I’m excited to offer this exceptional 2007 Recording King RKR-80 Professional banjo in excellent condition. As the original Greg Rich designed resonator banjo from The Music Link, this instrument represents a pivotal moment when Recording King became a serious contender in the banjo market. Serial number 0000265 makes this one of the early examples from the very first factory shipments. And with the recent closure of Recording King, these high-quality Chinese pre-war replicas will become increasingly difficult to find.
The RK-R80 Professional combines classic pre-war styling with modern craftsmanship to deliver that coveted Golden Age sound at an incredible value. This discontinued model (no longer available since 2015) features the iconic Recording King floral peghead design and Mother of Pearl inlay that faithfully replicates the legendary Gibson Recording King banjos from the 1930s.
Built with premium materials including a one-piece mahogany resonator with concentric rings, 3-ply maple rim, and bound ebony fretboard, this banjo delivers rich, warm tones perfect for bluegrass, old-time, and traditional music. The Mastertone-style tone ring and flange provide that classic pre-war sound character that players have been seeking for decades.
This instrument shows only minor cosmetic wear consistent with its age – light scratches on the resonator, minor wear on the armrest, and some wear on the inside of the resonator. The playability and sound remain excellent. Includes a hardshell case for protection and transport.
Don’t miss this opportunity to own a piece of Recording King history – one of the banjos that started it all for the modern Recording King legacy.
Condition: Excellent with minor cosmetic wear on the frets, armrest, and resonator
Year: 2007
Serial Number: 0000265
Includes: Hardshell case
Specifications
- Model: RK-R80 Professional
- Resonator: One-Piece Mahogany with Concentric Rings
- Rim: 3-Ply Maple
- Flange: Mastertone-Style
- Head: Remo Frosted Head, 11″ High Crown
- Tone Ring: Mastertone-Style, 20-hole
- Tension Hoop: 24 Bracket Notched; Round American Threaded Hooks and Nuts
- Coordinator Rods: Dual
- Neck: One-Piece Mahogany
- Fretboard: Ebony, Bound
- Hardware: Nickel-Plated
- Tailpiece: Presto-Style
- Bridge: Maple/Ebony, 5/8″
- Nut: Bone, 1-3/16″ Width
- Fret Markers: Style 6 M.O.P. Floral Inlay
- Peghead: Double-Cut Recording King with Rosewood Overlay
- Tuners: Gotoh Planetary Tuners with Geared 5th Peg
- Binding: Ivoroid
- Scale Length: 26-1/4″
- Armrest: Included
- Finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer
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.
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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.
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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.