zac987 - Posted - 12/03/2014:  23:44:02

I stumbled upon this banjo on Craigslist. It is listed for $3000. I know that it is a pricey banjo, but I'm not sure if I know that it is worth $3000. Could someone please educate me as to the value of this banjo?

sarasota.craigslist.org/msg/47...4114.html

Thanks!

Edited by - zac987 on 12/04/2014 05:23:01

BDCA - Posted - 12/04/2014:  03:11:07

I have a similar Bar Reiter with a Tubaphone ring and I paid a lot less. This seems to have a simple brass ring and is all about the inlays. While pretty, they don't help the sound. I would offer $1500 but not pay a dime over $1700 for this one.

Cya!

Bob

superdave - Posted - 12/04/2014:  03:55:15

You can find Grand Concert's for less than that as well ! Bart made some of the nicest Custom banjo's during that time. It does say or best offer.

Dave

PGP - Posted - 12/04/2014:  04:27:42

Although you cannot see it in the photos, sitting beneath the plated wire ring should be a scalloped ring upon which the wire ring is resting. There is a nickel plated outer sheath which covers both of these and is visible on the outside of the pot, but once again not visible in the photos. These 3 pieces comprise a whyte laydie, or electric, tone ring. Since Bart no longer makes these banjos this is a somewhat hard to find model and in all likelihood a very nice banjo. However the price is clearly excessive.

Peter

Patrick Dengate - Posted - 12/04/2014:  05:56:18

Not sure if $3,000 is right, but that's a helluva banjo. I've played a Bart Reiter Whyte Laydie (his version of the No. 2) for almost 20 years. It's an outstanding instrument in every way; probably better than the originals he was basing it on. This one is Bart's replica of what I think Fairbanks called the No. 9, their top-of-the-line. (I think the originals also had a gryphon inlay on the back of the peghead and heel carving, which are not on this one). He hasn't made any of these in years.

Although it's hard to see in the photos, I'm sure it has a Whyte Laydie tone ring (hence the name), not a simple brass hoop.

(BTW, I personally have nothing to do with this sale!)

jlawjr - Posted - 12/04/2014:  07:40:03

Elderly Instruments sold two Reiter Whyte Laydie Deluxe banjos a few years ago priced at $3000 and $3250, if I remember correctly.

the-fish - Posted - 12/04/2014:  08:21:20

Way to much asking price, 1500-1700

thefolkshop - Posted - 12/04/2014:  12:27:58

A Reiter Whyte Laydie with the bracket band and #7 inlays done magnificently by on of the best banjo builders in the country.  What a deal!!

BDCA - Posted - 12/04/2014:  13:33:02

Paul,

The Grand Concert with the Chubby Dragon went for $2500. Do you think $3K is a great deal???

Cya!

Bob

Bill Rogers - Posted - 12/04/2014:  15:26:13

It's a fair market price for that banjo.  There were few made.  Tonally, it won't differ a lot from any Reiter with the Electric tone ring.  You're paying for the fancy inlays and the bracket band.  If you want the decoration and like Reiter Whyte Laydies, then I'd go for it.  They're just too hard to find.  BTW, there was presumably one, maybe two, Vega-Fairbanks WL DeLuxes ever made.  Don't know if either is extant today.  It was listed in the catalog though.

banjo bill-e - Posted - 12/04/2014:  15:45:39

I can't say that I'm a fan of that inlay. I like the classic flower pot headstock but the fretboard inlays are way too big for my taste. I'd get a Star and dots and save at least a Grand.

Bill Rogers - Posted - 12/04/2014:  15:52:50

quote:

---

Originally posted by banjo bill-e

I can't say that I'm a fan of that inlay. I like the classic flower pot headstock but the fretboard inlays are way too big for my taste. I'd get a Star and dots and save at least a Grand.

---

I agree.  I think the early WL #2s, with their understated elegance and engraved modified squares, are more tasteful and artistic.  If you like gaudy engraving, though....

davidwigal - Posted - 12/04/2014:  18:02:59

quote:

---

Originally posted by Bill Rogers

It's a fair market price for that banjo.  There were few made.  Tonally, it won't differ a lot from any Reiter with the Electric tone ring.  You're paying for the fancy inlays and the bracket band.  If you want the decoration and like Reiter Whyte Laydies, then I'd go for it.  They're just too hard to find.  BTW, there was presumably one, maybe two, Vega-Fairbanks WL DeLuxes ever made.  Don't know if either is extant today.  It was listed in the catalog though.

---

How much would you think one of those original DeLuxes' would go for today Bill, assuming of course that they could be located; or would they be under the "priceless" category?

linda Parson - Posted - 12/05/2014:  05:16:49

I think if you all saw this banjo up close you definitely wouldn't call the inlays gaudy.

banjot - Posted - 12/05/2014:  05:59:20

In the past I've done what's already been done here for you: get "comps." Elderly has sold them for $3,000 and 3,250. I've then explained to the seller that that is the price that it sells for in a retail setting from a well respected, long established store.

