Recording King Banjos: Vintage Heritage Meets Modern Value

Recording King banjos represent a remarkable fusion of historical legacy and contemporary craftsmanship—professional-quality instruments designed to replicate the legendary pre-war era at prices accessible to players at every level. With designs influenced by master luthier Greg Rich and vintage specifications inspired by the golden age of American banjo making, Recording King delivers authentic Mastertone-style tone without the vintage price tag.

The Recording King story is a tale of two eras separated by decades but united by a commitment to quality and value.

The Original Recording King Legacy (1929-1943):

Recording King was originally Montgomery Ward’s house brand from 1929 through 1943, during what’s now called the Golden Age of musical craftsmanship. Montgomery Ward contracted Gibson to build Recording King banjos throughout the 1930s, making these instruments essentially rebranded Gibsons sold through catalog and department stores at more accessible prices than Gibson-branded models.

These vintage Recording King banjos were genuine Gibson products built to Gibson specifications—they featured the same craftsmanship, tone rings, and quality that made pre-war Gibsons legendary. The primary differences were cosmetic details and the lack of certain features Gibson reserved for its own brand (like adjustable truss rods). Many vintage Recording King banjos are virtually indistinguishable from equivalent Gibson models of the same era and are highly sought after by collectors today.

Legendary guitarist John Fahey played a 1939 Recording King, helping cement the brand’s place in American music history. When the line was discontinued in 1943, the Recording King name lay dormant for over six decades.

The Modern Recording King Revival (1990s-2025):

Though some prototype models were produced by Greg Rich prior, In 2007, The Music Link Corporation based in Hayward, California revived the Recording King brand with a clear mission: honor the historical legacy of the original instruments while making professional-quality banjos accessible to modern players. The key to this revival was bringing aboard Greg Rich, one of the most respected names in banjo design and construction.

Greg Rich: The Mind Behind Modern Recording King:

Greg Rich’s credentials in the banjo world are impeccable. He worked for Gibson Banjos in the 1980s, building and designing instruments during a critical period in Gibson’s history. Later, he co-founded Rich & Taylor, a boutique banjo company whose instruments became popular with professional players and are still highly regarded today.

When The Music Link approached Greg Rich about designing a new line of Recording King banjos, they weren’t asking for budget imports—they wanted instruments designed to American specifications that honored the vintage Recording King/Gibson heritage. Greg Rich brought his decades of experience, his deep knowledge of pre-war Gibson designs, and his understanding of what makes a great banjo to create the modern Recording King line.

The result is a range of banjos that capture vintage Mastertone aesthetics and tone while incorporating modern manufacturing efficiency to keep prices reasonable. Greg Rich’s involvement ensures that Recording King instruments maintain professional standards of design, component selection, and specifications.

The Recording King Philosophy:

Recording King built instruments with:

• Vintage-inspired designs based on pre-war Gibson Mastertone specifications
• Hand-assembled parts ensuring quality control
• Professional components including cast bronze and bell brass tone rings, steam-bent maple rims, and quality hardware
• American design standards with Greg Rich’s oversight
• Accessible pricing making professional-quality banjos available at every budget level

While Recording King banjos were manufactured overseas (primarily China), they’re designed in America to exacting specifications and undergo quality control to ensure they meet professional standards. This approach allows Recording King to offer instruments with $3,000-$5,000 sound quality at $1,000-$2,000 price points.

Recording King Banjo Series:

The Elite Series: Recording King’s flagship professional line, the Elite Series represents the pinnacle of the brand’s offerings. These banjos feature premium components, elaborate inlays, and tone that rivals instruments costing significantly more.

RK-Elite-75 (Flying Eagle): The RK-75 features mahogany construction with the classic Flying Eagle inlay pattern that graces some of the most beautiful vintage Gibsons. Built with a cast bell brass tone ring, one-piece flange, and steam-bent 3-ply maple rim, this banjo delivers authentic pre-war tone. The mahogany resonator and neck provide warmth and complexity, while the professional-grade hardware ensures reliability. Players consistently praise the RK-75 as offering tone comparable to banjos costing twice as much.

RK-Elite-76 (Hearts & Flowers): The RK-76 features the ornate Hearts & Flowers inlay pattern synonymous with Gibson Granada banjos. With the same professional components as the RK-75 but with more elaborate aesthetics, the RK-76 appeals to players who want both premium tone and visual elegance. The mahogany construction delivers rich, warm tone with excellent projection and sustain.

