bc5000 - Posted - 02/08/2014:  17:31:28

I had my local shop order a Bart Reiter Standard A-Flat scale banjo yesterday. Supposed to take a couple months till delivery.

This will be my first open back. 

 

dustyelmer - Posted - 02/08/2014:  18:24:56

You can't go wrong with a Reiter. I have a Special that is just a fantastic banjo. If I ever got another Reiter, I'd get a standard but fretless. My next banjo, though not on order yet, will be a Prust Boucher model minstrel banjo.

Beachbum Scott - Posted - 02/08/2014:  19:21:25

Congrats on that!

Me... nothing on order... but I am saving up to buy my first Fiddle!

jbalch - Posted - 02/08/2014:  19:40:40

Congratulations on the new Reiter banjo.  I have a few of them and really love mine! Consequently, I'm well satisfied with my "herd" and have nothing on order.

I live that experience vicariously through my great friend David Emery. David has a real knack for commissioning incredible custom instruments from some of the very best builders.  I simply encourage him from the sidelines (and visit occasionally to play the collection).

oldwoodchuckb - Posted - 02/08/2014:  19:55:14

I have a probable Buckbee neck badly mated to a nice pot (a probable Cole). The banjo sounds good now, but is almost unplayable. I plan to have my builder rebuild it as a fretless. This will be a careful job, between leveling a twisted fingerboard and extending the dowel stick by about a quarter inch. The fingerboard will probably have to be built up a bit and then a sheet of formica added. From there it is simply a matter of working tuners and set up.

Levi Guthrie - Posted - 02/08/2014:  20:40:31

quote:

---

Originally posted by dustyelmer

You can't go wrong with a Reiter. I have a Special that is just a fantastic banjo. If I ever got another Reiter, I'd get a standard but fretless. My next banjo, though not on order yet, will be a Prust Boucher model minstrel banjo.

---

I'm playing my prust boucher right now, and it's a great instrument. Beautiful, great sound.

Edited by - Levi Guthrie on 02/08/2014 20:42:32

pinkbyfloyd - Posted - 02/09/2014:  00:21:08

Nothing right now, but I would like to have a enoch dobson on order.

gdtrfb24 - Posted - 02/09/2014:  03:57:51

Mine came in last Monday, a Luke Mercier LM-D60-S. Added Nylgut strings and she sounds perfect.

Edited by - gdtrfb24 on 02/09/2014 03:58:37

DEmery - Posted - 02/09/2014:  04:48:17

As a matter of fact; I do have a banjo or two in the build process. As John Balch said, I do have a weakness when somebody encourages me to build a banjo. Having done a lot of building over the pat couple of years; I am about finished with projects. I do anticipate Lee Sproull from Birmingham, Alabama to ship the Sproull #10 this week. While I don't know if a mountain banjo falls in the "open back" category, I got interested in having a nice mountain banjo while reading the Great Mountain Banjo thread. A super guy in Arizona and BHO member Lawrence Hargis does beautiful work and is well underway with the project. Anyone interested in these builders or banjos can visit my page and find the threads on the build. The photos below are from both of these banjos. David E. 

Sproull #10 Early finish neck and rim

BlowingRockNC - Posted - 02/09/2014:  05:28:36

I recently decided to supplement my 5-string playing with giving fretless a try. Bottom line: I have a Pisgah Dobson being made for me right now, with a few custom features. They are really good at Pisgah about making a banjo any way you want, with any changes or whatever. It won't be ready until April. In the meantime, since I've never played fretless, I recently got a Peterson Mountain Banjo (fretless), which is made by John Peterson, who I jam with here in Watauga County. It's really nice, strange sound, but nice. I'm working on the various tuning options, plus I'm working on the Old Time 2 and 3-finger style picking. It's not just falling into place right away, but I get the point, just need some practice. My regular banjo playing is a 3-finger style that doesn't really fall into a recognized category, but I like it, and the folks I jam with seem to get along with it, at least no objections. When the Pisgah arrives, I think I'll give the "buying banjo" syndrome a rest for a few years, which should make my wife happy. She's already a tad perplexed over my having 5 banjos. I haven't told her about the Pisgah yet, so I'm sure it will be my last for a good long time. Everyday is a good day for picking.

jmoathout - Posted - 02/09/2014:  07:18:24

Coming this week is a new Doc's semi-fretless, with bronze plate at  5-7 positions, scalloped fretboard above position 7, with a wooden Dobson-type tone ring.  This will have a Baluster neck with frailing scoop  but no frailing platform.

