CrackerJo - Posted - 01/29/2017:  07:24:45

Looking for some advice on this model. I guess my question would be, what tunings would I be able to use without a capo or spikes? I'm also considering the Rickard Maple Ridge in 25.5 scale. I really want to buy another B.R. Any advice would be much appreciated.

jbalch - Posted - 01/29/2017:  07:58:57

I'm sure others will respond - hopefully some who own that specific model.

I mostly use full-scale (26 1/4') Reiter banjos. I use GHS PF150 strings (10, 12 ,14, 22b, 10).  Occasionally, I tune them up to A or Double D.  I don't continually leave them in that tuning - but have no problem raising the pitch whenever I need to.  With medium gauge strings, I have tuned down to double B for recording. 

I also have an older true A-scale (23 1/4 +/-)  Reiter banjo. Likewise, I used than banjo in standard tunings (G or double C) and up one step to A or Double D.  I'm sure it could be used higher than A - but I have not had the need to do so.

Bottom line:  At 24/3/4" the Reiter A-flat banjo fits nicely in-between those two. No doubt it will easily tune to A or double D (perhaps even higher depending on string gauges).

Best wishes!

Edited by - jbalch on 01/29/2017 07:59:48

raybob - Posted - 01/29/2017:  09:07:49

I have a Reiter Ab and I really like it. I put one of John's goat skins on it this past summer and it's even better now. I use GHS PF150's on it and it handles G and double C fine. When I change tunings upward I almost always use a capo and spike not because the banjo couldn't handle the extra tension for awhile, but because I don't really like the strings to have that much tension. I don't like them to feel that tight and firm. Oh, and I also put a Zero-fret nut on it I got from Elderly's and I like that too. I had widened the original slots to accommodate nylons and found the slots too wide when I wanted to switch back. I think the nut will hold both wire and classic Nylgut now with no problem, but I'm loving the sound of the steel again now. 

dbrooks - Posted - 01/29/2017:  09:16:21

I agree with the advice above. I have a Reiter Regent Ab scale, and I use it for weekly contra dances in G and A as well as C (sometimes) and D. I use a capo to get to A and D largely because it is a quicker change and the fiddler changes key in the middle of some dances.

David

Edited by - dbrooks on 01/29/2017 09:16:38

mjt0229 - Posted - 01/29/2017:  12:37:40

I have a Rickard Maple Ridge that I keep tuned to double D. It sports one of John Balch's fantastic Stern heads and it sounds awesome. I'm sure you can't go wrong either way.

CrackerJo - Posted - 01/30/2017:  07:45:38

This is great feedback, thanks everyone. I will more than likely go with the Bart Reiter. I already have one of his Banjos and I like the neck. I don't have the option of playing any other A scale Banjo's before I buy. There are no real Banjo stores around where I live. I'm just a back porch player, I play in C & D tunings. I will put a hide head on it for sure. I already Have two of JD Balch heads now. One is a Sterns Calf skin from JD and the other is a 4 star JD Balch goat skin. I will try them both I'm sure.

Thanks again

rubicon - Posted - 02/01/2017:  19:58:03

Check out my friend Rwjonesy he's a member and on my home page for a quick link he plays that instrument exclusively. His has been highly customized but his videos will show you a wide variety of tunings and sound quality.He has several videos with different heads and setups it's a great sounding banjo I believe at the moment it has a skin head, fielding bridge ,and tailpiece and wears Rickard brass Hardware , with gotoh brass tuners . The banjo has a great bass string tone with a clean high end . 

Edited by - rubicon on 02/01/2017 20:05:01

CrackerJo - Posted - 02/04/2017:  08:28:17

That's a Fine looking Reiter with the Brass hardware.

RWJonesy - Posted - 02/05/2017:  03:44:09

Superbusy with this winter refuel outtage ....so much that I almost missed this post ! Thanks for the "heads up" Rubicon! I love my decked out Reiter. It is very comfortable to play in this A-flat scale. It can handle any tuning I throw at it as well as be setup in many possible configurations. Here are some vids to help you decide and give you an idea of its capabilities. You won't regret buying an A-flat Reiter.

Edited by - RWJonesy on 02/05/2017 03:56:08

VIDEO: WVGirls
(click to view)

VIDEO: Pretty Little Dog (2)
(click to view)

VIDEO: Campbell's Farewell To RedGap
(click to view)

 

CrackerJo - Posted - 02/06/2017:  16:07:05

You play that A flat scale Reiter really well Sir. Thanks for posting the clips. The Reni head don't sound bad at all, I'm pretty sure I will eventually change out the head out for some hide. I should have mine from Elderly by weeks end.

RWJonesy - Posted - 02/07/2017:  03:04:00

Thanks for the nice comment. I have a long way to go before I get where I want to be. I love the banjo so much it doesn't seem like work though, just a whole lot of fun. If your up to it, be sure to post pics and videos of your new Reiter as you journey along. Don't forget to join the Bart Reiter Group too! Wish you the best with your new banjo!

rubicon - Posted - 02/08/2017:  20:49:09

Rw your rendetion of West Virginia gals is killer !!

RWJonesy - Posted - 02/09/2017:  07:22:48

Thanks Rubicon. I learned that tune from a combination of RD Lunceford and Miles Krassen tab. It's definitely one of my favorites to play.

CrackerJo - Posted - 02/15/2017:  20:28:31

My Bart Reiter  A flat made it to me in 1 piece.

 

 

 

rubicon - Posted - 02/16/2017:  07:40:03

Very nice !!! Enjoy it !! Take some pics of it love to see it set up !!

Edited by - rubicon on 02/16/2017 07:40:49

CrackerJo - Posted - 02/16/2017:  13:51:57

I will post up some pictures, in the Bart Reiter group. I really wont have a chance to spend much time on it until March 22. That's my next day off, I have many 12-14 hour ahead of me.