banjers51 - Posted - 09/24/2013:  08:41:38

Good morning folks,

Yesterday I posted an ad in the Classifieds for a banjo I'm reluctantly parting with, and wanted to offer a bit of an explanation about the instrument, especially since I've had several inquiries containing very good questions.  The banjo is a Bart Reiter Professional, the less fancy internal resonator model patterned after the famous Bacon FF Professional.  What makes this particular instrument a bit unusual is the substitution of a Whyte Laydie style tone ring for the more common Bacon tone ring.  By all accounts, this was something done after it left Mr. Reiter's shop, but the work was very well done--it takes close inspection to see where the rim was cut down ever so slightly to accommodate the new tone ring.  The result, at least to my ears, is stunningly different than a stock version of this banjo.  I've owned four different internal resonator instruments (three Reiters and one original Vega-built Bacon), and this is by far my favorite, largely because of the tonal response.  In all other respects (appearance, playability, etc.) it is no different than what one would expect from a Professional.  

I realize trying to describe "tone" is nearly impossible, but if pressed, I would say this banjo has more focus or presence.  On the other hand, that's just as easily a result of my own playing technique and what I seek in a banjo: I'm an unabashed fan of that Whyte Laydie or Electric sound.  Consequently, if you're seeking that classic Bacon internal resonator sound, this banjo clearly won't meet your expectations; however, if you're more interested in something unusual, very well constructed and extremely playable, you might want to consider this.  

I also wanted to call attention to the fact that I've dropped the price, not because I'm anxious to sell but frankly because I don't generally buy/sell/trade instruments with the goal of making a profit.  I did that for a living for nearly 20 years, and have no qualms with those who do here on BHO, but it's simply not why I engage in the process anymore.  Conversely, I do try to keep things even so the new price ($1200) is firm, because that's what I paid for it--I thought that was a very fair price at the time, and continue to think so.  I'm in no hurry nor do I need to sell this for financial reasons, but I am trying to reduce the number of instruments in my stable and this is one regrettably that I don't play as often as I should.  It's a fine example of Bart Reiter's craftsmanship, with the bonus of being something a little out of the ordinary.

I've had no luck posting pictures here, but you'll find a number of photos attached to the ad.  If I can answer any questions or provide more photos please feel free to contact me here on BHO.

Cheers,

Richard (Banjers51)

Edited by - banjers51 on 09/26/2013 15:11:04

jbalch - Posted - 09/24/2013:  16:51:33

I owned this banjo briefly before Richard.  I agree with his comments regarding the sound.  This is a very good sounding (and playing) instrument.

I'll link a sound sample recorded while the banjo was in my possession.

Best wishes!

~HOT~ Biscuit Jam - Reiter Professional demo