joshg - Posted - 07/18/2014:  12:57:59

Hi Everyone,

Initially bought a Goodtime since I wasn't sure if I would stick with the banjo, but I'm hooked and looking to upgrade. 

Without many shops nearby, it's a bit tough to get my hands on instruments to try and compare.  I got to play a Bart Reiter Standard and Bacophone for today and really liked the Bacophone.  Neck on both felt great, but the Bacophone sounded richer to me with more bass.  The only draw back was it felt really heavy (5/8's rim and mahogany adds up I guess). 

Any suggestions on banjos with a similar tone and feel without so much weight?  Would like to keep it under $1500.

Thanks for any suggestions!

-Josh

jbalch - Posted - 07/18/2014:  18:10:53

Just curious, how did you feel about the the Reiter "Standard" model - in terms of weight?

joshg - Posted - 07/18/2014:  19:09:14

It was better, but still felt heavy. Haven't had my hands on too many banjos though, so I'm not sure if my view on weight is just skewed from being used to the Good time.

jbalch - Posted - 07/18/2014:  19:36:50

A goodtime is very lightweight for sure.

For better -grade banjo lighter than the Reiter's consider: Pisgah, Enoch (tradesman or Dobson), or Wayne Sagmoen.  If you like the sound of the Bacon tone ring, Pisgah or Sagmoen could probably add one for you ... or try a Dobson tone ring (which is conceptually quite similar to the Bacon). You can easily add a Rickard Dobson tone ring to a Tradesman with no modification to the banjo.

But .... one factor to remember (regarding weight) is the truss rod neck.  You can reduce the banjo weight by eliminating the adjustable truss rod. Some builders replace it with a graphite stiffener or something else.  Other builders don't use any reinforcement at all.  Personally, I prefer a two-way adjustable rod.  I've set up LOTS of banjos over the years.  Sometimes you really need to adjust the relief.  If you don't have a truss rod - you are just out of luck.

I am a BIG fan of Reiter banjos.  Main reasons include: the consistency, playability, and serviceability of the necks.  They feel and function great to me. I also really like the sound of the Bacon ring. My personal favorite configuration is a Bacon donut on top of a whyte laydie ring (Bart calls it a Bacophone-Plus). But that combination definitely adds weight.

joshg - Posted - 07/18/2014:  20:20:33

Thanks for the suggestions and advice! I think I need to play it again. Not planning on traveling with it on a regular basis, so maybe the weight isn't much of an issue. Definitely loved the sound.

jbritt - Posted - 07/18/2014:  21:34:00

I cannot help with your specifically about your question about comparable tone but lighter weight.  But a few small builders make thin shell drum rims with dobson rings that may be a similar sound and lighter.  Geographically, you are really close to the Bucks County Folk Shop, and on non peak times, your travel to Staten Island to Mandolin Brothers is really easy (from experience) from where you are.  This is more options than most people 

But, it sounds like you like the tone of the Reiter. You won't always find that. I have a dreadnought that I hate playing (too big) but sounds great so I still play it. Comfort and tone are sometimes at odds.   You have a chance to play a bunch of instruments (more or less) locally. so take your time.  But i wont be surprised if that Reiter is the one.  

Dave Coin - Posted - 07/19/2014:  04:10:36

I have a Reiter Galax. Doesn't seem heavy at all.

jbalch - Posted - 07/19/2014:  05:19:54

I re-read my earlier post and realized that my wording might be easily misunderstood.  What I meant to say was this:

"For a banjo - that is better-grade than your Goodtime - and possibly lighter than the Reiter Bacophone ... take a look at Pisgah, Enoch (tragesman or Dobson, or Sagmoen...

Edited by - jbalch on 07/19/2014 05:20:38

kona - Posted - 07/19/2014:  09:24:44

I think the Reiter Standards are great banjos. Light & comfortable yet substantial enough to clearly be in the pro class. Reiters are a world of difference compared to my starter banjo, which was a beater and toy light.

I was most after tone, and the Standard just didn't compare to Reiter's IR with bacon ring. It is a good bit heavier, no doubt. I haven't yet played the Reiter Bacophone, but look forward to doing so.

etparadox - Posted - 07/20/2014:  23:28:06

Many people have spoken to who may have a lighter banjo, but I'll say this: banjos are heavy, and the mass is one of the deciding factors in the tone. You can find a lighter instrument, but there will be a sound difference. The goodtimes are especially and unusually light banjos. Unless you have a back problem that makes heavier instrument damaging, I recommend getting used to a heavier instrument. Most good openbacks will be 4-6lbs, and for good reason. The extra mass in the rim, tone ring, etc will generally make an instrument louder, more resonant, and clearer. There are good lightweight banjos, But most tone rings are at least 1lb to begin with. Many rings also need or work better with thicker rims. If you like the sound of a lighter banjo, great, but if you like the sound of the bacophone, get the instrument that speaks to you. 

BDCA - Posted - 07/21/2014:  05:33:02

I have a Reiter Whyte  Laydie and a Reiter Tubaphone, as well as a recently acquired Mike Ramsey Electric (Whyte Laydie tone ring) while here in Durham, NC. While I have yet to AB the two "Whyte Laydies"  the Reiter is definitely a heavier version. In addition, the Ramsey seems to have a warmer, more old time sound than the Reiters.

I also beleive the Ramsey has a shorter scale length with it's effect on tone.

A year or so ago, I compared a number of new banjos at The Music Emporium near Boston and while I wasn't ready to buy at that point, I did notice the Ramsey was the warmest sounding of the Reiters, Eastman  and a couple of other brands. It may be the thinner rim Mike uses but all three banjos are beautiful and distinctive.

Cya!

Bob

banjered - Posted - 07/21/2014:  06:39:00

While Reiters are excellently crafted banjos, I have never cared for the 5/8" thick rims. 1/4" thick rims are what I prefer. Try to go to a festival where you can hear or even try a variety of banjos. After many years, many of us including me are still zeroing in on the characteristics they want out of a banjo - playability, tone, looks etc. Enjoy the looking along with the learning, no rush about either. There have been several people here on BHO who seemed to be able to afford buying a top banjo every month or so to try out and then move it along for the next purchase. There are so many great banjos and builders out there but I have experienced only a few of them. Best wishes! Banjered

joshg - Posted - 07/21/2014:  17:16:54

Really appreciate everyone's input. Went back and played the bacophone again and the tone sold me. Looking forward to putting lots of timeon this banjo and really getting to know it. After playing with it for an afternoon, I'm already over the weight.