This is a 24" scale, versus the 27" Bell Boucher recently acquired.

Ragtimejoe - Posted - 02/09/2014:  07:40:17

I have a Pisgah Dobson (fretted) that I'm really happy with.

twelvefret - Posted - 02/09/2014:  10:38:42

How could I possibly improve on my Ramsey 12" Student?

ajisai - Posted - 02/09/2014:  10:57:38

I ordered a Prust tackhead banjo a couple of weeks ago. I try not to think about it--makes the wait easier--but I'm very excited about it. The day it arrives on my doorstep will be a happy one!

I've tried a couple of Bart Reiter banjos and I loved the feel of both of them. One of these days. : )

gkterry - Posted - 02/09/2014:  17:47:27

I have a Bell Banjo Stichter fretless model on order and can hardly stand the wait. Very excited about it.

R.D. Lunceford - Posted - 02/09/2014:  18:17:41

quote:

---

Originally posted by bc5000

I had my local shop order a Bart Reiter Standard A-Flat scale banjo yesterday. Supposed to take a couple months till delivery.

This will be my first open back. 

 

---

My Bart Reiter A-Flat scale is one of my favorite banjos.  It is a great choice.

I have mine fitted with Nylguts and a skin head.  It has a lot of depth and clarity too.  For my money, Reiters are one of the best deals on the market.  Unmatched quality control and playability.  the standard model is a great choice.  You have so many ways you can go with it set-upwise.  You can go for a deep percussive sound or string it with steel and crank down a frosted plastic head for a super-bright sound, or any variation in between.

Don't get fooled by the Ab designation.  I almost never tune my banjo to "A".  I play it as low as F or even E when the tuning drifts and it still handles it well.

I think you've made a great choice.  I am just disappointed to hear that you have to wait 2 months... at least its not 2 years.  Sooner or later Bart will probably retire.  His banjos will be even more sought after then.  I'd never hesitate to recommend a Reiter of any level of fanciness, and the Standard is a banjo that can easily serve you well for a lifetime (unless you get bitten by the collecting bug).  To me, even the Standard is a professional grade instrument.  Don't be misled by the fact that it is a "standard model".

5Stringtrout - Posted - 02/09/2014:  19:46:27

Two weeks ago the Bob Flesher "Sally Ann" arrived. Nothing more on order.

bc5000 - Posted - 02/09/2014:  20:16:23

quote:

---

Originally posted by R.D. Lunceford

quote:

---

Originally posted by bc5000

I had my local shop order a Bart Reiter Standard A-Flat scale banjo yesterday. Supposed to take a couple months till delivery.

This will be my first open back. 

 

---

My Bart Reiter A-Flat scale is one of my favorite banjos.  It is a great choice.

I have mine fitted with Nylguts and a skin head.  It has a lot of depth and clarity too.  For my money, Reiters are one of the best deals on the market.  Unmatched quality control and playability.  the standard model is a great choice.  You have so many ways you can go with it set-upwise.  You can go for a deep percussive sound or string it with steel and crank down a frosted plastic head for a super-bright sound, or any variation in between.

Don't get fooled by the Ab designation.  I almost never tune my banjo to "A".  I play it as low as F or even E when the tuning drifts and it still handles it well.

I think you've made a great choice.  I am just disappointed to hear that you have to wait 2 months... at least its not 2 years.  Sooner or later Bart will probably retire.  His banjos will be even more sought after then.  I'd never hesitate to recommend a Reiter of any level of fanciness, and the Standard is a banjo that can easily serve you well for a lifetime (unless you get bitten by the collecting bug).  To me, even the Standard is a professional grade instrument.  Don't be misled by the fact that it is a "standard model".

---

I already have plans for a skin head too. Elderly is supposed to get in an A-Flat in less then a month but I was afraid it would get snatched up, then I'd be waiting even longer.

 

Patagorda - Posted - 02/10/2014:  09:47:37

I've just ordered a Pisgah Rambler - Patrick's brand new spunover model - after seeing it on display at the Boone ASU Old Time Fiddlers Convention, and having the opportunity to play with it for a day:

-12"

- Cherry neck

- Richlite on fretboard and head, no inlays

- paddle headstock, dobson heel

ETA April - very excited!

Levi Guthrie - Posted - 02/10/2014:  14:01:10

quote:

---

Originally posted by Patagorda

I've just ordered a Pisgah Rambler - Patrick's brand new spunover model - after seeing it on display at the Boone ASU Old Time Fiddlers Convention, and having the opportunity to play with it for a day:

-12"

- Cherry neck

- Richlite on fretboard and head, no inlays

- paddle headstock, dobson heel

ETA April - very excited!

---

I hear cherry is one of the most stable hardwoods available and the best for necks.

RG - Posted - 02/10/2014:  17:22:31

Nothing on order since I build my own, so finishing off a 12" walnut pot mahogany neck fretless build with brass inlaid fingerboard and a resonator project built around an old Gariepy pot and then starting another 11" mahogany fretless with a formica fingerboard ...I did just get a pristine 1964 Gibson all original (archtop) RB-100 at a steal price, that banjo had been #1 on my "Holy Grail" list for a while...

Edited by - RG on 02/10/2014 17:26:44

Chadbanjo - Posted - 02/10/2014:  19:38:43

I don't, but I'd have a Bill Rickard banjo on order when money get allows. All unplated brass.

RG,  I got my 63 RB100 archtop not long ago. Love it, it's the sound I wanted, old time machine. All original and added a JBalch skin head. Sweet sound.

RG - Posted - 02/10/2014:  22:04:03

Chad...completely agree, installed a skin head myself (natural calfskin from Elderly with an old flesh hoop off of a vintage Gibson) and just put a Bart Veerman medium mystery wood bridge on it tonight (was using a vintage "art deco" Grover)...the Grover sound good, but man did that Bart bridge make it sound great...old time machine indeed!  Glad you're enjoying yours too, I can't put this thing down!

Tom Smith - Posted - 02/11/2014:  03:00:17

It's not on order yet, but my wife gave me the go ahead to order one of those RK "Dirty Thirties" banjers. It'll be on order next week. Looking forward to my first store bought banjo with frets. I'm nearing completion on my first tackhead banjo, too.

rinemb - Posted - 02/11/2014:  07:43:31

Ordered another mountain banjo. This one from John Peterson, a Watauga County Style Banjo.  Going with cherry, exposed slothead brass screws and a partial brass fingerboard.

carryinon.com/store/main.html

Brad

grumpsie - Posted - 02/11/2014:  10:34:28

I am in line for another Buckeye. :)

pickinchik - Posted - 02/11/2014:  14:59:44

Just ordered my first fretless mountain banjo yesterday from John Peterson.  Can't wait.  In about 4 weeks I'll be playing it.  

Mandy

theblindmattdark - Posted - 02/13/2014:  08:29:20

I have a Brooks Spartan on the way. It's probably about 8 months out. I can't wait.

BoneDigger - Posted - 02/14/2014:  08:34:50

Nothing nearly as nice as all of you guys, but I have a Recording King RK-OT25 on the way to supplement my RK35. I already play three finger style and want to try out clawhammer.

Todd

twelvefret - Posted - 02/14/2014:  09:01:20

quote:

---

Originally posted by BoneDigger

Nothing nearly as nice as all of you guys, but I have a Recording King RK-OT25 on the way to supplement my RK35. I already play three finger style and want to try out clawhammer.



Todd

---

Don't think you aren't getting something nice, Bro. It's a nice banjo and the head is made right here in the good old US of A.

Seriously, you will love yours as I do mine.

bobmcwhirter - Posted - 02/15/2014:  14:44:25

Hopefully taking delivery of my Buckeye this week. 

BoneDigger - Posted - 02/15/2014:  17:36:18

My RK-OT25 arrived today. What a great little banjo! I am completely happy with this purchase!

