Pretty cool seems good for it's price. I do wish in the future the option for a number of inlay patterns become available. Just like 3 or 4 different styles I know that adds more options and thus seems less productive. But that would add a lot of value to people to select there favorite style. Same amount of materials used.
I'm really planning to buy this banjo as a step up from a Jameson beginner banjo. I really expect to hear a difference and notice a big difference in playing.
What I see or hear described are: Madison-series peghead inspired by pre-war Gibson "Coke bottle"; more reasonable amount of wood beyond 22nd fret, which shifts the bridge slightly back toward tailpiece; Presto style tailpiece; dark brown mahogany color; RK hardware (implying US-threaded hooks, nuts, and resonator screws instead of metric Asian generic; slanted interior resonator walls. Some of this might contribute to sound. Some is just visual change. But it makes the banjo fit in better as a Recording King product. I'm someone who in the past commented online about so many banjos being rebadged versions of the same thing. I believe the original Songster was exactly that. There were Gold Tone, Fender, Washburn, Morgan Monroe and other names on nearly identical banjos that varied only by decoration. The new RK-made Songster is different in some identifiable ways and is offered at a good price. It's priced exactly where's there's a gap in the new instrument market. I have no connection with RK. Just an old guy sharing my observations and opinions.
RK-R35 has 3-ply rim, cast bronze-alloy flathead tone ring, and cast pot metal/zinc alloy pre-war style 1-piece flange. It's a Mastertone-style banjo, with its only significant difference from construction of Gibsons of any era being the stacked heel and grafted peghead. These are construction economies that in no way affect the integrity of the neck. The inlays are probably not pearl and the finish isn't lacquer, but those aren't things you can hear.
@@RecordingKingOfficial Yeah, if you inlay (Decal?) "Hearts and Flowers" on a P L A N K, it's still a Plank! Goodby to the former gorgeous "Traditional" cut Headstock---Ugh!
I enjoyed hearing about this banjo’s features. I would have also enjoyed hearing it played.
Check out our demo here:
th-cam.com/video/v6jYurV8OJM/w-d-xo.html
Just ordered one this morning from Ross Nickerson...I hope the backlog wait is not too long.
Pretty cool seems good for it's price. I do wish in the future the option for a number of inlay patterns become available. Just like 3 or 4 different styles I know that adds more options and thus seems less productive. But that would add a lot of value to people to select there favorite style. Same amount of materials used.
I'm really planning to buy this banjo as a step up from a Jameson beginner banjo. I really expect to hear a difference and notice a big difference in playing.
My r20 (old version) had the philips head screws but so did J Cormier’s Elite 75. I remember watching his video
I'm an RK banjo owner and lover. Good video, but what's the secret? If this is the same as a $1,500 banjo, what's makes this one $600?
It's not the same, but it is built in the same workshops. You can compare specs here:
www.recordingking.com/rkr20
www.recordingking.com/rk-elite-75
Hi Travis - Can Recording King start supporting us left-handed players please? And please bring back the Madison RK-T36 tenor
Do y’all currently offer any archtop 5 string models?
No archtops at the moment
How is it reimagined? It sounds like It has all the same features as my old r20.
You can see the full spec list along with the aesthetic redesign here:
www.recordingking.com/rkr20
What I see or hear described are: Madison-series peghead inspired by pre-war Gibson "Coke bottle"; more reasonable amount of wood beyond 22nd fret, which shifts the bridge slightly back toward tailpiece; Presto style tailpiece; dark brown mahogany color; RK hardware (implying US-threaded hooks, nuts, and resonator screws instead of metric Asian generic; slanted interior resonator walls. Some of this might contribute to sound. Some is just visual change. But it makes the banjo fit in better as a Recording King product. I'm someone who in the past commented online about so many banjos being rebadged versions of the same thing. I believe the original Songster was exactly that. There were Gold Tone, Fender, Washburn, Morgan Monroe and other names on nearly identical banjos that varied only by decoration. The new RK-made Songster is different in some identifiable ways and is offered at a good price. It's priced exactly where's there's a gap in the new instrument market. I have no connection with RK. Just an old guy sharing my observations and opinions.
What is the difference between this banjo and the RK R35 Madison ?
RK-R35 has 3-ply rim, cast bronze-alloy flathead tone ring, and cast pot metal/zinc alloy pre-war style 1-piece flange. It's a Mastertone-style banjo, with its only significant difference from construction of Gibsons of any era being the stacked heel and grafted peghead. These are construction economies that in no way affect the integrity of the neck. The inlays are probably not pearl and the finish isn't lacquer, but those aren't things you can hear.
How can you tell the difference in a new songster vs an older version?
Check the headstocks, the new version has Hearts & Flowers inlay on the headstock & fretboard
@@RecordingKingOfficial thank you that help my decision process greatly .
@@RecordingKingOfficial Yeah, if you inlay (Decal?) "Hearts and Flowers" on a P L A N K, it's still a Plank! Goodby to the former gorgeous "Traditional" cut Headstock---Ugh!
Goodby I guess to the beautiful sculpted "Traditional" cut Headstock??? Too Bad, will try to find an earlier used model.
That seems suspiciously cheap tbh, but knowing Recording King it’s probably a solid instrument
OK let's try that one more time with the camera focused.
Thanks for your feedback. Hope you found some of the info in this video helpful!