Reiter Regent set-up questions

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Bart Reiter Banjos

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From dkrovetz on 8/15/2014 6:33:54 PM

Hi all -

I have played bluegrass for a long time, but am new to clawhammer. I just bought a used Regent (#2069). It has a bound fingerboard, I did not think the Regent had this, it is very beautiful binding too. Very nice banjo but it needs a little help to be made totally right. The head was not at all tight, I tightened that evenly. The bridge had been sanded down to about 1/2" height (a sloppy job) and it was also bowed. I replaced it with a 9/16" bridge from my parts box - at least the new one is straight, but it is a pretty low-end bridge. The tailpiece was improperly attached - it is a Kershner. I remounted the present tailpiece, but it its side-to-side screws hit the head's band so seem like they will chew it up if used. Finally, the action at the 12th fret is about 3/16" now.

1. Any suggestions on a good bridge to look for?

2. I plan to put on a Rickard No Knot tail piece - good idea or bad?

3. Is this 3/16" action at 12th fret an acceptable height?

4. Anything else in the realm of a "tune-up" I should be doing?

Thanks

3 Comments
	jbalch says: 8/15/2014 7:28:27 PM Congratulations - and welcome to the club. Your banjo is from 2001. I guess - back then - the Regent model still had fingerboard binding. That is very nice feature. The original tailpiece would have probably been a Waverly. But they are frequently changed. A no-knot type is a popular choice these days. It will give you a more "open" or "Tubby" tone compared to the Kershner. String height is a matter of personal preference. I would probably use a 5/8" bridge for a slighter higher action. But you should use whatever is comfortable for your style. I like Tim Purcell's bridges on my Reiter banjos. His "ambrosia" maple wood sounds great on my banjos.
	dkrovetz says: 8/15/2014 7:44:29 PM Thank you. I will take a look at Tim Purcell bridges. I might have to try a couple of tailpieces to find a sound I like. It sounds like your action is higher than mine. Correct?
	jbalch says: 8/15/2014 7:53:32 PM Probably so - But I like a little taller action for clawhammer - than bluegrass. When it comes to tailpieces, I go against the grain (in the old-time community). I like the sound of a Presto on my BR open backs. So my recommendation is experiment and decide what works for you. One great thing about Bart's banjos is that the respond well to set-up changes. You can customize to suit your preference - and that is half of the fun (IMHO). Enjoy!
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