RK-Elite Maple: A maple version of the Elite offering brighter, more cutting tone perfect for bluegrass ensemble playing. The figured maple resonator and neck provide visual appeal along with that characteristic maple “crack” and projection.

The Madison Series: Named “The Madison,” this series represents Recording King’s sweet spot—professional components and tone at mid-range prices. These banjos use the same rims and hardware as the Elite series but with slightly less ornate appointments, making them exceptional values.

RK-R35 (Madison Maple): The Madison Maple features a Mastertone-style bell brass cast tone ring, one-piece flange, steam-bent 3-ply maple rim, and maple resonator. This is the same rim and hardware used in the $2,000 Elite series, making the Madison an incredible value. The maple construction provides bright, punchy tone with excellent note separation—perfect for bluegrass. Players consistently note that the RK-R35 sounds far better than its price suggests.

RK-R36 (Madison Mahogany): The mahogany version of the Madison offers warmer, darker tone while maintaining the same professional components as the RK-R35. The mahogany resonator and neck create a balanced voice that works beautifully for both bluegrass and old-time styles. Many players consider the RK-R36 to be the best value in professional bluegrass banjos.

Madison Open Back: For old-time and clawhammer players, Recording King offers open-back versions of the Madison with the same quality construction minus the resonator. These lighter, more traditional instruments deliver authentic old-time tone.

The Dirty 30’s Series: Recording King’s entry-level series sits “at the perfect crossroads of classic sound and historic design.” These beginner-friendly banjos feature vintage styling at accessible prices, making them ideal first banjos or budget instruments for experienced players.

RK-R20 Songster: The Songster offers surprising quality for a beginner banjo. Featuring the same tailpiece, armrest, head brackets, tuning pegs, and other parts as the more expensive Madison series, the Songster delivers professional components at half the price. This is not a toy—it’s a legitimate playing instrument that beginners can grow with.

Dirty 30’s Resonator: A step up from the Songster with wood resonator, providing more volume and projection for bluegrass playing. Great for students who want to play in groups or jams.

Dirty 30’s Open Back: Traditional open-back styling perfect for clawhammer and old-time music. Available with and without tone rings to suit different tonal preferences and budgets.

Dirty 30’s Tenor: Four-string tenor configuration for jazz, Irish, and Dixieland players. Brings Recording King quality to alternative banjo styles.

Signature Models:

Carl Jackson “Lonesome Dove” Signature: Developed with Grammy-winning artist Carl Jackson, this signature model represents Recording King’s commitment to working with professional players. Carl Jackson’s legendary career (including work with Glen Campbell and as a solo artist) brings serious credibility to this model.

Recording King Sound Characteristics:

What does a Recording King banjo sound like? The answer varies by series and model, but certain qualities run throughout:

Elite Series:

• Rich, warm mahogany tone with complexity and depth
• Excellent note separation and clarity
• Strong projection and volume
• Smooth sustain
• That “pre-war Gibson” character players seek
• Professional-grade tone rivaling $3,000-$4,000 instruments

Madison Series:

• Bright, punchy maple tone (RK-R35) or warm mahogany voice (RK-R36)
• Clear note definition perfect for bluegrass
• Solid projection for jamming and performance
• Balanced response across all strings
• Professional sound at intermediate prices

Dirty 30’s/Songster Series:

• Surprisingly good tone for the price point
• Clear, balanced voice suitable for learning
• Adequate volume for practice and casual playing
• Honest vintage-inspired sound
• Much better than typical beginner banjos

Across all series, Recording King banjos benefit from Greg Rich’s design expertise and quality component selection. These aren’t cheap imports slapped together—they’re thoughtfully designed instruments that deliver authentic banjo tone.

The Greg Rich Advantage:

Having Greg Rich oversee Recording King’s design provided several crucial benefits:

Historical Knowledge: Greg’s work with vintage Gibsons and his time at Gibson give him deep understanding of what made pre-war instruments special. He knows which specifications matter and which are just cosmetic.

Component Expertise: From tone ring alloys to rim dimensions to flange designs, Greg understands how each component affects tone. Recording King banjos benefit from this knowledge in every detail.

Player Perspective: Greg is a player himself, so he designs instruments that work for real musicians, not just look good in catalogs. Playability, intonation, and setup are priorities.

Quality Control: Greg’s specifications and oversight ensured that Recording King maintains consistent quality standards. Each model is built to perform reliably.

