SOLD pending completion
Bart Reiter Professional model INTERNAL RESONATOR banjo – whyte laydie tone ring - BARGAIN!
Offered is Bart Reiter Professional serial # 1486. This banjo has been customized with a Whyte Laydie tone ring (see details below).
It sounds and plays fantastic! The condition and appearance are good (commensurate with age).
A sound sample is on my homepage (also see the “more information” link below):
URL… http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/media-player/audio_player2.asp?musicid=29166&archived=
BARGAIN PRICED: Because this banjo has been customized, I’m offering it for $1200 plus actual shipping (TBD). That is about the same cost as a new Reiter Standard model.
Features:
• Internal resonator with eight F-holes • 11 inch diameter rim (see note below re: customization)• Maple neck with simple inlay • Ivoroid fingerboard binding • 22 frets (no scoop)• DELUXE Grand Concert Peghead shape
Set-up:
New Elite (renaissance) head, (skin head available for $45 extra),
Gary Sosebee bridge,
New bone nut installed (original was missing).
Customization:
The original tone ring has been replaced by a Whyte Laydie ring. The installed ring may be a genuine vintage VEGA part (not sure - it appears to be VEGA 10 15/16” size – slightly smaller than the O.D. of the rim). The rim was cut to accommodate the WL ring. Because the ring is slightly smaller than the rim, there is a small ledge visible around the perimeter of the tone ring skirt (see photos).
Additional strips of wood have been glued to the inner circumference of the rim. This does not seem to be a repair. There are no cracks or separations in the original rim that I can see. Perhaps they were added simply to thicken the rim at its top and bottom. These strips are hidden inside the Resonator. The head must be removed to discover that they are there.
The result of the customization is that the sound is a little more focused than a typical Professional model with a Bacon ring. It has the kind of “punch” expected from a Whyte Laydie. The banjo is plenty loud, dynamic and responsive.
A SHUBB sliding 5th string capo was installed. I removed it (all of the parts are in the case and will be included). Two (2) inconsequential holes remain and are visible on the neck and binding.
The finish shows expected weather checking (no flaking). There is actually a good bit less checking than I’ve seen on most Reiter banjos of this age. A few minor shirt-button scratches are on the resonator back. Otherwise there are few signs of wear. It has not been abused.
An old TKL tweed hardshell case is included (very worn).
This is an AWESOME player banjo. Due to the customization, it is not original and a little unusual. It is priced accordingly. I think this banjo offers GREAT utility and VALUE.
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