jubolo on Reiter Bacophone-plus
			New Head July 29 2012 logo
2006 Reiter Galax-plus set-up

Jason Wilkerson - Posted - 03/13/2013:  06:07:27

John, do you think the presto tailpiece is giving a more mellow sound than a no-knot?

George Flink - Posted - 03/13/2013:  07:42:28

Try stuffing something under the head. An old sock works. The best is a prewar sock.

usmc2msu - Posted - 03/13/2013:  11:38:29

Jbalch...that info was very helpful as well as everyone else's. I've got the banjo on hold at Elderly. I hope to stop by and get it soon. It's used (in excellent condition) and listed for $985 which seems reasonable after looking at past sales. It's hard for me to believe that Bart lives just down the street from me! Thanks again for the help guys!!!

jbalch - Posted - 03/13/2013:  15:07:47

I think that is a great buy for $985.  Congratulations.  let us know how you like it.

Jason:  - with a Presto tailpiece raised fairly high (1/4" to 3/8" above the head & parallel), I think you can put even less down pressure on the bridge than you get with a no knot (see photo). It can have a very nice, open, sound.  Plus, I use them on most of my banjos - for bluegrass and clawhammer.