Submitted by Ragtimejoe (see all reviews from this person) on 8/7/2017

Where Purchased: Elderly Instruments

Year Purchased: 2017
Price Paid: 1195 ($US)

Sound

Excellent. Does everyting I need out out of an old time banjo

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

Excellent. Bart always does a great job. Of course we all set our banjos up to our own tastes. I went with lighter gauge strings and a .656 bridge, but that was personal prefence

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

A basic banjo but it's old time.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

Bart's banjos have stood the test of time

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

I've e-mailed Bart a couple of times and it seems he replies almost before I hit the send button

Customer Service: 10

Components

Again, his banjos have stood the test of time. What more can you say

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

I held off getting a Buckbee until the 12" model came out. I love this banjo.

Overall Rating: 10

Submitted by H Kimball (see all reviews from this person) on 8/10/2016

Where Purchased: Banjo Hangout classifieds

Year Purchased: 2016
Price Paid: $1050 (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound

For clawhammer/old time music this is a great banjo. Brass tone ring provides a clear tone, Volume of this banjo is better than expected.

Sound Rating: 9

Setup

A John Balch calfskin head was on the Buckbee when purchased and original Remo head was included. I recommend the hide head. I added a .656 Purcell bridge (original was 5/16). All I did was tighten the hooks and strings and started playing, Set up was fine.

Setup Rating: 8

Appearance

I like the plain appearance of Reiter's Buckbee, Finish is excellent and the squared headstock gives this banjo an "old" appearance.

Appearance Rating: 8

Reliability

Quality hardware on this banjo.

Reliability Rating: 9

Customer Service

Have not dealt directly with Reiter Banjos. Both Reiters I own were purchased "slightly used".

Customer Service: not rated

Components

Components Rating: not rated

Overall Comments

This banjo offers an "old appearance" but with a modern set up, ready to play out of the box.  Sound quality is excellent for old-time music. I also like the light weight of this banjo, it's very comfortable to play.  I also have a Reiter Bacophone-Plus model, but  tend to play the Buckbee most of the time. 

Overall Rating: 9