Todd

MarkTwain84 - Posted - 02/16/2014:  09:06:41

Glad to hear it Todd, have fun!

Chris

charles grimm - Posted - 02/20/2014:  15:08:32

I just ordered an Ome Deluxe Jubilee with a Rolled brass tonering, Ebony fretboard and peghead,Fyberskyn head,5/8ths bridge,and a Harp tailpiece, yesterday! Now that's a run on sentence,all in one breath. Oh capo pegs on the 5th,7th and 9th frets. Now I just have to forget about it till it shows up. Lots of luck,right?

J-Walk - Posted - 02/20/2014:  17:45:22

I have no banjos on order. Well, Brooks Masten is putting a 5-string neck on a 6-string he made me. I realized that I like the concept of a 6-string banjo, but it takes me too long to get accustomed to it. 

And, of course, I'm ALWAYS looking for a Jason Romero banjo to buy second hand. I'll pay good money, but I'm pretty picky.

rudy - Posted - 02/23/2014:  15:11:47

I ordered a new banjo with an 11" pot and Ashborn-style A-flat neck done in quarter sawn oak from myself. Does that count?

Edited by - rudy on 02/23/2014 15:12:23

jmoathout - Posted - 02/23/2014:  15:31:15

Doc's custom #220, semi-fretless with scalloped frets above the phosphor bronze fretless area arrived Thursday.  VERY nice, still evaluating, messing around. Fret wires installed even in the fretless zone - hidden by the phosphor bronze plate - provide built-in position markers. Oops two photos - sorry.

Edited by - jmoathout on 02/23/2014 15:31:52

Tom Smith - Posted - 02/24/2014:  03:03:43

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tom Smith

It's not on order yet, but my wife gave me the go ahead to order one of those RK "Dirty Thirties" banjers. It'll be on order next week. Looking forward to my first store bought banjo with frets. I'm nearing completion on my first tackhead banjo, too.

---

My nephew took up guitar not too long ago and has made very good progress. Now he wants to try banjo, so I told my sister he could have my John Peterson mountain banjo once I have finished my tackhead or when I get my Recording King. I finally got the RK on order. It should arrive this week. I had Elderly set it up with Nylgut strings. Hopefully next weekend my  nephew and I will each have a banjo.

Tom Smith - Posted - 02/24/2014:  09:25:40

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tom Smith

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tom Smith

It's not on order yet, but my wife gave me the go ahead to order one of those RK "Dirty Thirties" banjers. It'll be on order next week. Looking forward to my first store bought banjo with frets. I'm nearing completion on my first tackhead banjo, too.

---

My nephew took up guitar not too long ago and has made very good progress. Now he wants to try banjo, so I told my sister he could have my John Peterson mountain banjo once I have finished my tackhead or when I get my Recording King. I finally got the RK on order. It should arrive this week. I had Elderly set it up with Nylgut strings. Hopefully next weekend my  nephew and I will each have a banjo.

---

Yes, I know I'm replying to the reply I made to my original comment. I just talked to Elderly, and it looks like next week, not this week because it's too cold to ship. They said they don't ship instruments when the outside temp is below 10F. Oh, well. Better safe than sorry...

MrNatch3L - Posted - 02/25/2014:  12:22:28

Nechville Atlas from the classifieds here, now in transit to me via circuitous routes and hopefully in hand and intact next week in Prague. My Vega conversion, while it sounds lovely, was not going to cut it in my new gig with a local sea shanty group. Need to be heard in this 10-person group that also sports accordion and bagpipes. The deal included a Schatten pickup so I can plug in when necessary. So '24 Vega for old time, and Atlas for more raucous stuff. 

bobmcwhirter - Posted - 02/28/2014:  10:47:36

Yesterday I finally took delivery of Buckeye Banjos #144.  It's beautiful, plays great, and sounds fantastic.

Greg is fantastic guy.

A quick video to hear it.

youtube.com/watch?v=s-Ejf0EGSQ4

mrphysics55 - Posted - 02/28/2014:  13:44:19

Looks like I'm next in line for a Lee Sproull build.