I also explain that if they'd be able to get that price from there or a similar setting but add that they'd have to ship the banjo at their expense, most retailers set the banjo up (again at the sellers expense) and charge a consignment fee of (I'm guessing) 25%. I'll do the math for them and then make an offer:

Price     $3,000 X 25% consignment fee= $2,250 minus shipping and set up $100==$2,150 and that might take a few months to get. So it looks like a $2,000 banjo to me. Cash in hand is generally helps.

Tom Mylet

thefolkshop - Posted - 12/05/2014:  09:23:44

FYI, Elderly gets a very fair 15% on higher end consignments.

thefolkshop - Posted - 12/05/2014:  09:25:51

Bob,  Lots more inlays and a bracket band on the WL DLX.  Yep, I think it's a fair price.  Paul

David Moore - Posted - 12/05/2014:  10:46:09

Zac drive down and see if you love it. Not that far away from you. Spend some time with it and offer some hundreds and see what you can negotiate.

BDCA - Posted - 12/05/2014:  11:16:32

quote:

---

Originally posted by thefolkshop

Bob,  Lots more inlays and a bracket band on the WL DLX.  Yep, I think it's a fair price.  Paul

---

I took a closer look and missed the bracket band... Beautiful banjo. 

BTW Mike is making a custom for me.. 12" Electric with his Chubby Dragon..

Cya!

Bob

zac987 - Posted - 12/05/2014:  12:06:07

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I mostly posted this out of pure curiosity. I don't see too many high-end banjos on craigslist in my part of the country, and I had never seen this Reiter model. It is a beautiful banjo that is very much out if my price point. Happy to be educated on it regardless! 

BDCA - Posted - 12/05/2014:  12:21:23

I bought a beautiful custom Reiter Tubaphone from SFl last year. Ya never know what's in the woodwork.

Cya!

Bob

superdave - Posted - 12/05/2014:  14:29:36

I had a Reiter Whyte Layde several years ago. Biggest mistake I made was selling it. Not sure what i was thinking !
Dave

davidwigal - Posted - 12/05/2014:  14:33:13

quote:

---

Originally posted by superdave

I had a Reiter Whyte Layde several years ago. Biggest mistake I made was selling it. Not sure what i was thinking !

Dave

---

Hi SuperDave, how are you enjoying that beautiful Mike Ramsey "Custom" that you got last year?

superdave - Posted - 12/05/2014:  15:10:01

Ah yes David it was just a little past this time last year when Mike completed it. It's a very easy banjo to play. Between the lower string tension of the 25.5 neck and natural skin head. Not to mention just to look at ! That's the headstock in my Avitar.

Dave

Edited by - superdave on 12/05/2014 15:10:47

davidwigal - Posted - 12/05/2014:  15:15:10

Have to admit bro that I drool a little bit every time I look at it

BDCA - Posted - 12/05/2014:  21:39:35

quote:

---

Originally posted by superdave

Ah yes David it was just a little past this time last year when Mike completed it. It's a very easy banjo to play. Between the lower string tension of the 25.5 neck and natural skin head. Not to mention just to look at ! That's the headstock in my Avitar.

Dave

---

Pics??

Cya!

Bob

davidwigal - Posted - 12/05/2014:  22:03:47

quote:

---

Originally posted by BDCA

quote:

---

Originally posted by superdave

Ah yes David it was just a little past this time last year when Mike completed it. It's a very easy banjo to play. Between the lower string tension of the 25.5 neck and natural skin head. Not to mention just to look at ! That's the headstock in my Avitar.

Dave

---

Pics??

 

Cya!

Bob

---

Check out SuperDave's homepage here on the Hang-Out for photos of his "Custom." I am curious Bob as to what kind of wait-time you are looking at to get that banjo you have on order; I am thinking about ordering a custom built one too and was wondering how long it usually takes. Thanks 

jbalch - Posted - 12/30/2014:  15:05:30

Update - I made arrangements to acquire this banjo from a charming lady named Patty P. in Florida.  Her story is this: The banjo was purchased by her late husband in 1995. They were professional musicians.  He very unfortunately died only a year or two after receiving it.  Patty retained the banjo.  However because she is not a banjoist, it has not been played.  She finally decided the time was right to sell and posted it on craigslist. After some discussion, we agreed on a fair market price, and I purchased it.

FedEx is in possession of it right now - enroute to me.  I should have it by Friday.  If all goes well, I'll post details soon.

Edited by - jbalch on 12/30/2014 15:06:11

kona - Posted - 12/30/2014:  19:56:06

great news - congratulations John! i look forward to seeing and hearing more about this instrument!

zac987 - Posted - 12/30/2014:  21:12:20

That's awesome, John! Glad I could play a small part in you getting such a great banjo. 

