2018 Bart Reiter Bacophone Plus Openback 5-String Banjo

Overview: As far as "modern old-time banjos" go, Bart Reiter instruments are on my shortlist when I suggest new gear to players. They're well-built, well-thought-out, and play and sound excellent when they're dialed-in and they have the features that modern players want to see in old instruments but said old instruments just don't have. This one is like a "modified Vega-style" banjo but has some tricks up its sleeve.

Tone: It's warm, full, clean, direct, and has good sustain and volume.

Feel: The neck is pure "vintage Vega" with a soft V-shape in first position which moves to a C after the 5th fret. It's a comfortable but substantial neck compared to the average mass-market openbacks.

Interesting features: It has both a Bacophone "donut" tonering and a Whtye Laydie tonering that this "donut" rides on top of. This gives a "best of both worlds" sound and is what makes it a Bacophone Plus model. It's also got a big old frailing scoop at the end of the fretboard.

Repairs included: I just gave it a glorified setup and adjustments.

• Weight: 7 lbs 3 oz
• Scale length: 26 1/8"
• Nut width: 1 1/4"
• Neck shape: medium V, medium C after 5th fret
• Board radius: flat
• Head diameter: 11”
• Depth overall at rim: 2 3/4"
• Rim wood: maple
• Tonering: Bacophone ring on top of Whyte Laydie ring
• Bridge: maple/ebony compensated
• Fretboard: ebony
• Neck wood: mahogany
• Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 10s
• Truss rod: adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: narrow/medium

Condition notes: It's quite clean, all-original (save some added compensation at the bridge), and in good order. There's mild playwear in evidence but by that I mean a few very light scratches. To me it looks like a "shopworn" instrument at most.

It comes with: It has a nice hard case.

Consignor tag: JSNY