Bart Reiter Round Peak setup

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Bart Reiter Banjos

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For all things related to Bart Reiter banjos.

349 Members, Created 1/28/2011 -

Administrators: jbalch (owner)

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From cdymora on 5/9/2011 2:46:27 PM

Yeah I know, I know, another newbie asking setup questions....

I just bought my first open back banjo a couple of weeks ago. After doing lots and lots (and lots...) of research, I decided on the Bart Reiter Round Peak model. I'm so glad I did. This is an amazing instrument. One that I hope I own for the rest of my life. I have been reading all sorts of info on here about setting up a banjo with a bridge, head, tail peice, etc.. to get certain sounds. I love a low, plunky sound (yeah, I'm one of THOSE guys... ) and thought I would pick the brains of those who actually own Bart Reiters and maybe can give me some insight that maybe I wouldn't get otherwise. I am relatively new to playing the banjo, but I guess you could say I caught the bug (just ask my wife..). Anyway, this is my first time and hopefully not my last time posting here. Thanks in advance for any advice!

3 Comments
	jbalch says: 5/9/2011 4:06:20 PM Welcome aboard. I do not have a Round Peak model. But I do have two old Reiter custom banjos with 12" Internal resoantor rims. I know I sound like a broken record...but my set up is the usual: HEAD: calfskin (A fairly thick calf or goat skin ... not too tight would be best for a plunky sound). BRIDGE: Sosebee Select. I use 11/16" or even 3/4" with calfskin heads. TAILPIECE: Preso for steel strings, No-Knot for nylon. I like the Presto because you can set it up high above ...and parallel to... the head. That way I think it actually places less downward pressure on the bridge than a no-knot. Such a set-up can yield a big open sound with pleasing overtones. I look forward to other replies....
cdymora says: 5/10/2011 1:19:43 PM Thanks jbalch. I ordered me a Sosebee bridge. I'll let you know how that comes out. There seems to be a great many types of presto tailpieces out there. Is there anything in particular to take into consideration when buying one of those, or as long as it performs the function desired... I would love to put a calf/goat skin head and nylon strings on my banjo, I'm just a little intimidated with the skill required to do so. Is there any chance of messing something up when I do that, or is it one of those didn't work, so lets try again things..? Anyway, thanks again for the response!
	jbalch says: 5/10/2011 1:34:08 PM I like Prucha Presto Tailpieces. You can order them from Greg Boyd (gregboyd.com/) or First Quality (firstqualitymusic.com/) But: If you are going to use nylon strings ... I'd recommend sticking with a no-knot. For pre-mounted skin heads (or supplies to mount your own), check out Bill Miller: (banjoseen.us/Store/index.html) If you order from Bill, I recommend requesting a medium or thicker hide (not too thin). Some of his thin skins are too thin for me. Installing a good pre-mounted skin head is a piece of cake...just about like a modern mylar head. Mounting a skin head from scratch is not too difficult. You will need a properly fitted flesh hoop, nice piece of hide and some patience. Bill Miller has instructions on his website. Check out the discussions on the Hide Heads group: banjohangout.org/group/hideheads
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