The Old Timer - Posted - 05/27/2013:  07:41:39

I've been noticing the ads for Reiter's new Dobson CORRECTION BUCKBEE model.   I like the looks and price.  Are there any owners here who can comment if the 11" version uses a thinner rim than Reiter's usual VEGA/Fairbanks copies?   I can't really tell from the ads.  I would prefer a thinner rim, lower weight open back.

They have one at Music Emporium in Lexington MA, I might take a ride up to check it out, but would like to read comments first if possible.

Thanks.

Edited by - The Old Timer on 05/27/2013 09:52:28

jbalch - Posted - 05/27/2013:  08:05:29

Linking to the Reiter Banjos group.... banjohangout.org/group/bartreiterbanjos

Gordy Ohliger - Posted - 05/27/2013:  08:39:08

Hey Old Timer ~
I have not played the repro Dobson model because I have an original. (my first 5-string!)
Since you are shopping, may I suggest that you also play an Eastman. They are in the same price range and openback configuration.
I am quite happy with my Reiter..I gig with it and play it all the time. A very serviceable instrument.

BDCA - Posted - 05/27/2013:  08:51:41

I played all the better open backs at the Emporium a couple of weeks ago. IMHO, the Eastman doesn't compare to the Reiters and the banjo I would have walked out with was a Ramsey Whyte Laydie. How much of the differences is due to set up, and personal preference is hard to say. I am sure that I would be able to take any of those instruments and set them up so they are closer to my desired sound. Of course, even that's a moving target. Hey!, once 3.2  Pabst was my favorite beer!?

Cya!

Bob

the-fish - Posted - 05/27/2013:  09:18:16

where is this info on a Reiter Dobson? I dont see it listed on his site or at Elderly?

the-fish - Posted - 05/27/2013:  09:20:20

A see A Buckabee at music emporium, do not see a dobson

banjo bill-e - Posted - 05/27/2013:  09:43:41

He does not list a Dobson model. Is Bacophone the same tone ring?

mrphysics55 - Posted - 05/27/2013:  09:49:11

The Buckbee Model is the same as a Standard ... with a new peg head shape and a scoop. Both should be "identical" tone-wise.

The Old Timer - Posted - 05/27/2013:  09:51:02

Ooop! Embarrassing I meant the Buckbee. Still trying to find out if it has thinner rim than the Vega/Fairbanks Reiters.

banjo bill-e - Posted - 05/27/2013:  11:05:24

Zepp should know, maybe drop him a line. I'm still curious if Dobson and Bacophone are the same ring. 

jbalch - Posted - 05/27/2013:  11:11:52

The Reiter Buckbee specs are here:  reiterbanjos.com/buckbee.html

The Old Timer - Posted - 05/27/2013:  12:19:11

Thanks, appreciate the link. Buckbee has 1/2" rim. The Vega/Fairbanks models have 5/8" rim. Just what I wanted to learn.

jbalch - Posted - 05/28/2013:  16:09:11

Here is one for you  on ebaY now.  Direct from the maker.

ebay.com/itm/Bart-Reiter-Buckb...c333579ea

banjobart - Posted - 05/28/2013:  18:03:00

The Dobson tone ring is similar to the Bacon tone ring but they are slightly different.

Joel Hooks - Posted - 05/29/2013:  04:32:40

I'd hazard to guess that they are approximately one thousand times better than 99.9% of what came from the Buckbee factory.

It is strange that he would choose that name...  It is also strange that the Deerings have not taken a trademark on it.

Is that not sort of like building a fantastic custom car and calling it "The Edsel?"

BDCA - Posted - 05/29/2013:  04:50:41

Buckbee.. of New York City, was said to have the largest musical instrument making factory in the world in 1860 and until about 1896/7 the concern made banjos for many others, including

Dobson, Converse, Bruno, Foote, Farland, Mather, etc.

At the peak of the banjo boom the factory was said to have made ten thousand banjos each year.

No one appears to have seen a banjo with the name Buckbee on it so it would appear the firm

never marketed its own instruments under its own name except with the initial JHB on the side of the heel.

The plant - at least, the banjo-making part of it - was taken over by Rettberg & Lange in 1897.

