Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (1)
$399.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (5)
$399.99
Amazon
4.6 (13)
$399.99
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$262.70 2 available New
Musician's Friend
4.0 (6)
$399.99
Thomann
3.8 (15)
$247.00

Average Price: $352

Budget/Beginner

$499

$1300+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Recording King Dirty Thirties Open Back Banjo RKOH-05". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Step into a musical time machine with the Recording King Dirty Thirties Open Back Banjo RKOH-05. This instrument is a nostalgic nod to the classic Montgomery Ward mail-order banjos from the early 1900s, blending historic design with modern playability. Lightweight and charming, it’s an ideal companion for singer-songwriters, folk musicians, and traveling troubadours who crave a vintage touch without the hefty weight. Featuring a multi-ply rim and a Presto-style tailpiece, this banjo offers a mellow tone perfect for intimate settings, while its satin finish and old-world charm make it a visual delight. The maple neck, paired with an ultra-smooth revebond fingerboard, promises a comfortable playing experience. Whether you're strumming under the stars or serenading an audience, the Dirty Thirties Banjo is a timeless treasure that invites you to explore the roots of American music.

Key Features:

  • Multi-ply rim
  • Maple neck with adjustable 2-way truss rod
  • Revebond fingerboard with inlaid dot markers
  • Presto-style tailpiece
  • Maple/ebony bridge
  • 16 brackets and ivory tuning key buttons
  • Kluson-style tuners
  • Top-quality Remo Recording King banjo head
  • Satin finish
  • Case sold separately

Product specs

Type Acoustic
String Type Steel
Number of Strings 5
Body Style Open Back
Finish Satin
Top Material Remo FiberSkyn Head
Body Material Multi-ply Rim
Neck Material Maple
Neck Shape C
Fingerboard Inlay Dots
Number of Frets 22
Scale Length 26.25"
Nut Material Plastic
Nut Width 1.25"
Bridge Material Maple/Ebony
Tuners Ivory Buttons, Geared 5th Peg
Hardware Nickel
Strings D'Addario EJ60 Light
Case Included Sold Separately

FAQs

Is the Recording King Dirty Thirties Open Back Banjo RKOH-05 suitable for clawhammer style playing?

Yes, the open-back design of the Recording King Dirty Thirties Banjo RKOH-05 makes it ideal for clawhammer and old-time styles, providing a softer, mellower tone perfect for solo performances or smaller acoustic settings.

What is the neck profile of the Recording King Dirty Thirties Open Back Banjo RKOH-05?

The neck of the Recording King Dirty Thirties Open Back Banjo RKOH-05 features a C shape, which offers a comfortable grip for most players, making it suitable for various playing styles.

What materials are used in the construction of the Recording King Dirty Thirties Open Back Banjo RKOH-05?

The Recording King Dirty Thirties Open Back Banjo RKOH-05 features a multi-ply rim body, a Remo FiberSkyn head, a maple neck, and a maple/ebony bridge, ensuring a robust build with a classic banjo sound.

How many frets does the Recording King Dirty Thirties Open Back Banjo RKOH-05 have?

The Recording King Dirty Thirties Open Back Banjo RKOH-05 is equipped with 22 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and versatility in playing.

Does the Recording King Dirty Thirties Open Back Banjo RKOH-05 come with a case?

No, the Recording King Dirty Thirties Open Back Banjo RKOH-05 does not include a case; it is sold separately, so you may want to purchase one to protect your instrument.

RecordingKingOfficial

RecordingKingOfficial

The Dirty 30s Open Back Banjo

Video thumbnail for The Dirty 30s Open Back Banjo by RecordingKingOfficial

The Dirty 30s Open Back Banjo

RecordingKingOfficial

RecordingKingOfficial

Video thumbnail for The Dirty 30s Open Back Banjo by RecordingKingOfficial

The Dirty 30s Open Back Banjo

RecordingKingOfficial

RecordingKingOfficial

Video thumbnail for Recording King Dirty 30s Open Back Banjo by Adam Mcintosh

Recording King Dirty 30s Open Back Banjo

Adam Mcintosh

Adam Mcintosh

Video thumbnail for Recording King Dirty 30s Open-back Banjo Demo by Sweetwater

Recording King Dirty 30s Open-back Banjo Demo

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight and perfect for traveling or street performances

  • Offers a classic, vintage look that appeals to traditionalists

  • Suitable for both clawhammer and bluegrass styles

  • Maple neck provides bright, sharp tones

  • Affordable price, great for beginners

  • Good sound projection even without a resonator

CONS

  • Requires a significant setup upon arrival, challenging for beginners

  • Some models have sharp fret edges that can be unsafe

  • Comes with a Fiberskyn head, often criticized for a "thumpy" tone

  • Action may be too high and require professional adjustment

  • No user manual included for setup guidance

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dylan Brady uses Recording King Dirty Thirties Open Back Banjo RKOH-05

Dylan Brady

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via The FADER

Dylan Brady is seen playing a Recording King Dirty Thirties Open Back Banjo RKOH-05 in a photo from his interview with The FADER, authored by Jack Angell. Additionally, he has showcased this banjo during several of his Instagram live streams, highlighting his folk-punk style.

Genre Usage

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

More Recording King Banjos

Deering Goodtime

$499.00 - $599.00

# 1

Rank

Ryan Ross beaux Laura Brehm
4 artists using
Deering Sierra 5-String Banjo

$2,538.47 - $3,499.00

# 2

Rank

Paul McCartney Charley Crockett Scott Avett
6 artists using
Deering Goodtime Two

$689.00 - $849.00

# 3

Rank

Gordon Gano
1 artist using
Deering Goodtime Artisan Banjo

$649.95 - $1,098.00

# 4

Rank

Mauricio Durán Post Malone
2 artists using
Epiphone MB-100

$239.00 - $299.00

# 8

Rank

 
Gold Tone EBM-5 Electric Banjo

$1,299.99 - $1,399.99

# 11

Rank

Ryan Ross Julien Baker Winston Marshall
3 artists using
Jameson 6-string Banjo

$169.95 - $239.00

# 12

Rank

 
Gold Tone Banjo OB-250+

$1,499.00 - $2,199.99

# 16

Rank

Winston Marshall
1 artist using
Deering Eagle II Acoustic/Electric

$2,899.00 - $3,299.00

# 18

Rank

Winston Marshall Evan Westfall
2 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides