2000s Bart Reiter Standard Openback 5-String Banjo

Overview: This Vega-style, simple hoop-tonering banjo is what I believe Mr. Reiter called his Standard model. It's like a something between Vega's entry-level banjos and a Little Wonder but modernized and refined. Reiter banjos always tend to handle like a classic Vega but are sturdier for "road" use and have adjustable truss rods accessible at the butt of the heel.

This one arrived well-played-in and in need of fretwork, cleaning, and a setup, but now that it's all done it's playing like a champ and has been nice and stable in service while hanging-out in the shop (it's been a bout a month and a half since I worked on it and it was still in tune from when I hung it up when I went to go do the demo).

Repairs included: It's had a level/dress of the frets, much cleaning, and setup work done. It's playing spot-on and is ready to go.

• Weight: 6 lbs 7 oz
• Scale length: 26 1/4"
• Nut width: 1 1/4"
• Neck shape: medium soft V
• Board radius: flat
• Depth at first fret: 0.86"
• Depth at seventh fret: 0.93"
• Head diameter: 11"
• Depth overall at rim: 2 7/8"
• Rim wood: ply maple
• Tonering: hoop
• Bridge: maple/ebony
• Fretboard: ebony
• Neck wood: flamed maple
• Action height at 12th fret: 1/16” overall (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 9s
• Truss rod: adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: medium/narrow

Condition notes: The Elite-brand Remo FiberSkyn head shows a bit of fingerwear up near the heel but is otherwise in good order. There are mild scuffs and scratches in the finish here and there on the pot and neck. The rim's bottom cap has a number of spots where the clearcoat finish has cracked-out and fallen-off (see photos) but that's just the clearcoat, not wood.

It comes with: It's got a good, hard case.

Consignor tag: MYRS