I don't see what relation to the Buckbee name Deering might have? It seems it  morphed into making Orpheums and then Paramounts.

Cya!

Bob

Joel Hooks - Posted - 05/29/2013:  07:34:15

Deering took a trade mark out on S. S. Stewart, Fairbanks and Vega.  I was surprised that they did not pounce on this name too.

Edited by - Joel Hooks on 05/29/2013 07:35:15

Gordy Ohliger - Posted - 05/29/2013:  07:48:25

As regards the historical comments of BDCA;
I have a vintage boat heel Buckbee with those stamped initials on the side. It is very plain, with no inlay work. The friction pegs and flush fretts give it a real organic sound. One must play for a while to drop down into it's subtlety.
I do a little number with it in my Mel Bay DVD.

Joel Hooks - Posted - 05/29/2013:  08:07:08

Looks like they did on Orpheum and Paramount too...

tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?...9miaq.5.9

tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?...miaq.5.11

Here are their live trademarks...

tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?...miaq.2.43

tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?...miaq.2.38

and Cole

tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?...9miaq.5.8

Now back to the topic of this discussion.

The Reiters have friction pegs?  

BDCA - Posted - 05/29/2013:  08:46:25

quote:

---

Originally posted by Joel Hooks

 

Deering took a trade mark out on S. S. Stewart, Fairbanks and Vega.  I was surprised that they did not pounce on this name too.

---

Wow, they also have trademarked Cole, Orpheum, and Paramount!

Cya!

Bob

72chevy - Posted - 06/03/2013:  20:04:52

hi old timer, looks like you got the info on the rim u were looking for. i just bought a Reiter Buckbee a few weeks ago. its my first openback so i really dont have any ownership comparisons but i like the sound, playability, and looks of it. i played like 5 or 6 of his models at my local shop, and then several other imports at various other places and the buckbee kinda kept whispering "buy me"... fwiw, the reiter bacophone was my second favorite. now back to the wood shed... this clawhammer journey is fun thus far. a few lower qual cellphone pics on my home page.

thanks
-tommy

banjobart - Posted - 06/03/2013:  20:42:05

My Buckbees have 5 Star planet pegs made in Bozeman, Montana USA by Stew-Mac (very expensive). I have visited the Waverly/Stew-Mac Bozeman shop twice and it is a thriving banjo hardware and guitar tuner manufacturing facility. All the rest of the Buckbee hardware is the same as my other models, too. The rims are Cox rims made in Maine by hand. The wood comes from my local sawmill. I save time on the finish and peghead shape as well as the pearl inlay (dots only) with the Buckbee. I have assembled every one of the 4,000 banjos with my name on them with my own two hands. I have had a couple different helpers working part time with me over the years. My shop is a 1.5 man shop, not a "factory". My mentors are guys like Daivd Nichols, Chuck Ogsbury, Geoff Stelling and Mark Platin. It is a produce or perish situation

Gordy Ohliger - Posted - 06/03/2013:  21:00:24

Well I'll be darn! HI BART!
I have one of yours and it is a very serviceable Player. EVERYTHING else I own and play is vintage. (pre-1926)
Please accept my heartfelt Thanks for your efforts.
We notice.

jbalch - Posted - 06/04/2013:  05:08:11

Without a doubt, this new model is an incredible value.  I really like the idea of necks available in Cherry & Walnut too.  

Personally, I like the "Buckbee" nameplate.     

The Old Timer - Posted - 06/04/2013:  12:36:54

Bart, thank for your comments. In the 1990s I owned a VEGA Style R Whyte Laydie you had renecked, a wonderful instrument that I had to let go after 10 years or so. Also had to let go a 1916 Whyte Laydie #7 and an early 1920s #3 Tu Ba Phone. Wanted the money for something else...

I'm kind of hankering for a simple open back banjo around the house, and my son has my 1960s VEGA Ranger at his house for he and my granddaughter to try to learn on. I am really attracted to your new Buckbee model. I'm checking out a couple of possiblities at Elderly Instruments and the Music Emporium.

I dropped out of the EBay bidding on the slightly used one you just offered, when the price go up so high. Glad you sold it, and glad it held its value so well.