Gibson Earl Scruggs vs Recording King RK-75 Banjo Comparison

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ส.ค. 2024
  • Comparing the all-maple Gibson Earl Scruggs honey banjo to the Recording King RK-75 mahogany with maple rim. All audio is left raw and unedited.
    [0:00] Intro
    [1:49] Shucking The Corn (Recording King)
    [2:48] Shucking The Corn (Gibson)
    [3:44] Home Sweet Home (Recording King)
    [4:21] Home Sweet Home (Gibson)
    [4:56] Reuben (Recording King)
    [5:47] Reuben (Gibson)
    [6:36] Turkey In The Straw (Recording King)
    [7:06] Turkey In The Straw (Gibson)
    [7:36] Cheek to Cheek (Recording King)
    [8:13] Cheek to Cheek (Gibson)
    [8:52] Conclusions
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ความคิดเห็น • 98

  • @JohnMooreVlogs
    @JohnMooreVlogs  2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I've added chapters to this video in the description so you can easily switch between songs and instruments. Enjoy

  • @jasonwood2603
    @jasonwood2603 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I've had a Gibson Earl Scruggs, and I have the Recording King now. It was nice hearing the comparison. Both banjos sound great. One is suited for certain styles and vice-versa. Thanks for the video!

  • @garrylarose1506
    @garrylarose1506 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Ive got a Scruggs edition honey, #0859. I love it, lot of people think the Gibsons improved after Greg Rich took over sometime in the late eighties. Ive played them both, both are great. Personally I find my honey banjo sounds superb and is beautiful. I actually got an amazing deal with it too. Bought it from the original owner who had all the receipts and everything, bought it and kept it in the case under his bed. Had the original strings, literally show room quality unused. A lot of guys like the look of a banjo when it looks well used, but I couldn't be happier with mine. Has the actual Earl Scruggs signature too. Not just the stamp. Ive had it set up and play it every day, when im not playing its displayed proudly on my living room wall, out of direct sunlight.

  • @beardedbiker2647
    @beardedbiker2647 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Yeah the Gibson is hands down the “Banjo sound” I’ve grown up on. I’m so glad you played Reuben That’s the song I use to judge sound and one’s musicality. Anyone can play fast or play accurately but the really good ones do both and you knocked it out of the park….

  • @tonyparrish5366
    @tonyparrish5366 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is a great comparison. Thank you for all the hard work.

  • @louGriggs1944
    @louGriggs1944 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Going through the buying process right now and this video is extremely helpful. Thank you very much.

  • @barbarasmith3579
    @barbarasmith3579 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I LOVE the sound of the recording king on turkey in the straw John! Beautiful mellow sound! Great sound for sure! Thanks for THAT comparison!

  • @bernhardnizynski4403
    @bernhardnizynski4403 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I'd be more than happy with the Recording King!

  • @bladerunner9646
    @bladerunner9646 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Thank you for your time and efforts. Both were fantastic. If I had to choose I would go RK.

  • @dchura123
    @dchura123 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thanks for this review. Earlier this year I picked up a used RK-76, the near-twin brother of the RK-75 on-line in excellent condition for an excellent price. I had an old Iida and the RK just sounds so much richer and smoother. Your review gives me even more confidence in my pick. Oh yeah, just in general I find your videos really informative and really enjoy watching/listening to them.

  • @bomark2002
    @bomark2002 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Awesome videos man, I like both sounds, I can hear the mellow tone you spoke of in the RK, the Gibson has just a hint more of a punch to it but they are both awesome for whatever style like you said you want to play

  • @thefamily2707
    @thefamily2707 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Man that gibson twangs nicely! 😮

  • @underratedspectator2211
    @underratedspectator2211 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for your content!

  • @gordonsellenartist174
    @gordonsellenartist174 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    They both sound great, my personal choice would be Gibson all day.🙃

  • @mattvincent5805
    @mattvincent5805 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    The Gibson has the growl! I’d choose it. Great video. Thank you.

  • @banjocatoscs
    @banjocatoscs ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very nice picking sir. Two good sounding banjos. I have a Granada and an old mahogany Gibson parts banjo I go back and forth with. Of the two you played, I’ll take both:) But if I had to only pick one, it would be the Gibson. Thanks for the video, top notch!

  • @FlatpickRei
    @FlatpickRei 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    that RK on Reuben was ridiculous

  • @banjofever1
    @banjofever1 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Great presentation! Kelly Emerson (Bill's son)

  • @jbcurdog72
    @jbcurdog72 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Great video and a great comparison, but the Gibson has the "it" factor in my opinion... but I would play the rk... I recently played a Goldstar and couldn't believe how awesome it was.

