So I finally decided to break down and buy a good banjo - if I'm ever going to become a decent banjo player I need to do that. And I've even decided on a maker - I've been very impressed with Bart Reiter's work. Not only are his clearly the best value in new banjos (for one who is interested in tone but not fancy ornamentation, but his sensibilities seem just right for my music.

The problem is, which Reiter banjo to buy?

I've basically narrowed it down to two. One is the Standard, which has a rolled brass tone hoop, a 1/2 inch 2-ply laminate maple rim, and usually a mahogany neck (my impression is the new ones are mahogany anyway). The other is the Galax, a new banjo that Elderly is selling which is basically a paired down Whyte Laydie with a mahogany neck. Actually, it's very close to the Standard except for the tone ring and rim thickness (it has a 5/8 inch 3-ply rim). (It also has a Waverly tailpiece as opposed to the No-knot, but I gather these are not major components.)

I certainly enjoyed the tone of the Standard that I've had a chance to play, but am intrigued with the idea of a banjo that still has a mellow sound (because of the neck) but with the clearer note definition that the Whyte Laydie would give me. As I said in my e-mail to Bart, I'm looking for an instrument with a sweet, not too bright sound - but that gives good definition to the notes. (He said he couldn't comment on tone - it was a matter of pure taste.)

My playing is definitely old-time (frailing and a little clawhammer), and I would frequently be using it to accompany singing - one reason for buying the new banjo is that the songs my wife and I like to sing together seem to work best on banjo. But I'd also like an instrument I can grow on and become a better player with.

So, does anyone have any thoughts? Does neck wood really make that much difference? (The maple Whyte Laydie I played was a bit too bright for my taste, but the mahogany may be mellower and sweeter.) Is my ideal banjo one of these, but maybe with a real skin head?

Sadly, I lack the funds to buy two. Really I lack the funds to buy one, but I'm doing it anyway. The Standard has the advantage of being $200 cheaper, but I'm trying not to make my decision on that basis.

Thanks in advance for any wisdom folks have!

Warmly,
Dan Schatz