Value Proposition:

Recording King’s greatest strength is value. Consider:

• Elite Series ($1,800-$2,200): Tone comparable to $3,500-$4,500 instruments
• Madison Series ($1,200-$1,600): Professional components at intermediate prices
• Dirty 30’s/Songster ($400-$700): Beginner instruments with professional parts

This value proposition makes Recording King especially attractive for:

• Beginners: Professional-quality first banjos that don’t need immediate upgrading
• Intermediate Players: Step-up instruments with pro-level sound
• Budget-Conscious Pros: Touring/backup instruments with reliable performance
• Teachers: Affordable instruments to recommend to students
• Multi-Instrumentalists: Quality banjos without breaking the bank

Manufacturing and Quality Control:

Recording King banjos are designed in America and manufactured overseas to Greg Rich’s specifications. The Music Link Corporation maintains quality control standards to ensure consistency. While some players prefer 100% American-made instruments, Recording King’s approach allows professional-quality design at accessible prices—a trade-off many players find worthwhile.

Components like flanges, tone hoops, and other hardware often come from respected manufacturers like Prucha (Czech Republic), ensuring quality materials throughout.

Who Plays Recording King:

Recording King banjos are played by:

• Professional Musicians: Carl Jackson (signature model), numerous touring bluegrass players
• Students: Thousands of beginners learning on Dirty 30’s and Songster models
• Intermediate Players: Madison series owners in jams and local performances
• Budget-Conscious Pros: Elite series as backup/touring instruments
• Teachers: Instructors who recommend Recording King for quality and value

The brand has earned respect across the bluegrass and old-time communities for delivering reliable, good-sounding instruments at fair prices.

Recording King at Banjo Warehouse:

At Banjo Warehouse, we’re proud to offer Recording King banjos across their entire range. We understand what makes these instruments excellent values and can guide you to the right model for your needs.

Every Recording King banjo at Banjo Warehouse receives:

• Professional Setup: Proper head tension, bridge placement, and action adjustment
• Expert Evaluation: Assessment by Geoff Hohwald’s experienced eye
• Honest Guidance: Recommendations based on your playing level and budget
• Quality Photography: Detailed images of the actual instrument you’ll receive
• Secure Shipping: Expert packing with full insurance
• Ongoing Support: Available for questions after purchase

Our Recording King Expertise:

Founder Geoff Hohwald has over 50 years of experience in bluegrass music and has evaluated hundreds of Recording King banjos. He recognizes the brand’s unique position: Greg Rich’s design expertise combined with efficient manufacturing creates instruments that punch well above their weight class.

Geoff can help you choose between:

• Elite vs. Madison: When the extra investment in Elite series makes sense
• Maple vs. Mahogany: Which wood suits your tonal preferences
• Resonator vs. Open Back: The right style for your playing
• Beginner vs. Intermediate: Which series fits your skill level

Why Choose Recording King:

For Beginners:

• Professional components from day one
• No need to upgrade immediately as skills develop
• Affordable entry without compromising quality
• Can grow with you from student to intermediate player

For Intermediate Players:

• Madison and Elite series offer professional tone
• Suitable for jamming, recording, and performance
• Excellent value compared to premium American brands
• Greg Rich’s design expertise at accessible prices

For Budget-Conscious Musicians:

• Best value-per-dollar in the industry
• Professional-quality backup/touring instruments
• More money left for lessons, accessories, or other instruments

For Teachers:

• Confidently recommend to students
• Quality instruments that facilitate learning
• Range of prices for different student budgets

The Recording King Promise:

When you buy a Recording King banjo, you’re buying:

• Designs influenced by legendary luthier Greg Rich
• Vintage Mastertone-style specifications
• Heritage dating back to 1929 Montgomery Ward/Gibson collaborations
• Professional components at accessible prices
• Quality control standards ensuring consistency
• Instruments built to last and be passed down
• Exceptional value across every price point

Ready to Discover Recording King:

Browse our current selection of Recording King banjos or contact Geoff Hohwald at 404-218-8580 or [email protected] to discuss which Recording King model fits your playing style and budget. From the affordable Dirty 30’s series to the professional Elite models, we’ll help you find the perfect Recording King banjo.

Visit our showrooms by appointment:

• Atlanta, GA
• Yellow Springs, OH (serving Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, and beyond)

Banjo Warehouse – Where Vintage Heritage Meets Modern Value in Every Recording King Banjo