string action question

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Bart Reiter Banjos

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351 Members, Created 1/28/2011 -

Administrators: jbalch (owner)

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From PGP on 7/21/2011 12:36:44 PM

I have a 2008 fretted standard model which is, in my opinion, a wonderful banjo. The string action on it is quite low when using either the stock bridge or an 11/16" heavy moon bridge. The 11/16" bridge allows me to play over the neck which is not scooped. Having low action on a banjo is very important to me. I would like to find out if all Bart Reiter banjos have consistently low string action or if the string action tends to show variation from one banjo to another? Thanks for any information you can give me.

4 Comments
	Bill says: 7/22/2011 7:47:33 AM The action will depend mostly on: 1. Manufacture. Bart told me 10 years ago that all his necks are shaped the same. So, that part ought to be consistent from banjo to banjo -- within reasonable tolerances of craftsmanship. 2. Head tightness. The tighter the head the higher the action. I have played around with this enough to know that the difference when playing over the neck on an unscooped banjo (which I do) is noticeable. I haven't measured it with a ruler. 3. String gauge. Heavier strings place more downforce on the head at a given tuning, enough to be noticeable playing over the neck on an unscooped banjo. 4. Bridge manufacture. Not all 5/8 or 11/16 bridges are the same height. FYI. I have my Reiter White Laydie set up with a Ren head, 5/8" Kat Eyz bridge and 11, 13, 16, 23, 11 gauge strings. It shows 4/32" relief at the 12th fret. The banjo is unscooped and I play over the neck most of the time. It works. I have been privileged to play most of Bart's models at one time or another. They all have been winners.
	PGP says: 7/22/2011 8:26:00 AM Thanks Bill, Your reply was very comprehensive and quite helpful.
	jbalch says: 7/22/2011 6:05:59 PM I agree with Bill's post. Bart's necks are very consistent. The angle of the neck is set so that you have comfortable action with a standard 5/8" bridge and original mylar head. Consequently, Bart's banjos do tend to have fairly low string action compared to some other makers. With a calfskin head on my Galax-plus (which tends to sink more than mylar), I use 11/16" or even 3/4" bridges depending on the season.
	PGP says: 7/23/2011 5:52:12 AM Thanks John.
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