Fairbanks - Posted - 12/31/2014:  02:58:11

Congratulations John. The Reiter fell into the right hands for sure. Looking forward to seeing a video and snazzy pics....

jbalch - Posted - 12/31/2014:  03:40:52

Zac:  

It worked out great for me.  I think Patty is pleased with the sale too.  Hopefully a "win - win."

Thanks again for posting the topic and bringing it to my attention.

I'll post photos and an update next week after I've received it and given it my personal treatment ;<).

JB

mikehalloran - Posted - 01/01/2015:  22:16:12

I remember when Elderly and Mandolin Bros were selling those new. Owning one of Bart's nicely engraved necks on a Vegaphone conversion, I don't think this one is overpriced. He does superb work and isn't doing this kind of engraving anymore. 

Go, find another. 

jbalch - Posted - 01/02/2015:  19:25:46

:-) .... More later

jbalch - Posted - 01/03/2015:  15:24:38

Here are a few quick cell phone pictures. Too busy playing it right now to make proper photographs.  Will post more when available.

Bill Rogers - Posted - 01/03/2015:  22:16:00

Price of an original WL Deluxe (presuming one was found) in original condition save normal wear would likely be $15,000 to $20,000.  Despite rarity, it wouldn't have the demand of a 30s flathead Mastertone.

banjered - Posted - 01/04/2015:  05:59:59

WOW! Banjered

superdave - Posted - 01/04/2015:  06:52:28

Holy Grail ! For Reiter fans

Dave

Edited by - superdave on 01/04/2015 06:52:58

jbalch - Posted - 01/04/2015:  08:39:23

This is a truly wonderful banjo.  It is without-a-doubt one of the best sounding Bart Reiter banjos I've played.  

It has appropriate signs of age including the expected weather checking a very few superficial finish blemishes. But it has no damage and very little playing wear. It is as close as I could hope to come to finding a like-new banjo of the period.

 I set it up with a calfskin head and old Sosebee Select bridge.  I cleaned it modestly (not too much). Otherwise it is totally original. 

i will make and share some proper photos when time is available.

mikehalloran - Posted - 01/04/2015:  11:58:28

>Too busy playing it right now to make proper photographs.<

You poor man... 

Congratulations!

CEParagon124 - Posted - 01/04/2015:  19:27:27

We'll be expecting to see this banjo on the cover of a CD in the future.

Congratulations.

Charlie Noyes

jbalch - Posted - 01/07/2015:  05:45:32

Here are better photos of the banjo for anyone who is interested.  I'll attach highlights below.  More are here:  banjohangout.org/myhangout/pho...p;ID=1896

This banjo has a lot of finish checking (especially on the peghead and heel cap). This is apparently from storage.  But because of it's history, there is almost no playing wear at all.

I set it up with a new high-grade, semi-translucent, calfskin head and an old Gary Sosebee Supreme bridge. Otherwise it is all original.

It sounds exactly like a great WL should - punchy with just the right amount of sustain ,(not too much).  Awesome clarity and tone - with plenty of note separation.  I think it will prove to be a fantastic banjo for melodic clawhammer & playing with a string band.

Edited by - jbalch on 01/07/2015 05:49:15

Bart Reiter Whyte Laydie Deluxe #1333	Bart Reiter Whyte Laydie Deluxe #1333	Bart Reiter Whyte Laydie Deluxe #1333	Bart Reiter Whyte Laydie Deluxe #1333
Bart Reiter Whyte Laydie Deluxe #1333	Bart Reiter Whyte Laydie Deluxe #1333	Bart Reiter Whyte Laydie Deluxe #1333

superdave - Posted - 01/07/2015:  08:56:02

Good for you John ! Can hardly wait for sound files from this great banjo !

Dave

jbalch - Posted - 01/08/2015:  15:43:22

Here is a quick sound sample.

UnNamed tune on Bart Reiter Whyte Laydie Deluxe

superdave - Posted - 01/08/2015:  16:54:41

Thanks it sounds amazing especially in your hands ! Congrats on another keeper !

Dave

dbrooks - Posted - 01/08/2015:  17:00:01

Congratulations on another fine Reiter banjo, John. I believe the seller was lucky to have you involved in the transaction.  That ensured a (probably more then) fair price and the assurance that the banjo is going to someone who would appreciate it as much as her husband did.

David

mikehalloran - Posted - 01/08/2015:  18:52:26

I love the patina of the aged nickel. We're it mine, I wouldn't polish it.

davidwigal - Posted - 01/08/2015:  20:32:39

how old is the banjo, I thought it was a new build?

mikehalloran - Posted - 01/08/2015:  21:43:13

#1333 would be his first banjo in 1996 according to Bart's serial number list.  This doesn't quite jibe with what the seller was saying unless the banjo was ordered n '95 and delivered in '96. This banjo would normally have been a special order per the catalog (which I probably still have).

http://reiterbanjos.com/serial.html 

Bart apparently doesn't do the fancy engraving anymore so most of us who have one feel pretty lucky in that regards.