bartmcneil - Posted - 12/29/2016:  09:02:24

I am considering a Bart Reiter Standard openback 5 string and am concerned about weight of banjo.  Can anyone tell me the weight of this banjo?  Weight is important to me as I am physically disabled and too much weight might be problematic. I am looking for a used banjo so I didn't want to bother Mr. Reiter and thus am asking you Reiter owners.

Edited by - bartmcneil on 12/29/2016 09:03:58

jbalch - Posted - 12/29/2016:  09:20:55

I don't have that model so I can't answer with certainty. 

I don't think Bart would mind your asking - even if you are seeking a used banjo.  Why don't you send him a message. 

sellis - Posted - 12/29/2016:  10:40:51

Bart,

You seem to have quite a bit of experience, so I may say some things that are obvious.

I do not have a Reiter but I have looked at and played some at Elderly. I know John Balch likes them, surprised he does not have a Standard. My immediate thought, however, was if you want a quality banjo that is widely available and would probably be the lightest possible banjo would probably be an 11" Enoch Tradesman. Things that would make it lighter (Enoch - Reiter):
neck - (25.75" - 26 3/16")
rim - ( 1/4" - 3/8"-1/2")
tonering - ( none - 1/8")
neck reinf. ( graphite - truss rod?)
brackets - ( 18 - 24 )

It would have to be 1# or more lighter. Also the shorter neck would be an easier reach. I know many people who have been very happy with their Tradesmans. If you want a different sound, Bill Rickard's Dobson tone ring is a drop on fit, although Kevin does not think it sounds right others have been very happy.

jbalch - Posted - 12/29/2016:  11:06:17

Stew: 

I'm sure you are correct.  A Tradesman should be lighter.

I have a Wayne Sagmoen banjo with an integrated wood flange (instead of metal bracket shoes).  It is lightweight too. Mine has a Dobson tone ring that adds a small about of weight (not much).  Wayne makes models with just a wood rim (no tone ring).

RV6 - Posted - 12/29/2016:  11:38:23

I can tell you that my Reiter A Flat weighs 5.9 lbs. and my Sagmoen Dobson weighs 4.65 lbs. Both are 24 3/4" scale.

sellis - Posted - 12/29/2016:  11:58:12

John,

I was wondering about a Sagmoen (or Nechville with shell by Wayne S.). I actually talked to Wayne Sagmoen a couple of times before I found my Brooks Masten. The Sagmoen shell is built up of blocks and is not as thin as a lot of others. However, like the Enoch, Wayne only uses 18 tension hooks. Leaving off the shoes and related hardware could more than make up for the thicker wood. On Wayne's site he only lists 12" pots. When I was talking to him he told me that the brass rod and dobson ring would be interchangeable. I know Bart is looking for used, but Wayne only wants $900 and his quality of workmanship is top notch. He does have a 2 month build time, but sometimes there is a delay of several months before he starts the build.

I can't find a listing for a used Tradesman, Sagmoen or Nechville openback.

jpowers147 - Posted - 12/29/2016:  12:03:53

Bart, I have a Reiter Standard for sale on the "Hangout" currently and weighed it the other day at between 5.7 and 6 Lbs. If interested, check out the add. Hope this helps.

banjered - Posted - 12/29/2016:  12:35:37

I thought all Reiter rims for 11" head banjos including his Standard are 5/8" thick (not 3/8" or even 1/2"), too thick/heavy/overbuilt for my tastes. Has he changed some rims on his newer models?  Banjered

BanjoKatz - Posted - 12/29/2016:  12:46:19

I have a brand new, unplayed Reiter Standard for sale for $1,250.00. Let me know if you might be interested. Thanks!

bartmcneil - Posted - 12/29/2016:  12:49:34

I am presently playing a Deering Goodtime without resonator back so I guess my present banjo is about as light weight and basic as they come at roughly four pounds. I love my Goodtime so i am looking for a good banjo with a different sound and thought that the Reiter Standard would be a nice step up. It seems to have a rather basic brass tone ring if I am understanding the info in the advertising.

90 percent of my playing is done in my home but I anticipate going to some events next summer and don't want to create a problem by buying too heavy a banjo to walk  comfortably with it. I suspect I could handle roughly seven pounds without a problem. I have a good gig bag to carry an open back on my back.

Edited by - bartmcneil on 12/29/2016 12:53:09

bartmcneil - Posted - 12/29/2016:  13:13:31

quote:

---

Originally posted by jpowers147

 

Bart, I have a Reiter Standard for sale on the "Hangout" currently and weighed it the other day at between 5.7 and 6 Lbs. If interested, check out the add. Hope this helps.

 

 That is the information I wanted. I am sure it is light enough to carry without a problem.

Thanks!

sellis - Posted - 12/29/2016:  13:25:25

Tom,

I do not have one, but Elderly shows pictures of all models and I looked at all of the pictures before I wrote the above I looked at the Buckbee, Round Peak, Galax, Special and Standard and it looks like the 1st 2 are thinner than the last 2. Can't remember the Galax. I'm with you on the rim thickness. The banjos I have liked the sound of the most are Rickard Maple Ridge, Chantarelle, Pisgah Rambler, some Chuck Lees, my old Stewart Special Thoroughbred and my 12" Brooks Spartan Dobson. I think all of those have rims less than 7/16", some barely over a quarter. Also no banjo needs more than 18 brackets, maybe even 16 (but not with a grooved tension hoop). Having said all that, my Brooks 12" with 7/16"+ rim and Dobson tone ring (negligible) and 25.5" scale weighs exactly 5lb 8oz. I was kind of surprised. I still bet the Tradesman has to weigh at least 1 1/2 lb less.

RV6 - Posted - 12/29/2016:  14:44:22

I had an Enoch Tradesman and it weighed 4.35 lbs.

Laverne - Posted - 12/31/2016:  00:31:51

My Bart Reiter Std. weighs 5.3 lbs.