2008 Recording King RK-CUSTOM Soloist RK-R85-SN Banjo – Flamed Maple with Sunburst Finish – Serial #0000480

I’m thrilled to offer this rare 2008 Recording King RK-CUSTOM Soloist (RK-R85-SN) banjo here at Banjo Warehouse. This is becoming an increasingly hard-to-find instrument, and for good reason – it’s a stunning example of high-quality craftsmanship that combines classic pre-war styling with modern reliability.

The Rarity Factor

With Recording King’s recent closure, these exceptional Chinese-made pre-war replicas are becoming collectors’ items. I’ve searched extensively and can’t find another one of these for sale anywhere on the internet right now. The Soloist series represented the pinnacle of Recording King’s professional lineup, and this particular example is in excellent condition.

About This Banjo

Serial Number: 0000480 Year: 2008

The RK-CUSTOM Soloist was designed by Greg Rich to recall the most supremely crafted banjos from the Golden Age of musical instruments. This model takes all the outstanding features of the Professional mahogany model (RK-R80) and elevates them with a beautiful flamed maple resonator, figured maple neck, and a glorious vintage sunburst finish that gives it that classic, woodsy look that players love.

Construction & Features

The tone-producing components on this banjo are serious business. The Mastertone-style 20-hole tone ring sits on a 3-ply maple rim, delivering versatile tone that responds beautifully to different setups. The dual coordinator rods keep everything stable and allow for precise adjustment.

The one-piece flamed maple resonator is absolutely gorgeous – the grain pattern catches the light beautifully, and the sunburst finish gives it that vintage aesthetic that never goes out of style. The figured maple neck is equally impressive, with comfortable playability and beautiful visual appeal.

The bound ebony fingerboard features Style 6 mother-of-pearl floral inlays that are intricate and elegant. The traditional Recording King floral peghead inlay is a work of art in itself – ornate and detailed in the classic pre-war style.

Hardware & Appointments

This banjo is loaded with quality hardware throughout:

• Mastertone-style authentic flange
• Nickel-plated American Standard thread hardware
• Waverly tailpiece
• Notched tension hoop
• 5-Star Remo head
• 5th string capo spikes can be installed if requested

The no-hole raised head tone ring offers incredibly versatile tone depending on your setup preferences – head type and tension, bridge selection, and tailpiece choice all contribute to the voice you can create with this instrument.

Tone

The combination of the flamed maple resonator, 20-hole tone ring, and 3-ply rim creates a tone that’s both powerful and refined. It has the crisp attack and sustain you want for bluegrass, with enough warmth and complexity to handle any style.

Condition

This banjo is in excellent condition. At 17 years old, it shows minimal wear and has been well cared for. Everything is original and functional, and it’s set up and ready to play.

Specifications:

• Model: Recording King RK-CUSTOM Soloist RK-R85-SN
• Serial Number: 0000480
• Year: 2008
• Resonator: One-piece flamed maple with sunburst finish
• Neck: One-piece figured maple with sunburst finish
• Fingerboard: Bound ebony with Style 6 floral MOP inlays
• Peghead Inlay: Traditional Recording King floral design
• Tone Ring: Mastertone-style 20-hole (no-hole raised head)
• Rim: 3-ply maple
• Flange: Mastertone-style authentic
• Hardware: Nickel-plated American Standard thread
• Coordinator Rods: Dual
• Tailpiece: Waverly style
• Head: 5-Star Remo, 11″ medium crown (7/16″ height)
• Tension Hoop: Notched
• Nut Width: 1-3/16″
• Frets: 22, bound
• Total Length: 38″
• Weight: 11.25 lbs
• 5th String Capo Spikes: Can be installed by request
• Finish: Vintage sunburst
• Condition: Excellent

What’s Included

• Hardshell case
• Professional setup and inspection
• Free shipping to the continental US

Why This Banjo?

If you’ve been looking for a professional-quality pre-war style banjo with exceptional tone and stunning looks, this Recording King Soloist delivers. The combination of flamed maple, classic appointments, and quality construction makes this a banjo that will serve you well for decades.

With Recording King’s closure, these instruments are only going to become more desirable and harder to find. This is your chance to own a piece of recent banjo history – a well-made instrument from a respected brand that’s no longer in production.

About Banjo Warehouse

I’m Geoff Hohwald, and I’m based here in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Every banjo that comes through my shop gets a thorough inspection and proper setup. I stand behind everything I sell.

Got questions? Call me directly at 404-218-8580 or email [email protected]. I’m always happy to send additional photos or videos of the banjo being played or answer any questions you might have.

Local to Yellow Springs or Southwest Ohio? Stop by and try it in person.

At $1,649.99, this represents exceptional value for a professional-quality banjo with this level of craftsmanship and features. These Soloist models are becoming increasingly collectible, and finding one in this condition is getting harder every day.

Don’t miss your chance to own this rare Recording King masterpiece!

Contact Banjo Warehouse | Expert Banjo Sales & Lessons

For detailed descriptions or to chat about banjos, call Geoff Hohwald at 404-218-8580 — your go-to expert for vintage and new banjos.
Email us anytime at [email protected].

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Want to visit? Call Geoff to schedule an appointment at our Atlanta, GA, or Yellow Springs, OH locations (serving Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, and beyond). Serious inquiries only, please.

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Banjo Lessons & Instruction

Geoff Hohwald, author of the bestselling The Banjo Primer, offers in-person and virtual banjo lessons for all skill levels. Explore his full catalog of instructional banjo books and digital modules.

Call today to book your session and start mastering the 5-string banjo with a top instructor.

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About Banjo Warehouse

Banjo Warehouse is a family-owned business backed by over 50 years of musical experience and 40 years of instrument retail and education expertise. We specialize in 5-string flathead banjos, with occasional selections of guitars, mandolins, and other folk instruments.

Founder Geoff Hohwald has been an active member of the bluegrass and acoustic music community since the 1960s. A professional banjo and guitar player, Geoff co-founded Watch and Learn Publishing and has owned multiple music stores in Atlanta. Today, Banjo Warehouse is your trusted source for vintage and new banjos, expert advice, and quality instruments.