Hi all. Relatively new member and also relatively new to the banjo world. Have been playing claw hammer for a little bit now and absolutely love it. I am unbelievably fortunate to have a Reiter Bacophone and a Waldman Chromatic, both of which I adore. I have been thinking on adding one more with that classic bright, plucky sound that just puts a smile on my face every time I hear it. The banjos I have either heard or played myself that had that sound were either ones with Tubaphone or WL tone rings. I have found a Reiter WL, a Rickard Tubaphone and a Hoyt WL that are, for the moment, still available. The Reiter and Rickard are priced pretty much exactly the same and the Hoyt is about half or even slightly less than that. I have heard sound clips of all three and frankly to my ear, they all sound great. Was hoping to hear what people with more experience might recommend under these circumstances. I should know that I am well over 60 yo but recently retired and do plan on devoting quite a bit of time to my music. Appreciate any thoughts you all might have and thanks.
All are good choices. Obviously the Hoyt is the answer if cost is a factor. I’m partial to the scalloped rings (called Whyte Laydie rings, but they really originated with the Fairbanks Electric). But I also think the thicker Reiter shell reduces some of the sound potential of his Electric-style banjos. Hoyt also appears to use a thicker shell. Whyte Laydie and Tubaphone banjos used bracket bands until the late 1930s. Some builders continued to offer bracket-band versions afterwards. Does the Rickard have a bracket band? That adds weight and maybe has an almost indiscernible effect on sound. Just so you know my taste—I play a Clifford Essex Concert Grand, which is sort of a heavy-duty Whyte Laydie. I’ve had it 55 years and haven’t found anything I like better. It’s bright, powerful and has what is known as the “Whyte Laydie pop,” characteristic of banjos with the scalloped tone ring. My opinions are not at all universal. Tonally, of the banjos you list, I would probably pick the Rickard, just because of the thicker shell on the Reiter (and I presume, the Hoyt)—and I’ve played a fair number of Reiters with the scalloped tone ring, whatever name a partilcular model had.
Edited by - Bill Rogers on 04/28/2025 17:12:23
Thank you Bill ??. The Rickard does not have a bracket-band and also does not have the cyclone tuners ( older model). The Hoyt pot rim is significantly thinner than the Reiter’s.
Here are a couple WL options I have available.
12"Maple and 11" Cherry
It's well to note that I offer returns if you're not satisfied.
bruceberrybanjos.wordpress.com/bbb-47-25/
bruceberrybanjos.wordpress.com/bbb-35-24/
Have you listened to Bacon (not Silver Belle) or Dobson ? To me they have the nicest plunky sound you described.
To me it's all very personal what sound your looking for. I have a Bacon and I have a Reiter Whyte Laydie with a bracket band and I prefer the Bacon.
I've never heard a Bacophone but it has the Bacon with a Tubaphone. You could try taking off the Tubaphone and listen to the Bacon and then take off the Bacon and put the Tubaphone back on and listen. You might hear what your looking for. It's a lot of work but might be worth it.
No, the Bacophone is just what Bart called his banjos with the Bacon-style ring. His combo ring banjo was a bacon and Whyte Laydie ring that he called the Bacophone Plus.
Right. My Reiter Bacophone has the Bacon ring alone and I do love it. A keeper for sure!! The Tubaphone and WL, particularly the 3 I am looking at have a really bright, punchy sound that just puts a smile on my face. Alas, I can only (barely) get one.
Are you sure the Bacophone is a bacon ring by itself? I thought that model was a bacon ring on top of a tubaphone ring.
Bill is correct it was the plus
Nickname was “hot rod “
I thought the "Hot Rod" was the Bacon on top of the Whyte Laydie ring, no?
In general, Tu Ba Phones are often said to be brighter, ringier, brassier. Whyte Laydies are as loud but a bit thicker sounding, a bit "darker", but that's just compared to a Tu Ba Phone. You can adjust either banjo with choice of head, tailpiece, bridge, strings, etc.
Tu Ba Phones are somewhat more commonly available in the used market anyway, especially original Vega/Fairbankses.
Keep your eyes open for an early Reiter product which was an old Vega/Fairbanks 4 string conversion to 5 string. Original pot, with a Reiter neck. I started on one of these back around 1990. Fine instrument, mine was a converted Style R Whyte Laydie.
