diggerdave - Posted - 08/28/2016:  09:03:07

I'm actually new to music in general. Been playing mandolin and tenor banjo for a few years and can pick out tunes. Got interested in clawhammer bluegrass. Bought an inexpensive 5 string to see if I like it. I do. 

So, shopping for good upgrade. My local shop is very reliable. He has helped me with a lot of things. Sold me a beautiful mando that I like. He sells Bart Reiter banjos and suggested that if I am looking for an excellent OB 5 string clawhammer I look into these. I had never heard of them. Any opinions out there?

banjo bill-e - Posted - 08/28/2016:  09:14:23

As good as it gets. You can buy fancier but you can't buy "better".

dbrooks - Posted - 08/28/2016:  09:27:48

Your local shop is serving you very well by recommending Bart's banjos. Great banjos and great values as well.

David

mikehalloran - Posted - 08/28/2016:  09:44:46

Bart has been making quality banjos a long time now. Mine is over 25 years old, for example. You'd think that used ones would be more available but we'd have to give ours up first.

Great materials, a modern take on classic designs and impeccable workmanship at a reasonable price. How are you going to go wrong with that?

jbalch - Posted - 08/28/2016:  10:14:10

Dave: 

I've been playing clawhammer for more than 40 years.  I have owned many dozen banjos - and played hundreds more. 

I prefer Bart Reiter banjos for performing, recording and enjoyment.  They are truly professional-grade players at very reasonable cost.

Best wishes.

BTW - there is a Bart Reiter Banjos group - check it tout.

diggerdave - Posted - 08/28/2016:  10:58:37

Fantastic everyone. Thanks for the input. They are made in USA, they are sold by a local shop, the shop is very reputable. Guess you can't get any better than that.
Thanks so much.
Dave

pastorharry - Posted - 08/28/2016:  11:11:11

I have a '92 special that keeps getting better...can't go wrong with a Reiter!

Kimerer - Posted - 08/28/2016:  11:16:52

I have a Bart Reiter Special that I bought back around 1995. It is my main axe.

I thought that Bart had retired. Is that not true? Is he still building banjos?

GrizClaw - Posted - 08/28/2016:  12:42:29

Have owned two.....excellent banjos

jbalch - Posted - 08/28/2016:  13:49:07

Dave:  There is a Bart Reiter Banjo group here on the BHO.  Check it out:  banjohangout.org/group/bartreiterbanjos

Edited by - jbalch on 08/28/2016 13:50:11

dpgetman - Posted - 08/28/2016:  13:50:40

I have a Bacophone, I'd recommend it most highly.
DPG

truenorth53 - Posted - 08/28/2016:  14:23:22

May want to give a look to the Bart Reiter Special listed in BHO classifieds.

RV6 - Posted - 08/28/2016:  14:45:22

There's a nice Reiter Buckbee in the classifieds, too.

banjohangout.org/classified/58270

bohemian - Posted - 08/28/2016:  15:13:37

I have owned around two dozen banjos from high line vintage ( Gibson et al) to  limited production modern makers...some ok some not so ok.

I have owned two Bart Reiter Grand Concerts and two Regents.

All outstanding..

I still have my early 90s Grand Concert.

Was considering selling.. regrouped.

There is nothing out there the quality, consistency, value,  playability and tone of a Reiter banjo.

Add to that... he stands behind them.. Had mine re-set-up about a year ago.

Modest price, instantaneous turn around. Exceeded all expectations in all ways.

Get one while you can.. I am considering another REGENT as a back up.

Edited by - bohemian on 08/28/2016 15:14:20

Kimerer - Posted - 08/28/2016:  18:32:55

Way back, when I bought the Reiter Special at the Music Emporium, they had a Whyte Laydie hanging on the wall next to it. I passed on the Whyte Laydie because it was more money, and I didn't know if was going to stick with the instrument or not.

25 years later, I regret that decision.

But the Special is a fine instrument on its own. Best banjo I have.

BDCA - Posted - 08/29/2016:  09:18:32

I have owned a BR Tubaphone and an Electric, both superb banjos in workmanship and tone, however, I prefer a 12" head and enjoy the bling of the beautifully done pearl inlay. I eventually sold my BRs and purchased a custom Mike Ramsey. I would have loved a 12" Reiter but he just doesn't make them. I would suggest playing a number of other makers and also the larger rim size before making a final decision.

If you are talking about the guys in Amherst, I bough my current Gibson mandolin from them in '76. BTW I was in Western MA earlier this week on my way to ID.

In addition a Balch head makes a 100% improvement in tone over plastic!

Bob

banjo bill-e - Posted - 08/29/2016:  09:43:47

Bart now makes one 12" model, I believe it is the Round Peak.

rudy - Posted - 08/29/2016:  11:49:37

quote:

---

Originally posted by banjo bill-e

Bart now makes one 12" model, I believe it is the Round Peak.

---

Yup!

ceemonster - Posted - 08/29/2016:  16:26:03

Bart has been making the 12-inch, mahogany-neck Round Peak for probly about 10 years or so now. And within the last year, he has been offering 12-inch brass hoop banjos in other neck woods, with his "Buckbee" paddle peghead. Same banjo as the Round Peak, different neck cosmetics. And you can get a 12-inch Buckbee in walnut, cherry, or mahogany. I'm a big fan of a few OB makers, but there are days when I think the Bart Reiter 12-inch brass hoop models are the ultimate banjo for Southern Applachian clawhammer styles.

To the general OP question . . . Bart Reiter is a wonderful banjo maker. Because of their slightly thicker rims (1/2" for the brass hoop models, 5/8 for the cast tone ring models) and their 26 1/4" scale, his banjos can be very loud and strong if you want them to--you could more or less play bluegrass on them. But you can plunk them down through setup to be as warm and throbby and tubby as you could ask for. And the nut width/neck profiles are sheer bliss in the comfort department.

diggerdave - Posted - 08/30/2016:  21:13:00

Bought The Special.

worldsokayestbanjoplayer - Posted - 08/31/2016:  08:49:05

I have a Bart Reiter 12" Round Peak and I can't recommend it enough! Best instrument purchase I have made in the last 25 years. Good luck with your future purchase.