Just unboxed my new recording King yesterday and your video was really helpful. Returning my original banjo and purchasing this model there is a huge difference in quality this product is amazing so far and most of my struggles were due to the previous banjo that I had owned. Thanks for all your feedback
Jim, you're a treasure. Keep on being you. Loved the unboxing, always an exciting moment to open the case and check out the wonders inside. The RK banjo sounds wonderful! Love from England.
Greetings from Norfolk England Jim. Thanks for that great video, just started playing banjo and love it. You are a brilliant teacher Jim, you have got me playing cripple creek, my first tune on the banjo, thank you. All the best, Rick.
Hey Mr. Jim, I have two teenage boys that love watching your videos and learning how to play tunes on their banjos with you. We were wondering if you could make a video on how to play the banjo solo in 1 Corinthians or if you knew where it could be learned. Thanks for all you do. You are appreciated.
@@JimPankey Thanks for your reply! That's too bad, I'm sure you would play it beautifully. I've heard it from Ricky Scaggs and Kentucky Thunder. It's called 1st Corinthians 1:18 to be exact. Anyway, you are our #1 go to for everything banjo and more. Thanks again. God bless.
Thanks for these videos! I just ordered the RK-35 from Sweetwater...I mean just like 10 minutes ago! This video is very helpful. I will probably make my own leather strap so this is giving me good info on how to attach it. Excited to get the banjo soon. Now I have to order some pics. Didn't order a case yet as it probably won't be leaving the house for a long time.
Just started lesson one but wanted to know what was in the box🤔. Now I’m glad I watched. I took my resonator off as you showed because I wanted to polish the chrome parts and noticed a nut was missing off one of the brackets!😱. From my local City Mill hardware store I purchased two nuts and I’m back in action. She shines beautiful now so a put a strap on it. When the local music store opens up (closed due to pandemic) I’ll add new strings. It’s a five string Gold tone, beautiful banjo! I like the Beverly hillbilly’s theme song. I want to learn how to play it. Thanks!
I got my first banjo back at Christmas I'm really enjoying learning from you also a Georgia boy here thanks for the help maybe one day I'll play for ya
Hi Jim just watched you fitting a new strap could you tell me where i could get one of these as i like the look of it thanks a lot. just love the way you explain things in a very easy to follow style.
Some companies do ship their instruments with the bridge standing and tuned up, but most don’t want to risk the stress on the instrument due to rough handling by the shipping companies.
Jim, thanks for the video. I just got myself an RK 76 Elite and wanted to lower the strings a bit. This vid helped a lot and eased some fear. Love your approach and have been a student of yours for about 6 months . Have a good collections of songs under my belt and will continue through your library. Thanks for everything!!
Thanks for the video Jim. I'm in the market for a banjo and don't know if I want to play clawhammer or 3finger skruggs style. I love the look and sound of the recording King songster, and hearing the little bit of it with the resonator removed (yours is the o ly video I can find of it) makes me think this is the one for me. If I want to play open back I could pop the resonator off and maybe use a mute if I had to.
Beautiful banjo bro the inlay is awesome, you had me on this one till I saw the single coordinator rod, I just don’t know about the singles, you have me convinced on the RK’s, I play a GoldTone and I just like the stability of the dual coordinator rods, or is there an upgrade on the single coordinator rod that makes them hold the neck a lot more stable I did notice the screw on the heel of this one you got, what’s the screw for?
Jim I bought a strap that you have to loosen 2 hooks all the way and put the hook through the strap. Just had it set up is this going to be a worry for my head tension when I put the strap on.
I just bought one from a music store and I’m excited to get it. It was a floor model, so I hope I don’t have to do a lot of work like you did. I’ve never played before, and am excited!! Thanks so much for the video! ❤❤❤
That was a pretty little piece you played starting around 10:10. I feel like I should know the name of the song but it escapes me. Now that I can play a little bit I'm always looking for tunes that don't sound like I'm a hurry to finish 'cause I need to use the bathroom (thanks a lot Earl for being such a speed demon!).
Liking the new banjo Jim, thanks for sharing your tips. Quick question, what’s your thinking for running the strings over the tail piece, just personal preference? Haven’t seen it done that way before. All the best from the U.K.
Hey, Jim, great video! Now...I noticed that 5th string spikes didn't come installed. Did you order the banjo that way, or do you put your own on...OR, do you use another method of capoing the 5th string?
