TreyDBanjoKS - Posted - 05/20/2020:  17:12:08

Hi all, I'd like to share a podcast that was put together by the shop that I work at.



blog.massstreetmusic.com/2020/...r-banjos/



I recently had the opportunity to visit Bart Reiter up near Lansing MI (pre-lockdown), and got a chance to see the ins and outs of how his banjos are made. It was a terrific experience, and I really learned a huge amount in a short time. I know many on here are big fans of his banjos so I thought you might enjoy giving this a listen. Scroll down the page for Shop photos, and to check out my customized Reiter :)



In the podcast we discuss why we love the banjos , the processes of making them and near the end I demo three of Bart's banjos:

My Round Peak,

A 12" Buckbee,

And an 11" Buckbee.



Thanks to Bart for a wonderful experience, and thanks to everyone for checking out the podcast!

Stay Safe!

Edited by - TreyDBanjoKS on 05/20/2020 17:13:05

dbrooks - Posted - 05/20/2020:  18:00:37

Enjoyed the podcast and photos. I too am a satisfied owner of Bart's banjos. You mention in the podcast that he is about to retire as he nears his 5000th banjo. There will be some disappointed folks, I think. Didn't Bart talk about retiring as he approached his 4000th banjo? He has worked hard to produce an outstanding family of banjos, and we can't begrudge his decision at this time. All the best, Bart.

David

TreyDBanjoKS - Posted - 05/21/2020:  06:34:14

Thanks for the response David. Yes some will be disappointed. He definitely sounded sincere when he told me he was planning on throwing in the towel. 5000 would be a good round number to stop at but I don't think that matters so much. He's made his impact on the banjo world and is ready to enjoy retirement. There's only so much Sawdust and Lacquer fumes one man can take!

Edited by - TreyDBanjoKS on 05/21/2020 06:34:35

ceemonster - Posted - 05/21/2020:  13:46:16

Might you have a guess-timate as to how long we've got? I'm hoping to get in a custom order and would love to let this lockdown mess resolve somewhat first, but will adjust and scramble if the curtain is due to come down imminently . . .

Edited by - ceemonster on 05/21/2020 13:46:38

TreyDBanjoKS - Posted - 05/21/2020:  16:59:28

It looked like about 40 banjos worth of parts a few months ago. Probably pretty nearly done at this point. I think you may have missed the boat on customized models- I don't think he's done that for some time.