Pricing and availability

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

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.

* 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

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

What type of music is the Recording King RK-O25 Madison Open-Back Banjo best suited for?

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.

Does the Recording King RK-O25 Madison Banjo come with a case?

No, the Recording King RK-O25 Madison Open-Back Banjo does not include a case. It is sold separately.

What is the neck profile of the Recording King RK-O25 Madison Banjo?

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.

Is the fingerboard of the Recording King RK-O25 Madison Banjo scooped?

Yes, the Recording King RK-O25 features a scooped Padauk fingerboard, which allows for easier fingerstyle playing, particularly in the higher register.

What materials are used in the construction of the Recording King RK-O25 Madison Banjo?

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

  • The RK-O25's scooped fretboard is beneficial for frailing but limits range for high-fret songs like "Sally Ann."

    Source
  • The Madison includes planetary tuners, which are highlighted as a feature adding value compared to other banjos at a similar price point.

    Source
  • It’s noted that the Madison has 24 head tensioners, which may not be standard on all comparable models like the Americana.

    Source
  • The RK-OT25-BR includes an armrest, adding comfort during extended play sessions.

    Source
  • The wider-than-standard nut provides more space for finger placement, beneficial for players with larger hands.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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.

    Source
  • The Deering Americana purportedly has a bigger pot, contributing to a bit more bass compared to the Madison, which could influence tonal preference.

    Source
  • The Gretsch G9455 Dixie Special, a rebadged version with a rolled brass tone ring, is noted to sound better than the RK-OT25-BR.

    Source
  • The Gretsch G9451 Dixie Deluxe, within the same budget as the RK-OT25-BR, is suggested for its superior Whyte Laydie tone ring.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's noted that Deering Goodtime banjos lack truss rods, which can lead to neck bowing issues that are difficult to fix.

    Source

User experience

  • Some prefer the RK-O25 for its sound despite its limitations, citing its affordability and potential for Clawhammer style.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the slick feel of the Madison's neck for slides, contrasting with other banjos that may feel sticky.

    Source
  • One owner bought the Madison sight unseen due to prior playing experience, suggesting it met their expectations for playability and comfort.

    Source

Build quality

  • The RK-OT25-BR features a real fretboard with frets not just pressed into the neck, enhancing durability.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The RK-OT25-BR is specifically highlighted for old-time fingerpicking and clawhammer, but not suitable for bluegrass music.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

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 - $1,111.00

# 4

Rank

Mauricio Durán Post Malone
2 artists using
Epiphone MB-100

$241.00 - $299.00

# 8

Rank

 
Gold Tone GT-750: Banjitar Deluxe

$1,260.99 - $1,299.99

# 10

Rank

Pomme Avi Kaplan
2 artists using
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

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides