Recording King Madison RK-R35-BR - Hand-Rubbed Brown Satin Matte

Recording King Madison RK-R35-BR - Hand-Rubbed Brown Satin Matte

Get ready to pick with power and precision! The Recording King Madison RK-R35-BR Resonator Banjo delivers the classic Mastertone-style punch and projection that bluegrass players crave, all while being surprisingly wallet-friendly. This isn't just a budget banjo; it's built with high-quality, authentic components like the 3-ply steam bent maple rim and the bell brass cast tone ring—features often found in instruments twice the price. The maple neck and resonator contribute significantly to the instrument's tonal profile, leaning toward a bright, focused, and punchy sound with excellent clarity, making it ideal for cutting through a band mix in a live or jam setting.

Maple is a dense hardwood known for its laser-beam-like focus, emphasizing the fundamental note with less of the muddy overtones that can plague other woods. This means your lightning-fast banjo rolls will be clear and articulate, giving you the traditional, crisp bluegrass tone that is reminiscent of the genre's legends like Earl Scruggs (though Scruggs famously preferred mahogany, the maple still delivers a vibrant, clear sound). The padauk fretboard, a comfortable surface for your fingers, is complemented by the classic Seagull inlay that gives the RK-R35-BR a timeless, vintage aesthetic. This instrument is a fantastic choice for both seasoned pickers and dedicated newcomers looking for pro-level tone and feel without breaking the bank.

Why Buy A Guitar From Palen Music Center?

Palen Music Center has a wide range of unique guitars to enhance the sound of your music! We have been trusted by musicians across the country since 1963 and are constantly working to provide the best value for our customers. With the addition of our new PLEK machine and our longtime veteran luthiers, we are pleased to provide top-quality guitar repair.

Highlights

• Crisp, bluegrass-ready tone powered by a Mastertone-style bell brass cast tone ring.

• Maple Resonator and Rim construction for a bright, focused, and articulate note projection.

• Pro-level components like the 3-ply steam bent maple rim—the same used in Recording King’s high-end models—for superior sound quality.

• Authentic Seagull fretboard and peghead inlay for a classic, vintage aesthetic.

• A hand-rubbed brown satin matte finish that offers a subtle, non-glossy, traditional look.

Specifications

• Resonator Material: Maple

• Rim: 3-Ply Steam Bent Maple

• Flange: Mastertone-style One-piece

• Head: Remo Frosted Head, 11" High Crown

• Tone Ring: Mastertone-style Bell Brass Cast

• Tension Hoop: 24 Bracket Notched; Round American Threaded Hooks and Nuts

• Neck Material: Maple with Adjustable Truss Rod

• Left/Right Handed: Right Handed

• Fretboard Wood: Padauk

• Scale Length: 26-1/4"

• Fret Markers: Seagull Inlay

• Peghead Overlay: Black Peghead Overlay with Mother of Pearl Inlay

• Finish: Hand-Rubbed Brown Satin Matte

• Bridge: Maple / Ebony; 5/8"

• Nut Material: Bone

• Tuners: Planetary Ivory Button

• Electronics: None

• Tailpiece: Presto-Style

• Hardware: Nickel-Plated

• Armrest: Included

• Manufacturer Part Number: RK-R35-BR

The instrument pictured is the exact instrument you’ll receive. All fretted instruments receive a free complimentary professional setup. Please feel free to reach out to our knowledgeable sales staff with any additional questions!