@@JimPankey I really need a banjo. My dad lets me pick his Seeding for 2 hours on Saturday. I can pick Cripple Creek pretty well. Half of Cumberland Gap. But I'm stuck right there. I know a good amount of licks. All I've learned is because of your videos. Thank you Sir!
Hey Jim, I'm going to the North GA mountains tomorrow and it's supposed to be cold. Do you have any advice on how to tune my banjo in cold weather? I don't want to break my strings. And any advice on how to keep it in tune? Thanks, Love ya!!
I’m the worlds worst when it comes to cleaning banjos. I almost never do that. I could probably show how to change a bridge, tailpiece, banjo head, etc
Hi Jim, I got my new banjo some time ago and until I saw this video had no idea on the setup process you show here so thanks. I have a question on straps, due to a motorcycle accident some years ago and a couple of subsequent surgeries I cannot tolerate the strap across my left shoulder (I have a right had setup) is there another option for straps or possible to use the other shoulder? Thanks
Jim Pankey Thanks for the reply. I did try it it on the right shoulder and it felt odd. I have never seen anyone do it so it seemed almost naughty. I will persevere. I am Still only on lesson 2 of the learn to play bluegrass so it won’t be a massive change as I’m new to it and by the time I can play foggy mountain breakdown I will be completely used to it lol.
Hey, Jim. I know you have or had an RK-35 as well. Can you compare the 20 and the 35? I have an RK-35 and just find it too heavy. Love the sound and playability but not the weight. Would I notice a huge difference if I sold my 35 and bought a 20? Jim
Hey Jim, have you used any Banjo Bridges where the string slots are off set? Why would “they” make a Bridge that’s off set? I have a Goldengate GB-5 1/2. It seems that the 3rd string is 1/8” behind the #1 & #5 string and 1/16 behind the #2 & #4 string.
Hi Jim I"ve been playing for about 3 months now and I'm wondering what kind of picks do you use. I just don't really like the ones I have but if I get more I want to make sure there good ones.
I’ve been doing it a while…. Every couple of weeks since 1977…. Over 1,000 sets on just banjo. Then you can add guitar, mandolin, dobro, bass, ukulele…
@@JimPankey That's a lot. I've been playing banjo now for about 2 years. I finally saved up enough to buy a good recording king with a tone ring; came in the mail today. Just want to say thanks again. You were my first intro into the world of banjo lessons. Coming from guitar, it was quite a dramatic change in approach. I'm a very sloppy, self-taught guitar player but the banjo has brought me new challenges and has required more finesse and discipline. Much gratitude from East TN
Thats crazy I've been looking into this exact banjo for about 2 months and i never expected you to post a video on it. Such great timing.
I’ll do a proper review in a week or so. 🙂
Just unboxed my new recording King yesterday and your video was really helpful. Returning my original banjo and purchasing this model there is a huge difference in quality this product is amazing so far and most of my struggles were due to the previous banjo that I had owned. Thanks for all your feedback
Great to hear! So glad I could help.
Thanks Jim for the video! I also bought a new banjo a few days ago. It is a pleasure to watch your videos, even if it is 5:00 am :-)
Thanks for being there.
I LOVE my Deering Goodtime II but this one actually has a great sound too. Looks nice as well. I'm impressed.
RK does make some great stuff. :)
A very exited Jim Pankey!, I would be too I love boxes, thanks for sharing Jim more things I have learnt from you brilliant
Boxes are fun... more to come.
at first glance of the bag on the couch....looked like a cadaver....😨 I’m sure you’ll bring that banjo to life! It’s beautiful!
Body bag!!!!!
Lots of great info. Thank you Jim! Picking up a RKR20 Monday week and will watch this again.
Thanks. Keep me posted on your progress.
Jim, you're a treasure. Keep on being you. Loved the unboxing, always an exciting moment to open the case and check out the wonders inside. The RK banjo sounds wonderful!
Love from England.
Thanks so much for watching!
Greetings from Norfolk England Jim. Thanks for that great video, just started playing banjo and love it. You are a brilliant teacher Jim, you have got me playing cripple creek, my first tune on the banjo, thank you. All the best, Rick.
Glad to help! Keep picking, and thanks for watching.
Hey Mr. Jim, I have two teenage boys that love watching your videos and learning how to play tunes on their banjos with you. We were wondering if you could make a video on how to play the banjo solo in 1 Corinthians or if you knew where it could be learned. Thanks for all you do. You are appreciated.
Thanks for watching! Sorry, but I don’t know that song.
