The Buckbee is Bart Reiter's most austere model, but it has the same full tone and projection of his fancier models. This simple design, with a paddle headstock and half-inch shell, was inspired by the work of J.H. Buckbee, one of the most prolific banjo makers of the 1890s. This version has a mahogany-stained cherry neck. This version has a 12-inch head, which has a mellower, sweeter tone than a banjo with a smaller 11-inch head. The ebony fretboard features a frailing scoop. The rim is made of 2-ply rock maple, which is stained to match the neck. The rim is fitted with a simple rolled brass tone ring making it a fairly light weight instrument with good projection. This banjo would work well both in a string band or for vocal accompaniment. Includes a hardshell case.