Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .
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Reviews
Price
Average Price: $805
Standard/Professional
$499
$1300+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Recording King RK-O25 Madison Open-Back Banjo". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Discover the charm of the Recording King RK-O25 Madison Open-Back Banjo, a perfect companion for traditional banjo enthusiasts and modern troubadours alike. This banjo is masterfully crafted for those who appreciate vintage aesthetics and crave a resonant, woody sound. Tailored specifically for clawhammer-style players, its scooped padauk fingerboard offers an unparalleled playing experience, allowing for seamless transitions and effortless strumming.
The Madison Open-Back Banjo is constructed with a steam-bent maple rim that produces a warm, mellow tone, making it an ideal choice for intimate settings or lower-volume performances. Its lightweight design ensures that it's not only a joy to play but also easy to carry along on your musical journeys. With vintage-inspired features such as a Presto-style tailpiece and a Remo Fiberskyn High Crown banjo head, this instrument is as visually striking as it is sonically satisfying.
Built to deliver both quality and versatility, the Madison Open-Back Banjo includes a 24-bracket tension hoop for quick adjustments, ensuring your sound is always crisp and clear. High-quality components like the bone nut and rock-solid planetary tuners promise consistent performance, while the nickel-plated hardware adds just the right amount of shine to this timeless instrument.
Key Features:
- Scooped padauk fingerboard ideal for clawhammer-style playing
- Steam-bent maple rim for a traditional, woody sound
- Lightweight design perfect for traveling musicians
- Vintage-inspired design with a Presto-style tailpiece
- Remo Fiberskyn High Crown banjo head
- 24-bracket tension hoop for easy head adjustments
- High-quality bone nut and planetary tuners
- Nickel-plated hardware for a classic finish
Product specs
| Type | Acoustic |
| String Type | Steel |
| Number of Strings | 5 |
| Body Style | Open Back |
| Top Material | Remo FiberSkyn Head |
| Body Material | 2-ply Steam Bent Maple Rim |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Neck Shape | C |
| Fingerboard Material | Padauk, Scooped |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Pearl Dots |
| Number of Frets | 17 |
| Scale Length | 26.37" |
| Nut Material | Bone |
| Nut Width | 1.25" |
| Bridge Material | Maple/Ebony |
| Tuners | Planetary, Geared 5th Peg |
| Hardware | Nickel |
| Strings | D'Addario EJ60 Light |
| Case Included | Sold Separately |
FAQs
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What type of music is the Recording King RK-O25 Madison Open-Back Banjo best suited for?
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The Recording King RK-O25 is ideal for traditional clawhammer and old-time music due to its open-back design, which produces a warm, mellow sound typical of these genres.
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Does the Recording King RK-O25 Madison Banjo come with a case?
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No, the Recording King RK-O25 Madison Open-Back Banjo does not include a case. It is sold separately.
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What is the neck profile of the Recording King RK-O25 Madison Banjo?
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The neck of the Recording King RK-O25 features a C shape, which offers a comfortable grip for most players and facilitates smooth playability across the fretboard.
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Is the fingerboard of the Recording King RK-O25 Madison Banjo scooped?
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Yes, the Recording King RK-O25 features a scooped Padauk fingerboard, which allows for easier fingerstyle playing, particularly in the higher register.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Recording King RK-O25 Madison Banjo?
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The RK-O25 features a Remo FiberSkyn head, a 2-ply steam bent maple rim, a maple neck, and a Padauk fingerboard, contributing to its rich tonal quality and durability.
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Recording King RK-O25 Madison Open-Back Banjo.
Features and functionality
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The RK-O25's scooped fretboard is beneficial for frailing but limits range for high-fret songs like "Sally Ann."
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The Madison includes planetary tuners, which are highlighted as a feature adding value compared to other banjos at a similar price point.
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It’s noted that the Madison has 24 head tensioners, which may not be standard on all comparable models like the Americana.
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The RK-OT25-BR includes an armrest, adding comfort during extended play sessions.
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The wider-than-standard nut provides more space for finger placement, beneficial for players with larger hands.
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Comparisons
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The RK-O25 is cheaper than the Deering Artisan but has a tone-hoop, resulting in less volume and sustain compared to banjos with tone-rings.
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The Deering Americana purportedly has a bigger pot, contributing to a bit more bass compared to the Madison, which could influence tonal preference.
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The Gretsch G9455 Dixie Special, a rebadged version with a rolled brass tone ring, is noted to sound better than the RK-OT25-BR.
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The Gretsch G9451 Dixie Deluxe, within the same budget as the RK-OT25-BR, is suggested for its superior Whyte Laydie tone ring.
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Setup and maintenance
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It's noted that Deering Goodtime banjos lack truss rods, which can lead to neck bowing issues that are difficult to fix.
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User experience
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Some prefer the RK-O25 for its sound despite its limitations, citing its affordability and potential for Clawhammer style.
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Owners appreciate the slick feel of the Madison's neck for slides, contrasting with other banjos that may feel sticky.
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One owner bought the Madison sight unseen due to prior playing experience, suggesting it met their expectations for playability and comfort.
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Build quality
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The RK-OT25-BR features a real fretboard with frets not just pressed into the neck, enhancing durability.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
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