  • @LGBrownlee
    @LGBrownlee 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    That Gibson just has that ‘pop’….I wonder if, given years of playing, like that Gibson, how the sound profile might change on the RK?

    • @JohnMooreVlogs
      @JohnMooreVlogs  2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I wouldn't be surprised if the recording king started to get more "poppy" with a little bit of age as the wood settles and natural oils dry out. I've never played a new off-the-rack banjo of any brand that sounded like an old banjo so that makes this a bit of an unfair comparison considering the Gibson is 40 years older than the RK.

  • @brianthomas8858
    @brianthomas8858 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    That gibson cracks like a whip. I like the recording king but the gibson is hard to beat. I had a couple gibson granada’s and both were snappy but when I put a solid heavy brass tone ring in one, it would make your ears ring… I’m bad to play near the bridge and roll hard.. but I’m strait old school bluegrass. I also loved your rendition of home sweet home

  • @TheEricBode
    @TheEricBode 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great info and solid picking! Wonder if my asking about your banjo on your live video gave any inspiration to this video...🤔🤣

  • @archtopp1
    @archtopp1 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I am the owner of a RK 75 and its a great banjo for the money and it holds its own next to banjos that cost much more. I think in this video, the Gibson has a little more tone and it has more punch up the neck. Its a difficult comparison on video. I know the Gibson is much more expensive, but teh 2 sond close. The Gibson, to my ears, sounds better. Just my 2 cents. Nice video, though..

  • @Montgomeryleather2
    @Montgomeryleather2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Incredible talent

  • @bluegrassboy
    @bluegrassboy 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I'm really a guitar player, but I love messing around with a banjo. My last 3 have been chinese brands and I just couldnt really love any of them though I couldn't put my finger on it. But I didn't have a good US made banjo to play side by side. Thanks for the video

  • @85rockhound
    @85rockhound 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have the Gibson Scruggs Standard. Both sound great, but different. I might have to get the RK-75 to keep my two Gibson's company!

  • @bobbyjackson3632
    @bobbyjackson3632 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    In my opinion if your going to compare Banjos it needs to be Mahogany against Mahogany and vice versa

  • @lukasrh
    @lukasrh 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    great Video John, thank you. just out of curiosity: did you change anything to the setup of your Gibson after the latest live stream?

  • @livioguardi2074
    @livioguardi2074 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    They both sound good but actually to my ears is the Gibson that has a mellower sound!

  • @johncostelloe743
    @johncostelloe743 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi John I liked them both for me though the Rk is my pick

  • @garyhammond2213
    @garyhammond2213 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have an Earl Scruggs Mastertone which I like. I had and sold a Gibson RB-250. I regret selling it. It was easier to play and just sounded good.

  • @Banjo63
    @Banjo63 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great comparison! I have to say the RK sounded really good, but the "crack" of the Maple on the Gibson won my vote. PS - What type of mic do you use for these TH-cam recordings? Always sounds really good!

    • @JohnMooreVlogs
      @JohnMooreVlogs  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It's a rode videomic. Great little mic for the money.

    • @Banjo63
      @Banjo63 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@JohnMooreVlogs Thanks!

    • @garyhighley9022
      @garyhighley9022 ปีที่แล้ว

      I have a RK 76 mahogany and a Flint hill 300(RK Osborne scout) which is maple....so depending on my mood I play whichever. I think overall I like the smooth sound of the Elite... but enjoy the quick note response of the maple banjo.

  • @tonywall58
    @tonywall58 ปีที่แล้ว

    Those rks are fabulous banjos

  • @Jdluke61
    @Jdluke61 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Gibson 👍

  • @alexrudisill4935
    @alexrudisill4935 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I own both and humbly do say my recording king has potential but is missing something. Yours my friend does sound great. I'm a Hatfield man. Thanks for the video.

    • @garyhighley9022
      @garyhighley9022 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's all about set up. My RK 76 sounded great for many yrs, but I put it away in the case for over a yr, pulled it out, put new strings on it and it sounds kinda dead. I'll have to figure out what it needs eventually. Maybe I got a bad batch of strings.

    • @luminawarren8132
      @luminawarren8132 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      RKs are hit and miss. Its due to the mass production and production rate required. You cannot rush the creation of quality. My RK right now came w a plastic nut and pip. Everyone knows thats faulty quality.

