thefolkshop - Posted - 07/06/2015:  08:18:58

I had heard that Bart was going to retire at banjo #4000.  I see on his site that 2014's last # was 4128.  Does anyone (Bart?) have further information here?  Paul 

snapjackson - Posted - 07/06/2015:  11:13:40

Looks like he didn't retire at #4000.

banjered - Posted - 07/06/2015:  12:11:36

Maybe Bart accidentally made a 128 banjos. Let's hope he accidentally makes a few hundred/thousand more.... Banjered

Ohio Senator - Posted - 07/06/2015:  12:27:28

Last I heard I thought 2016 was the retirement year.

davidwigal - Posted - 07/06/2015:  12:43:40

Wish I could retire... ": ' (

NealR - Posted - 07/06/2015:  14:42:17

Wish I could retire and make banjos as nice as Bart's.

jbalch - Posted - 07/06/2015:  19:20:11

Personally , I hope Bart does retire - very happy - after making LOTS MORE banjos. I'm thinking ...10,000 would be a decent target.

Fact is: his career has already lasted longer than most of the "storied" builders of old. For a one-man shop, he has really made a lot of banjos.  Whenever he does decide to cease regular production, it will be the end of a very important chapter in banjo history.  I fear that day is too close.

I'm pretty well stocked with Reiters.  They are my favorite banjos.  If you don't have yours yet ... I recommend you don't "dilly-dally."   As William Devane says:  "What's in your safe?"

frailin - Posted - 07/06/2015:  20:10:15

He mighta upped it to 4,500.  Dunno.  

He's awful good at what he does, though.  :)

dbrooks - Posted - 07/07/2015:  09:22:44

I agree that Bart has had a great career and a great impact with his fine banjos. I have mine and I love it. 

David

banjered - Posted - 07/07/2015:  09:37:12

After making banjos for DECADES (!), I wonder what it would feel like to wake up and NOT head out to the shop? To me, retirement is a weird idea, slow down, yeah, maybe. But QUIT altogether? I wonder what he or anyone would want to do, long term, that is more rewarding? Yep - more vacations, more festivals, more travel - but quitting? We each have our own unique path from the womb to the tomb, gotta travel it true to ourself. Banjered

CEParagon124 - Posted - 07/07/2015:  11:33:35

I don't regret selling my Reiter Whyte Laydie. Bought it for nine hundred, kept and played it several years and sold it for twelve hundred.

When he retires, his production should increase in value over time.

I keep hearing comments re' him no longer doing the fine engraved pearl inlay work, I do not know if that is true.

Charlie Noyes

Edited by - CEParagon124 on 07/07/2015 11:35:10

banjobart - Posted - 07/29/2015:  21:15:59

I have five bikes in the barn and Alaska beacons for the fifth ride, in 2016. It may be the last Alaska ride as this year's ride had to be completed with two broken ribs and a broken clavicle for the final 7,000 miles. I will make 5,000 banjos though before I retire it appears at this time. The early retirement plan was cancelled because of the bad real estate market.

jljohn - Posted - 08/07/2015:  05:12:52

Well Bart,

I just acquired a Round Peak that is only a couple of digits past #4000, so I am glad you kept on past that magic number. It's a bummer about the real estate market, but I hope you are still enjoying making banjo. They sure sound good!

RWJonesy - Posted - 08/08/2015:  19:51:58

I would own more banjos if I had the money. The only banjo I own is a Reiter and its all I need. In my humble opinion I think Bart's instruments are the best bang for the buck available. His builds are consistent solid craftsmanship that are able to be set up very easily for the players desired look and tone. My A flat scale sports Rickard brass hardware that changed out with the nickel with no problems whatsoever. Thank You Bart for your awesome commitment to building consistent beautiful looking, sounding, and rock solid banjos all these years.

The Old Timer - Posted - 08/09/2015:  07:35:53

Hooray to Mr. Reiter for making more banjos, but empathy on the real estate market comment.