@@JimPankey Thanks for your reply! That's too bad, I'm sure you would play it beautifully. I've heard it from Ricky Scaggs and Kentucky Thunder. It's called 1st Corinthians 1:18 to be exact. Anyway, you are our #1 go to for everything banjo and more. Thanks again. God bless.
Thanks for the unpacking and review,always love when you look down to get your face in Camera ,LOL
😊
As always, Great video! I have learned so much from you and I am thankful for all you do!
Thanks for watching! 🙂
Thanks for these videos! I just ordered the RK-35 from Sweetwater...I mean just like 10 minutes ago! This video is very helpful. I will probably make my own leather strap so this is giving me good info on how to attach it. Excited to get the banjo soon. Now I have to order some pics. Didn't order a case yet as it probably won't be leaving the house for a long time.
Awesome! Congrats on the new banjo!
My first banjo, that you taught me to play!!!! Thank you so much love your videos brotha!!
Thanks for watching!
Just started lesson one but wanted to know what was in the box🤔. Now I’m glad I watched. I took my resonator off as you showed because I wanted to polish the chrome parts and noticed a nut was missing off one of the brackets!😱. From my local City Mill hardware store I purchased two nuts and I’m back in action. She shines beautiful now so a put a strap on it. When the local music store opens up (closed due to pandemic) I’ll add new strings. It’s a five string Gold tone, beautiful banjo! I like the Beverly hillbilly’s theme song. I want to learn how to play it. Thanks!
Glad you got it sorted out! Keep me posted on your progress.
Just ordered me one of these yesterday to learn to play. I'm gonna be hanging around for a while
Keep me posted on your progress 😊
Very informative video Jim! Thank you 👍😊
Thanks for watching!
I got my first banjo back at Christmas I'm really enjoying learning from you also a Georgia boy here thanks for the help maybe one day I'll play for ya
Looking forward to hearing you play!
Thank you so much for the strap installation.....going back to my banjo to do it right! :)
Glad to help! 🙂
Thanks again for another great video, now I know what and how to set up my RK 20r when it comes in
Can’t wait to hear you play it!
Hi Jim just watched you fitting a new strap could you tell me where i could get one of these as i like the look of it thanks a lot. just love the way you explain things in a very easy to follow style.
JS Pipke at Scrub Lake Ranch made the strap. You can find him here: m.facebook.com/Scrublakeranch/
great instructional video Jim,
Thanks for watching!
I bought a new Gold Tone OB 250 and unpacked it it the bridge was set perfect and was in tune except for 2 strings I love it sounds great
Some companies do ship their instruments with the bridge standing and tuned up, but most don’t want to risk the stress on the instrument due to rough handling by the shipping companies.
I just ordered a RK-20 this video is perfect, thank you
Glad I could help
Jim, thanks for the video. I just got myself an RK 76 Elite and wanted to lower the strings a bit. This vid helped a lot and eased some fear. Love your approach and have been a student of yours for about 6 months . Have a good collections of songs under my belt and will continue through your library. Thanks for everything!!
Thanks for watching, and keep picking. :)
Great tips Jim. Enjoyed the video.
Thanks!
Thanks for the video Jim. I'm in the market for a banjo and don't know if I want to play clawhammer or 3finger skruggs style. I love the look and sound of the recording King songster, and hearing the little bit of it with the resonator removed (yours is the o ly video I can find of it) makes me think this is the one for me. If I want to play open back I could pop the resonator off and maybe use a mute if I had to.
Nothing stoping you from playing clawhammer with the resonator on. :)
@@JimPankey I suppose that's true! Would different strings or bridge give it a warmer tone if I wanted one? Also, thank you for your reply :)
Beautiful banjo bro the inlay is awesome, you had me on this one till I saw the single coordinator rod, I just don’t know about the singles, you have me convinced on the RK’s, I play a GoldTone and I just like the stability of the dual coordinator rods, or is there an upgrade on the single coordinator rod that makes them hold the neck a lot more stable I did notice the screw on the heel of this one you got, what’s the screw for?
You know Gibson used a single rod back in the 50s and 60s, right?
Jim I bought a strap that you have to loosen 2 hooks all the way and put the hook through the strap. Just had it set up is this going to be a worry for my head tension when I put the strap on.
Won’t be a problem at all
Hey Jim where did you get the nice banjo strap? Always enjoy your videos.