    • @davidlundmark9359
      @davidlundmark9359 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@luminawarren8132 What RK did you get?

    • @luminawarren8132
      @luminawarren8132 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@davidlundmark9359 it was a first generation rk35.
      I know there are some good ones but ive been thru 5 recording kings and 4 of them sounded terrible. All set up the same. One of the maples I had sounded amazing but the other 4 were terrible.

    • @davidlundmark9359
      @davidlundmark9359 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@luminawarren8132 ah okay interesting, I just ordered a brand new RK35 a couple of days ago, I'll guess I have to hope it sounds good then lol

  • @russellyork7652
    @russellyork7652 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Interesting comparison. I'd like a comparison of the Gibson Earl Scruggs with an RK 85, which is maple like the Gibson. I have an RK85 elite. It sounds a lot like the Gibson, but of course I can't play anything like you can, John. Thanks.

  • @richardgarrett7044
    @richardgarrett7044 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Gibson hands down, just my opinion.

  • @higheststandards3344
    @higheststandards3344 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love the tone of the rk 😩

  • @garyhighley9022
    @garyhighley9022 ปีที่แล้ว

    Im partial to mahogany..and i have an RK 76 so im biased..but i like the RK sound in this video. That being said, the banjo i play 90 percent of the vtime now is a maple RK scout. It seems to be a little " sweeter" and mahogany like than other maple bnjos ive had. I love to own and play a good Gibson though.

  • @mikeondrick2507
    @mikeondrick2507 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Killer Fourth string on the Recording King. Good pop.

  • @peterreno4203
    @peterreno4203 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You could comfortably play either in a band. Both sound 👍 just different.

  • @MarvinRWard
    @MarvinRWard 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I used to own a home made style banjo that sounded like that. I let it go for $500.00. Dumbest thing I ever done. You sound great!

  • @markfields863
    @markfields863 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I bought the Recording King because of the price of Gibsons. I love the Rk but, the Gibson has the old feel classic banjo sound to my ear.

  • @pipperxxx
    @pipperxxx 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I love and own a RKR30 BGM..
    But that Gibby is awesome, you might need to set them up the same first to get a better comparison.
    Great job , thanx

    • @luminawarren8132
      @luminawarren8132 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The RK 30 being a tube and plate will sound amazing. These are typically louder and have better intonation.

  • @jaybenton7716
    @jaybenton7716 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Gibson wins. Nice playing as usual. :)

  • @jimbennett1519
    @jimbennett1519 ปีที่แล้ว

    I am late to the party but in my humble opinion the gibson banjo would be my pick. They are both pretty good banjers but the gibson has that sound. I personally play an Ome jaggernaut one silver chime I bought new in 1978 I believe and it is a killer banjo

  • @bernhardnizynski4403
    @bernhardnizynski4403 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Both sound really great - but I expect the Recording King is a lot less expensive?

  • @waveegravee
    @waveegravee 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    String gauge information for both banjos would have been of interest.

  • @davidanderson1951
    @davidanderson1951 ปีที่แล้ว

    They both have their own characteristics the recording king us very mellow on some tunes but the Gibson has the pop on the hard driving tunes very nice comparison

  • @evanmcroberts5427
    @evanmcroberts5427 ปีที่แล้ว

    I currently play a 2008 Gibson Parts rig (neck is the only legit part) fox thin maple rim, tennesse 20 nickel plated ring I played a brand new RK75 and may honestly sell the parts rig for one. The feel of the 75 is very nice I love my parts rig but I’m falling for the warmth/ growl of the 75

  • @beefusthemighty
    @beefusthemighty ปีที่แล้ว

    For me, it's not just about the sound you can get out of the banjo, it's how easy it is to get that sound. Response is a big deal to the player. A banjo that you have to dig the sound out of, or that only sounds good when you play full-force is a problem for me.
    I found that my RK sounded OK but I had to pick it a little too hard.

  • @ProfileP246
    @ProfileP246 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wow! gibson!

  • @johnbrown-td2tl
    @johnbrown-td2tl 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    How bout you do a video on the goldstar gf200 vs rk75 their both around the same price point

  • @reallyoldtom9352
    @reallyoldtom9352 หลายเดือนก่อน

    What strings on each?

  • @sameubanks7349
    @sameubanks7349 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Gibson for me.

  • @johnbrown-td2tl
    @johnbrown-td2tl 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Goldstar gf200 vs rk75 plz

  • @royliquor3315
    @royliquor3315 ปีที่แล้ว

    What year is your Gibson?

