I have a Retier Galax A-Scale and need to have a second banjo. I keep debating whether to buy a Reiter Standard A Scale; I've never played one but I believe I would love it . But if I only have two banjos, is it a bad a idea to have both by the same maker? I do love my Reiter more than any other banjo I've ever played.
8 Comments |
 | raharris says:
12/16/2011 1:58:22 PM
I have two Reiters now, and if I saw another that fit my needs (unlikely now that I'm mostly 4-string) I wouldn't hesitate. I guess my question is do you want two A-scales? Maybe a C- or G- (standard) scale?
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 | jmoathout says:
12/16/2011 2:27:14 PM
I believe Bart is making an A-FLAT scale banjo now with a rolled brass tone ring, so it's likely to be a different scale length then his previously-made A-scale. I had (have) a Reiter GALAX std length, G-scale, and had considered getting an A-Flat; but comments I received from BHO members dissuaded me and I chose a Reiter Round Reak (G-scale, brass tone ring, and 12" diameter). Having two of the same maker has certainly not been a problem and I enjoy them both.
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 | jbalch says:
12/16/2011 2:42:07 PM
I have four Reiter banjos and they are my favorites. ... so I'm probably not the guy to ask ... But here goes.
The advantage for having different banjos made by Bart is that his necks are very consistant. That makes it easy and comfortable to move from one to the other. If you like your short-scale reiter neck, another makers neck will not feel the same.
You can choose different models and set each up for a unique sound. That way they will feel the same but sound different.
Or you can set them up to sound the same and use them in different tunings.
My favorite Reiter banjo is a 2006 Bacophone-plus. I'm considering ordering another exactly like it. I plan to carry both to jams & gigs to reduce and simplify re-tuning between songs. My other Reiter banjos are set up to sound different.
There are plenty of other great makers. I also have banjos built by other folks. I love those too ... each for their unique characteristics. But if I had only one (or two) banjos. I'd be totally satisfied of it (or both) were built for me by Bart Reiter
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 | pastorharry says:
12/16/2011 3:15:18 PM
I agree with John, especially concerning the uniform necks..that's a big plus when switching from banjo to banjo.
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 | KS_Mike says:
12/17/2011 5:44:42 AM
What's the "Plus" in a Bacophone-plus signify? I've heard sound clips of this model and really like it, but was never sure what the tonering was exactly. Is Bart still making them or is the used market the only place to get 'em?
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| jbalch says:
12/17/2011 8:10:17 AM
Mike: I'll start a new BLOG to answer. I don't want to hi-jack the original question here...
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 | abbey says:
12/17/2011 8:27:40 AM
Thank you for the replies! I'm still trying to make up my mind and the other opinions are very helpful.
My Galax is 24 3/4, the same as the current A-flat scale banjos and I love the size. It is much more comfortable for me to play than my G scale Galax was, but can easily be tuned to G or A. I'd like to have a second banjo the same size.
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| abbey says:
12/24/2011 8:19:12 PM
My Reiter Standard A flat scale banjo arrived a couple of days ago and I hate to put it down. I love having a new banjo that FEELS like my old one but sounds very different. I'm very happy with it.
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