JS Pipke at Scrub Lake Ranch made the strap. You can find him here: m.facebook.com/Scrublakeranch/
like the new banjo Mr. Jim and God bless
I’ll try to get a proper review of it in a week or two.
Sounds wonderful!
Thanks!
I just bought one from a music store and I’m excited to get it. It was a floor model, so I hope I don’t have to do a lot of work like you did. I’ve never played before, and am excited!! Thanks so much for the video! ❤❤❤
Thanks for watching 😊
Fantastic very entertaining and useful video..
Glad you enjoyed it! 😊
Brilliant jim banjo sounds great 👍👍
Thanks! ☺️
That was a pretty little piece you played starting around 10:10. I feel like I should know the name of the song but it escapes me. Now that I can play a little bit I'm always looking for tunes that don't sound like I'm a hurry to finish 'cause I need to use the bathroom (thanks a lot Earl for being such a speed demon!).
I have no idea what I was playing. It was just something that fell out of my fingers at the time. 🤷🏻♂️
@@JimPankey Ok thank you. It had kind of a gospel vibe to it that I liked.
Liking the new banjo Jim, thanks for sharing your tips. Quick question, what’s your thinking for running the strings over the tail piece, just personal preference? Haven’t seen it done that way before.
All the best from the U.K.
Well... main reason is it’s the way those Waverly tailpieces were meant to be strung. It also makes it quicker if you break a string on stage...
Hey, Jim, great video! Now...I noticed that 5th string spikes didn't come installed. Did you order the banjo that way, or do you put your own on...OR, do you use another method of capoing the 5th string?
I usually install my own spikes.
I've been looking at the same banjo . Sounds great.
It’s a good value too. 🙂
@@JimPankey I really need a banjo. My dad lets me pick his Seeding for 2 hours on Saturday. I can pick Cripple Creek pretty well. Half of Cumberland Gap. But I'm stuck right there. I know a good amount of licks. All I've learned is because of your videos. Thank you Sir!
@@JimPankey Deering banjo. I didn't mean Seering
Mike Patton hang in there and keep practicing. 😃
Hey Jim, I'm going to the North GA mountains tomorrow and it's supposed to be cold. Do you have any advice on how to tune my banjo in cold weather? I don't want to break my strings. And any advice on how to keep it in tune? Thanks, Love ya!!
Your Banjo will be fine. Playing outside in the cold will give you tuning issues, so just tune often.
Have fun!
@@JimPankey Thank you!! ☺️
Wow Jim, I've had my banjo for two years but I never thought about taking it to bits! I have quite honestly not had a good look at it.
It’s worth giving them a good look over to make sure everything is working. Wouldn’t buy a car without looking under the hood...
I was also wondering if you could do some videos on banjo cleaning or part replacement on banjos.? (:
I’m the worlds worst when it comes to cleaning banjos. I almost never do that. I could probably show how to change a bridge, tailpiece, banjo head, etc
okay thanks, Jim.
Hi Jim, I got my new banjo some time ago and until I saw this video had no idea on the setup process you show here so thanks.
I have a question on straps, due to a motorcycle accident some years ago and a couple of subsequent surgeries I cannot tolerate the strap across my left shoulder (I have a right had setup) is there another option for straps or possible to use the other shoulder? Thanks
A lot of folks wear the strap on their right shoulder. I did up until about 1992.
Jim Pankey Thanks for the reply. I did try it it on the right shoulder and it felt odd. I have never seen anyone do it so it seemed almost naughty. I will persevere. I am Still only on lesson 2 of the learn to play bluegrass so it won’t be a massive change as I’m new to it and by the time I can play foggy mountain breakdown I will be completely used to it lol.
Welp, you steered me in the direction of RK and because I bought the R20 this video showed me how to play with it "righter" TY
Glad to help. ☺️
Man Jim, what a pretty banjo
They’re nice. Priced right too.
haha yeah
Hey, Jim. I know you have or had an RK-35 as well. Can you compare the 20 and the 35? I have an RK-35 and just find it too heavy. Love the sound and playability but not the weight. Would I notice a huge difference if I sold my 35 and bought a 20?
Jim
The 35 is superior in both playability and sound.
@@JimPankey Thanks. I appreciate the direct answer.
Great video. Thank you Jim!
Glad you liked it!
Thanks for reposting this video Jim
Any time!
Hey Jim, have you used any Banjo Bridges where the string slots are off set? Why would “they” make a Bridge that’s off set? I have a Goldengate GB-5 1/2. It seems that the 3rd string is 1/8” behind the #1 & #5 string and 1/16 behind the #2 & #4 string.