  • @tedtedsen269
    @tedtedsen269 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    sad, people judge one banjo better or worse than the other when they can see what is being played, then it is the eyes that decide which is better and not the ears because you know what you hear

  • @michaelvanbuskirk8845
    @michaelvanbuskirk8845 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I wonder how the Recording King RK-R35 would sound compared to the Gibson since it's maple as well?

  • @dirtylaundrythemusic
    @dirtylaundrythemusic 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow that Gipson don’t hold notes that long up high

  • @banjopete
    @banjopete ปีที่แล้ว

    The RC was Sitaring.

  • @sethlandry9122
    @sethlandry9122 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Gibson

  • @goldenbergconstruction1656
    @goldenbergconstruction1656 ปีที่แล้ว

    The Recording King.

  • @richardgarrett2946
    @richardgarrett2946 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Gibson! Hands down!😂

  • @justinnorrie3594
    @justinnorrie3594 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The Gibson is like a party trick. It's fun the first time you hear it, but it gets a bit old after the third or fourth time. Very in-your-face. Not much subtlety. I'll take the RK. (Who am I kidding -- I'd take either of these awesome banjos.)

  • @steveday9823
    @steveday9823 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great picking! Gibson wins this competition but just by a hair.

  • @DavidBrown-it9ig
    @DavidBrown-it9ig 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That Gibson wails!

  • @shartmeself
    @shartmeself ปีที่แล้ว

    The Gibson has a uniquely bluegrass timbre to it while the recording king sounds more versatile and could probably fit several styles.

  • @peteleoni9665
    @peteleoni9665 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Sure is obvious that you do not have to spend 3k anymore. Also I note more note "definition" on the RK. Both great banjos and there is no "winner" here. I suspect any variation is mainly due to different head tension, string height and general setup.
    Thank you.

  • @garyhopkins4863
    @garyhopkins4863 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Comparing apples to apples this isn't. Should be maple vs maple or hog vs hog and green vs green or seasoned vs season. They should sound different.

  • @coltknight3945
    @coltknight3945 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I thought the Gibson spanked the RK. Way more power, volume and tone.

  • @bsharporbflat8378
    @bsharporbflat8378 ปีที่แล้ว

    The Gibson is way more resonant, nearly natural reverb

  • @dannymuhammad8321
    @dannymuhammad8321 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    There's a huge flaw in your test.. When you went to the recording King you should have still been playing shocking the corn. Back-to-back. That's the best way to get an immediate Blind test.. But I thought your whole videos outstanding.. For me the Gibson is just a little bit better and it has the Gibson name which travels through time much better.. If you want to sell it or if you want to give it to your grandkids

  • @alexcerondeoliveira6576
    @alexcerondeoliveira6576 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Os 2 tops ,mas gibson é gibson....

  • @luminawarren8132
    @luminawarren8132 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Maple will always have a better projection, snap etc.

  • @user-ig6pf9im5h
    @user-ig6pf9im5h 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Rozdiel minimálny obe banja zneju rovnako

  • @dougshelton69
    @dougshelton69 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Gibson is king

  • @luminawarren8132
    @luminawarren8132 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    The truth is the Earl Scruggs is going to sound better. RK makes good instruments and however they are hit and miss. Even tho the Scruggs is better it will not have the true tone test of sounding like Earls banjo. These were aftermarket luthier banjos w a Gibson name and honestly unless they were made in the Kalamazoo luthier ring these are not really Gibsons. Gibson messed up when they left michigan. Better luthiers, craftsman on site. Quality is always better when the supervision is local to the production site.

  • @peterreno4203
    @peterreno4203 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Gibson has more punch. RK pretty up the neck!

  • @dannymuhammad8321
    @dannymuhammad8321 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Well the Gibson sounds like girl scrugs and the other one doesn't.. It sounds good but it lacks mid-range.. Like almost every banjo that isn't a Gibson or stelling.. Of course there are exceptions to that rule.. I can be persuaded to like the recording king until I hear something that is real.. Then I know the difference immediately

  • @dwaynecollins5514
    @dwaynecollins5514 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Well, i don't know if is a joke or what but the Gibson is much better, even my 1977 RB250 sounds better than the record king! just my 2 cents

  • @billybudd45
    @billybudd45 4 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Recording king sounds good, but the Gibson wins 🏆

  • @charlesjohnson4544
    @charlesjohnson4544 ปีที่แล้ว

    Can you speak without using your hands ??