Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $332

Budget/Beginner

$499

$1300+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Recording King Dirty 30s Tenor Banjo - Open-back". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash your musical spirit with the Recording King Dirty 30s Tenor Banjo - Open-back. This instrument is not just a piece of equipment; it's a piece of history, merging a century's worth of musical tradition with the contemporary, road-ready aesthetic of the Dirty 30s range. Ideal for folk, Celtic, and Dixieland music, this tenor banjo is a unique choice for musicians looking to infuse their sound with a traditional vibe. It's also a perfect crossover instrument for mandolin, violin, viola, and cello players.

The Dirty 30s Tenor Banjo is designed with the same rugged style as the rest of the Dirty 30s line. Its slim 19-fret neck is a dream to hold, and the 23" scale offers the ideal blend of tactile comfort and crisp, clear sound. The open-back rim, fitted with 16 brackets, holds down a Remo Fiberskyn head, the secret to its classic, period-correct tenor sound.

Key Features:

  • 4-String Banjo
  • Maple rim and neck for stability and durability
  • Revebond fretboard for a smooth playing experience
  • 19 Frets for a wide range of notes
  • Adjustable truss rod for easy neck adjustments
  • Presto style tailpiece for improved sound quality
  • Maple/ebony bridge for amplified resonance
  • Nickel hardware for a sleek, modern look
  • Brown matte color for a classic aesthetic
  • Remo Fiberskyn head for authentic tenor sound.

Product specs

Type Acoustic
String Type Steel
Number of Strings 4
Body Style Open Back
Finish Satin
Top Material Remo FiberSkyn Head
Body Material Multi-ply
Neck Material Maple
Neck Shape C
Fingerboard Inlay Plastic Dots
Number of Frets 19
Scale Length 23"
Nut Material Plastic
Nut Width 1.25"
Bridge Material Maple/Ebony
Tuners Ivory Buttons
Hardware Nickel
Strings D'Addario EJ63 Medium
Case Included Sold Separately

FAQs

What is the sound characteristic of the Recording King Dirty 30s Tenor Banjo - Open-back?

The open-back design of this banjo provides a softer, warmer sound compared to resonator banjos, making it ideal for folk and traditional music styles.

Is the Recording King Dirty 30s Tenor Banjo suitable for beginners?

Yes, its lightweight design and comfortable C-shaped neck make it a great choice for beginners looking to explore traditional banjo music.

What is the scale length of the Recording King Dirty 30s Tenor Banjo?

This tenor banjo features a 23-inch scale length, which is standard for tenor banjos and offers a balanced playability.

What type of strings does the Recording King Dirty 30s Tenor Banjo use?

The banjo comes equipped with D'Addario EJ63 Medium steel strings, known for their durability and bright tone.

Does the Recording King Dirty 30s Tenor Banjo come with a case?

No, a case is sold separately for this banjo, allowing players to choose a case that best fits their needs.

Jake Wildwood & Co

Jake Wildwood & Co

2017 Recording King Dirty Thirties openback tenor banjo

Video thumbnail for 2017 Recording King Dirty Thirties openback tenor banjo by Jake Wildwood & Co

2017 Recording King Dirty Thirties openback tenor banjo

Jake Wildwood & Co

Jake Wildwood & Co

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Recording King Dirty 30s Tenor Banjo - Open-back.

Build quality

  • Owners have noted that the banjo holds tuning well even after a few weeks of use, indicating stable construction.

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  • The model with a tone ring features more brackets, contributing to a sturdier build and different sound profile.

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Value and pricing

  • Considered a great budget choice at around $200, with a vintage aesthetic that rivals more expensive models.

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  • Some users find the $70 increase for the tone ring model reasonable for the tonal upgrade it provides.

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  • The Gold Tone AC-1 is recommended as a budget-friendly alternative, offering similar sound quality to Deering Goodtime banjos at a lower cost, featuring a truss rod and durable composite materials.

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Use cases and applications

  • Recommended for activities like camping due to its lightweight design and rustic sound.

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User experience

  • Despite lower cost, it's described as having a beautiful, old sound that appeals to those seeking a rustic tone.

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Comparisons

  • Some users argue it competes with high-end banjos in sound quality, dismissing brand snobbery often associated with Deering models.

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  • The tone ring model provides a louder, brighter sound, while the non-tone ring version offers a more thumpy sound.

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  • The Recording King Madison model is praised for its truss rod, dual coordinator rods, and 2-ply rim, making it a superior choice over the Deering Goodtime Deco for a slightly higher price.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Owners note that the string spacing and nut width are narrower than other common banjos, which may affect playability.

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Features and functionality

  • A fiberskin head is used in the tone ring model, impacting the tone and durability of the instrument.

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  • The Recording King Dirty 30s is highlighted as a simple but aesthetically pleasing banjo for beginners, recommended by instructors for its affordability and satisfactory sound quality.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Adding a cheap compensated bridge for under $15 can enhance performance on the non-tone ring model.

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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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