jljohn - Posted - 01/08/2015:  06:31:46

I'm looking at a Bart Reiter Standard or Galax (I really like the sound of the later), and since neither comes with a case, I'm wondering what hard case might work best for these banjos.  I want a hard case that can stand on its end and fits the banjo properly.  It seems like every time I've seen one of these in a hard case, the case seems oversized.  So, what cases would be a good fit so the banjos isn't flopping around inside?

Thanks!

superdave - Posted - 01/08/2015:  07:32:12

Most dealers that Bart ships to supply a case with their banjo's. Typically TkL are the best for fit and durability. They tend to cost a little more but I feel their worth it.

Dave

Edited by - superdave on 01/08/2015 07:32:43

The Old Timer - Posted - 01/08/2015:  08:00:44

I bought a Reiter conversion of a Style R back in the 1990s and Bart shipped it in a TKL "bump" type case which fit perfectly. Suggest you contact Bart and ask for his recommendation. Or one of his dealers, like Gryphon or Music Emporium would know what to recommend -- they obviously would sell them along with a new Reiter banjo.

alubin - Posted - 01/08/2015:  08:39:19

When I got my Reiter Bacophone+ a couple of years ago from Spruce Tree Music, they sold it with a Superior Bump Case. It's worked well for me so far and has a pretty snug fit around the banjo. Not sure if it came from Bart or if Spruce Tree added the case.

Dale Morris - Posted - 01/08/2015:  09:33:58

I like the bump style cases for a hard case..be sure to get a case for an open back banjo-not for a resonator banjo. Also, if it's a 12" pot-you will need a hard shell case for a 12" open back banjo. I also like the better heavily padded gig bags, and I tend to use these more than the hard cases. If choosing a gig bag-get one that holds it's shape when the banjo is not in the case..this usually tells you it has sufficient padding. TKL, Access, Protec and RoadRunner have good gig bags. 

Bob Smakula - Posted - 01/08/2015:  15:42:19

Modern bump cases are manufactured for Saga and marketed under the Superior brand. TKL does not offer a bump style case. I stock both the TKL and the Superior cases to fit 11" and 12" openback banjos. Comparing the two in quality, weight, craftsmanship and cost, Superior is a clear winner in my book. 90% of the hard cases I sell are Superior 1535 & 2535 (11" black & brown tolex) or the 2535 & 2536 (12" black & brown). TKL cases are perfect for banjos with slightly longer necks than standard and banjos with guitar style tuners. 

I offer only the cases with an arched top to offer better instrument protection. Both companies offer less expensive flat top versions, but I think the extra cost is well worth the money spent.

My web page with banjo cases I sell; smakula.com/Cases.html

Bob Smakula