kona - Posted - 07/06/2013:  12:19:56

I'm the market for a Bart Reiter banjo. I had a resonator banjo for over a decade and recently let it go in order to find a nice old-time instrument that I actually enjoyed playing. I'm basically still a beginner banjo player, but play other instruments and am ready to invest in a player banjo to keep around for a good while (or longer) and progress with.

Currently I'm considering three instruments all in great condition including cases.

1) The classifieds listed 2005 Bacophone model (850+shipping).

2) The classifieds listed 2012 Standard model, scooped after 17th fret (900+ shipping).

3) A locally (retail) offered 1998 Professional model with the Bacophone ring and internal resonator (with 2 f-holes), maple neck / rim and satin finish ($1850).  This is the only Reiter I've played. I loved the sound with the IR and Bacon tone ring, but at $1850, it is well beyond my price range. I might be able to get it for a few hundred less, which would be a super stretch on my budget, but perhaps that value that could be recouped one day (if needed). 

Would anyone care to comment? In particular, I'm wondering about the sound difference from the various tone rings and neck woods (Maple vs. Mahogony), and also the purchase value for the Professional with IR (In the current 'thin' market, the first two are unquestionably great deals, just not sure about the third given my budget).

Thanks folks! -Dan

Edited by - kona on 07/06/2013 12:36:25

Brooklynbanjoboy - Posted - 07/06/2013:  12:53:30

Coincidentally, I'm mulling over the same option.

I have a nice Frank Neat banjo from the early 1980s.

I also have a new Bart Reiter Standard.

I've been thinking of selling the Neat banjo and buying a Reiter with frets down to the rim -- no scoop.

I like the quieter sound, and I don't wear picks when I do three finger picking -- because I'm primarily a clawhammer player.

But between the weight of the Neat resonated bluegrass banjo, the complexity of set up to get the sound right, and the way the banjo seems like a megaphone instead of an instrument for making simple string sounds -- all that has driven me to the same place, the same decision point, as you. 

I’m not familiar with the sound of the other Bart Reiter products.  The Standard gives me a nice, mellow, manageable sound.  I’m not as adept as other players in doing set up on a bluegrass banjo.  The open backs are easier for me to nudge to the sound I want them to produce. 

I’ll be interested in the responses to your query from this Great Banjo Community.

Play hard,

Lew

jbalch - Posted - 07/06/2013:  13:35:30

The Internal resonator gives the Professional model a bigger sound (wider - less focused - not necessarily louder). The Bass tones are enhanced. It has a warm, Dobson-like sustain. I really like these banjos for solo playing or in small ensembles.

The Bacophone model has a full thickness, 3-ply, rim and Bacon tone ring.  It should be warm and woody sounding with a nice subtle sustain (as above).  Without the IR, this model is more focused.

The Standard is a slightly thinner two-ply rim and simple brass hoop tone ring. I expect it to be clear & strong. This is a good string band banjo. It sits well in the mix with several other instruments.

All three banjos will have Bart's great neck profile and will be solid players.  You can't go too far wrong with any of them. They all will respond well to set-up choices and changes.

Of the three examples you mentioned, I think the Bacophone is offered at a most compelling price ($850).  The realistic retail for that model brand new is $1495 plus the cost of a case.

The $900 Standard is a good price too - but not as deep a discount to the new retail.

The discontinued Professional model is harder to value.  These are very cool banjos I'm not aware of anyone producing a real Bacon-style internal resonator banjo like this now. Certainly not on a regular basis. I think if you commission something like this from custom builder the cost would be significantly higher. They are selling much less frequently now days. So if you want one - they are not easy to find.  But they still do come up occasionally.  It is indeed a thin market so that model has always been subject to wide swings in selling price.  I've seen them go for prices ranging from $1000 to $2000.   I expect a good-contition Professional should $1600-1800 today.

disclaimer -- I have not seen any of the specific banjos you mentioned - and have no interest in them.  So ...I'm speaking in generalities..and expressing my personal opinions. I hope that helps. Best wishes!

I am linking this to the Bart Reiter Banjos group.

Edited by - jbalch on 07/06/2013 13:38:28

Gordy Ohliger - Posted - 07/06/2013:  13:37:27

I'd go with the Bacophone or the Professional.

I have a Whyte Laydie. It's got the maple neck.

 I play both claw hammer and bluegrass style, though much prefer my own fussin' around two-finger style. This covers 'em all.

Dear Sir ~ One must never worry about spending too much $ on banjos....they will repay your investment ten-fold.

Dale Morris - Posted - 07/06/2013:  14:04:42

I have a Reiter Professional. (has the wooden resonator)..nice playing, sounding, and looking banjo..in demand more so than Bart's other models.

I have a Reiter Standard also..good overall banjo..I'm thinking of selling my standard model (too many banjos).

I also have a Reiter Special model..which is a lot like the Standard in design,but has a better sound to it ??

Here's a link to a Reiter Tubaphone on ebay right now..which would give you more volume..

ebay.com/itm/Custom-Bart-Reite...a8280b648

The Old Timer - Posted - 07/06/2013:  14:49:54

Man I'd snap up that Bacophone if it's as good as it looks!

martinsindian - Posted - 07/06/2013:  15:06:45

I know a lot of folks on BHO seem very anti-ebay but you may want to do some looking there . Rieter actually sells a lot of his banjos on ebay , he usually starts them a $1.00 and lets the market dictate what they bring , and they generally bring $900 -$1200 for nice open backs . Or find his phone number and contact him directly . See if he's got something in stock , maybe a trade-in or something . I bet he will be able to fix you up with something in your price range . happy hunting ...

BDCA - Posted - 07/06/2013:  19:52:13

The Ebay Tubaphone is gone. I have a Custom Tubaphone I recently acquired and you's be welcome to try it. I played the internal resonator at The Folk Shop and wile a beautiful sounding instrument, it's not ideal for a jams or festivals.

You will never have a problem recouping the investment in a used Reiter.

Cya!

Bob

Edited by - BDCA on 07/06/2013 19:53:00

Helix - Posted - 07/07/2013:  05:06:33

Welcome to the hangout, fun, huh?

If you're in my county, please stop and sit on my tailgate. personally, I can't WAIT to get my hands on a Reiter.

Mr Reiter has taken great care, great quality.

kona - Posted - 07/07/2013:  11:15:27

Fun indeed! Thank you all for your comments and input. It is very much appreciated. I missed the Bacophone but the hunt continues!

bohemian - Posted - 07/07/2013:  20:26:48

Get the Professional.  You won't regret it.  Se if you can make a deal.

I bought a custom Grand Concert from Bart in 1993.  I injured my right hand and was not able to play for a couple years and I needed the money, so sold it.  Big mistake.  When I wanted another, not to be found.  Two years ago I did find another, not quite a s fancy, but close, and the serial number is 1 number away from my original.

While looking ,I bought a new Bart Reiter Regent and sold that... and I regret that sale. Fine banjo.

There is a Professional locally for $2400.

Edited by - bohemian on 07/07/2013 20:28:03