Sometimes you need the strings compensated lake that to make the banjo play in tune. I’ve used a variety of different t bridges like that.
Thanks Jim
Hi Jim I"ve been playing for about 3 months now and I'm wondering what kind of picks do you use. I just don't really like the ones I have but if I get more I want to make sure there good ones.
I use a Blue Chip thumb pick and Ernie Ball Pickey Pick finger picks.
@@JimPankey thank you very much. Also if it weren't for your teaching I probably would have stopped trying to play the banjo after about a day.
@@JimPankey also if you could do a tutorial on any songs by Mumford and Sons I would greatly appreciate it.
Awesome video! It's been a while:)
Thanks
Jim .Just read the specifacations for the RK20 banjo and it states that there is a Tone Ring looks well hidden !?.
Has a "tone hoop"
Jim can I use a set of EJ 55 strings on my Deering ? Will this help the sound ? What is your favorite tuner type and brand ?
I think the ej55 set would be too heavy. Don’t really have a favorite tuner. I do like the tiny clip on tuners from planet waves.
I wish a banjo would randomly appear at my house
Me too!
sorry again i .. what kind of thumb pick do you use? it sounds very crisp, clean and bright .. it always sounds rather dull to me ..
It’s a Blue Chip... JD Crowe model
Thanks for the video!
Thanks for watching. 😊
Hi Jim am getting a new banjo, the company said the drum needs to be tightened when it arrives how do you know how tight
?
Just tighten it a little at a time and listen to it.
:D @ 12:18 "Don't use that... just don't" lol
Throw it away! 😁
Hey Jim I am going to buy an RK-R35 Recording King and wanted to see if you suggest an online store to get it from? I was looking at Banjo Ben?
I'm not sure who... Banjo Ben or Ross Nickerson would be good choices I'm sure!
thanks Jim,från Sweden
Welcome! tack för att du tittade på min video
Just got mine today!
New banjo day is my favorite day!
Hello Jim , what kind of tuner are you using? Thanks
It’s this one: amzn.to/3kmyMqE
I heard that the bridge shouldn’t be all straight, is that completely wrong?
Some banjos benefit from the bridge being slightly angled.
It's a great banjo for the money
Yup!
@@JimPankey I've had mine about 5 years now
You're quick. Changing strings for me has always been dreadful. Thanks for the tips
I’ve been doing it a while…. Every couple of weeks since 1977…. Over 1,000 sets on just banjo. Then you can add guitar, mandolin, dobro, bass, ukulele…
@@JimPankey That's a lot. I've been playing banjo now for about 2 years. I finally saved up enough to buy a good recording king with a tone ring; came in the mail today. Just want to say thanks again. You were my first intro into the world of banjo lessons. Coming from guitar, it was quite a dramatic change in approach. I'm a very sloppy, self-taught guitar player but the banjo has brought me new challenges and has required more finesse and discipline. Much gratitude from East TN
Which model is this , can you link it to their site
www.recordingking.com/rkr20
What make putting the strings over the tailpiece the correct way verses under the tailpiece?
Makes it easier to change strings as well as getting them at the proper angle across the bridge.
Technical question... This is said to have a hoop in it.be modified with parts to sound like the RK 35 and if so how?
No... without a complete pot assembly you won't be able to make this banjo sound like the RK35.
Hello, I was wondering if you could play Dixie the confederate anthem on your banjo. In the key of D.
Banjoin’ Benjamin Not in Georgia! ;)
How do you put spikes on the neck?
Here's a good video on that: th-cam.com/video/70d73QEe7rg/w-d-xo.html
So after 2 years what do you think about this banjo now?
It sure… this is one of the banjos I gave away on my channel. 😊
@@JimPankey I see a ton of RK guitars on eBay that have self destructed! Sold to the highest bidder… Not sure if those high bidders are winners..
@@Mountainrock70 I've been playing RK since 2011... never had a single problem. I have 4 of their banjos, and that many guitars.
Also, this is the RK20. They've recently updated this banjo too.
@@JimPankey all the RK instruments have good sound.
🤔😊👍, never get why folks would have a strap that ‘rattled’ if they were ever going to perform or record!
🤷🏻♂️
How do you make a music link account? There is no option to create an account on their website.
If you’re a music dealer you can set up a dealership with them.
Gravity don't work in Arkansas
🙂