Recording King RK-ELITE 75 Professional Banjo with Flying Eagle Inlay – with Case

Brand New Recording King RK-ELITE 75 Professional Banjo – The Ultimate Value in Professional Banjos

I’m Geoff Hohwald, and I’m excited to offer this absolutely stunning brand new Recording King RK-ELITE 75 banjo that represents everything you could want in a professional-grade instrument without breaking the bank.

Why the RK-ELITE 75 is Special

Modeled after the legendary Mastertone banjos of the 1930s, this RK-ELITE delivers authentic vintage sound with handcrafted construction that rivals instruments costing thousands more. The professional components like the classic Mastertone-style tone ring and true steam-bent 3-ply maple rim put this banjo in a category by itself.

This isn’t just another entry-level banjo – it’s a professional instrument that I wouldn’t hesitate to take on stage, into the studio, or on the road. The RK-75 Elite is frankly not fair to the more expensive banjos because you’re getting this level of quality, looks, and TONE at this incredible price point.

IMPORTANT: The End of an Era – Why This May Be Your Last Chance at Greg Rich Quality

Unfortunately, The Music Link Corporation (Recording King’s parent company) has ceased operations and laid off Greg Rich, the legendary designer who was the heart and soul of Recording King’s success (Greg Rich talks banjos, and the demise of The Music Link – Bluegrass Today). This was devastating news for the banjo world, as Greg Rich was personally responsible for overseeing every aspect of Recording King’s design and quality control.

However, there’s a new development: Recording King has been acquired by St. Louis Music (the company behind Alvarez guitars) and will be relaunched under Chris Mele’s leadership )Recording King Acquired By St. Louis Music!). While this is great news for the brand’s survival, it creates an important distinction for players.

This RK-ELITE 75 represents, for now, the final chapter of the Greg Rich era at Recording King- the last of the banjos designed and overseen by the master himself.

Greg Rich’s direct involvement was what separated these Recording King banjos from other imported instruments. His expertise, gained from years at Gibson during the celebrated “Greg Rich Era,” ensured that every Recording King banjo met professional standards. The new Recording King banjos, while likely improved in some ways, will be designed by different people with different priorities and will represent a completely new chapter.

This makes Greg Rich-designed Recording King banjos like this RK-ELITE 75 incredibly valuable – they represent the end of an era and are the last true Greg Rich professional banjos available. Once these are gone, you’ll never be able to purchase a new banjo with Greg Rich’s direct design input and quality oversight again. Whether the new St. Louis Music versions will match Greg’s legendary attention to tone and professional playability remains to be seen, but they certainly won’t be the same instruments that earned Recording King its stellar reputation among serious players.

Premium Features That Matter

• Mastertone-Style Tone Ring: Delivers that classic pre-war punch and clarity
• Steam-Bent 3-Ply Maple Rim: Traditional construction for authentic resonance
• One-Piece Mahogany Resonator: Beautiful grain and powerful projection
• Flying Eagle Inlays: The same iconic design popularized by Don Reno, Bill Emerson, and JD Crowe
• 27-3/8″ Scale Length: Extra punch combining traditional sound with modern power
• Gotoh Planetary Tuners: Rock-solid tuning stability with geared 5th peg
• Presto-Style Tailpiece: Classic design for optimal string angle
• Remo Frosted Head: Professional 11″ high crown head for superior tone

The Neck That Feels Right

The slim profile mahogany neck feels incredible in your hands, whether you’re playing rhythm or lead. The bound ebony fretboard with those stunning Flying Eagle mother of pearl inlays isn’t just beautiful – it plays like a dream. This is the same peghead design and inlay pattern that made the vintage Mastertones so coveted.

Complete Professional Package

This banjo comes exactly as Recording King intended – with a vintage-style hardshell case included. You’re getting everything you need to start playing professionally right out of the case.

My Professional Opinion

The RK-R75 Elite is all you’ll ever need in a banjo and can’t be beat in this price range. It’s definitely a banjo that can be the only banjo you’ll ever need. The deep tone, professional hardware, and vintage styling make this an instrument you can depend on for any musical situation. With Recording King’s transition to new ownership, this may be your last opportunity to own a Greg Rich-designed professional banjo at this price point.

Full Specifications:

• Model: RK-ELITE-75
• Resonator: One-Piece Mahogany
• Rim: 3-Ply Maple, Steam-Bent
• Flange: Mastertone-Style One-Piece
• Head: Remo Frosted Head, 11″ High Crown
• Tone Ring: Mastertone-Style
• Tension Hoop: 24-Hook Brass Notched
• Hardware: Nickel-Plated
• Neck: One-Piece Slim Profile Mahogany
• Fretboard: Bound Ebony
• Inlay: Custom Flying Eagle-Style M.O.P.
• Peghead: Double-Cut Recording King with Ebony Overlay
• Tuners: Gotoh Planetary with Geared 5th Peg
• Scale Length: 27-3/8″
• Finish: Gloss
• Case: Vintage Hardshell Case Included

Condition: Brand New Price: $1999.99

Contact me at 404-218-8580 or thebanjowarehouse@gmail.com with any questions. This professional-grade banjo won’t last long at this price – and given Recording King’s transition to new ownership, it may be your last chance to own a Greg Rich-designed banjo!