MasterTheo - Posted - 08/01/2018:  15:09:35

providence.craigslist.org/msg/...2544.html

I was wondering if this was a good price. It's hard for me to gauge because I don't know much about the pickup or the value it adds to the banjos' price. Is it a good one?

The other issue is that in image 6 or 8 you can see a bunch of the lacker has been worn off the bottom of the pot. Looks like this banjo has been played a lot. In the next image you can see a hole that was drilled into the pot for some reason? 

I'm not sure what model it is, either. I'm guessing a Standard or something similar. It looks like the stock renaissance head have been replaced but a nameless frosted top. I don't know how it will sound because their is no videos of Reiters with frosted tops on them that I can find on youtube. 

It seems like the price is kind of high. I talked to the owner, nice guy. He said his brother bought it 10 years ago. I'm not sure if he it bought it used or not.  I mentioned I was doing research on the banjo and he seems like he's willing to adjust the price accordingly.  Any feedback or advice would be great. Thanks.

Edited by - MasterTheo on 08/01/2018 15:13:01

jbalch - Posted - 08/01/2018:  15:52:55

I think there are much better deals in the BHO classifieds. The "Regent" with a whyte laydie tone ring for $950 is a better banjo and a real bargain (IMHO). Also … the Standard listed for $1000 - appears to be in much better condition that the one in the ad you linked./

The one on craigslist looks like it has had a fairly rough life. Those Fishman pickups sell for $200 brand new. Maybe that is driving up the price. But it adds no value to me (personally).

The Old Timer - Posted - 08/01/2018:  18:32:09

Not a bargain by any means, but if you WANT a pick up, it's probably an OK price. Before you get a banjo with a pick up, do you have an amp?

Reiter banjos are very good quality though, nothing to fear there.

Can you try it before you buy it? Or return it if you don't like it?

MasterTheo - Posted - 08/01/2018:  20:01:41

quote:

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Originally posted by jbalch

I think there are much better deals in the BHO classifieds. The "Regent" with a whyte laydie tone ring for $950 is a better banjo and a real bargain (IMHO). Also … the Standard listed for $1000 - appears to be in much better condition that the one in the ad you linked./



The one on craigslist looks like it has had a fairly rough life. Those Fishman pickups sell for $200 brand new. Maybe that is driving up the price. But it adds no value to me (personally).

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Yeah that pick up is only $160 on amazon right now if it was correctly labeled by the seller.  I'm in no rush to buy, it isn't my dream banjo. It is an interesting banjo though. What price should I offer him considering it's a local pick up with no shipping costs?  

MasterTheo - Posted - 08/01/2018:  20:06:04

quote:

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Originally posted by The Old Timer

Not a bargain by any means, but if you WANT a pick up, it's probably an OK price. Before you get a banjo with a pick up, do you have an amp?



Reiter banjos are very good quality though, nothing to fear there.



Can you try it before you buy it? Or return it if you don't like it?

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I only have a crappy amp right now. I gig open mics every week though, I planned on buying an amp for gigs, anyway. 

The seller lives 30 minutes away, I can certainly try it before I buy it. I don't have much experience with many higher quality banjos, so everything I've bought I've bought locally so I can try it out first. 

Gordy Ohliger - Posted - 08/29/2018:  17:34:05

That's no deal.
I love my BR banjo...plays great! Rigged my own pick-up. Prefer the regular sound if there is a decent PA. (Ha!)
Play it. If it talks to you; OK.

Bill Rogers - Posted - 08/29/2018:  21:04:16

All things considered, $1,000 looks like a fair price. No more, for sure.