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-OT25 Madison Old-Time 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

Step back into the golden age of folk music with the Recording King RK-OT25 Madison Old-Time Banjo. Designed with the discerning old-time banjoist in mind, this instrument is perfect for capturing that authentic clawhammer sound. Its scooped padauk fingerboard is tailor-made for effortless strumming, while the steam-bent maple rim delivers a classic, woody tone that resonates with tradition. Whether you're entertaining by the fireside or performing in a cozy venue, the Madison Old-Time Banjo's open-back design ensures a mellow, inviting sound that won't overpower your ensemble.

Weighing in as a lightweight contender, this banjo is a traveler's delight, offering easy portability without compromising on quality. The vintage-inspired aesthetics, complete with a 24-bracket tension hoop and a Presto-style tailpiece, give it a classic look that any traditional player would appreciate. Topped with a Remo Fiberskyn head, this banjo provides stability and durability, ensuring it remains a steadfast companion on your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Scooped padauk fingerboard for clawhammer-style playing
  • Steam-bent maple rim for a traditional open-back sound
  • Lightweight design ideal for travel
  • Vintage-inspired features including a 2-ply rim and Presto-style tailpiece
  • Remo Fiberskyn High Crown banjo head for enhanced durability
  • 24-bracket tension hoop for easy adjustments
  • High-quality bone nut and reliable planetary tuners
  • Nickel-plated hardware for a striking vintage look

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 is the neck profile of the Recording King RK-OT25 Madison Old-Time Banjo?

The Recording King RK-OT25 features a C-shaped neck, which offers a comfortable and familiar feel for many players, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced banjo enthusiasts.

Is the Recording King RK-OT25 Madison Old-Time Banjo suitable for clawhammer style playing?

Yes, the open-back design and scooped Padauk fingerboard of the RK-OT25 make it particularly well-suited for clawhammer style playing, providing a warm and resonant old-time sound.

What materials are used in the construction of the Recording King RK-OT25?

The RK-OT25 features a 2-ply steam-bent maple rim, a Remo FiberSkyn head, and a maple neck with a Padauk fingerboard, offering a blend of durability and tonal richness.

Does the Recording King RK-OT25 Madison Old-Time Banjo come with a case?

No, the case for the Recording King RK-OT25 is sold separately. It's recommended to purchase a compatible case to protect your banjo during transport and storage.

What type of strings are included with the Recording King RK-OT25 Madison Old-Time Banjo?

The RK-OT25 comes equipped with D'Addario EJ60 Light strings, which are known for their bright tone and playability, ideal for various playing styles.

Jim Pankey

Jim Pankey

Recording King Madison RK-OT25

Video thumbnail for Recording King Madison RK-OT25 by Jim Pankey

Recording King Madison RK-OT25

Jim Pankey

Jim Pankey

Video thumbnail for Recording King OT-25 Madison open back, scooped fretboard by Robert Tedrow

Recording King OT-25 Madison open back, scooped fretboard

Robert Tedrow

Robert Tedrow

Video thumbnail for RECORDING KING 025 MADISON SOund demo soldiers joy by Cj12sings

RECORDING KING 025 MADISON SOund demo soldiers joy

Cj12sings

Cj12sings

Video thumbnail for Oldtime banjo Comparison Goldtone vs Recording King vs Gold Star by justecordes

Oldtime banjo Comparison Goldtone vs Recording King vs Gold Star

justecordes

justecordes

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Recording King RK-OT25 Madison Old-Time Banjo.

Features and functionality

  • The RK-OT25-BR includes a frailing scoop and planetary tuners, which enhance its suitability for clawhammer style and old-time fingerpicking.

    Source
  • Owners prefer planetary tuners over friction pegs for tuning stability and ease, especially when playing tunes that require frequent retuning.

    Source

Build quality

  • This model features a real fretboard with frets not just pressed into the neck, adding to its durability and playability.

    Source
  • Deering Goodtime banjos lack truss rods, leading to potential neck bowing issues over time, unlike the RK-OT25 which includes a truss rod.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • This banjo is noted to be unsuitable for bluegrass, aligning more with old-time music styles due to its tonal characteristics.

    Source
  • The RK-OT25's scooped fretboard is seen as limiting for songs requiring high fret access, impacting versatility for advanced play like "Sally Ann".

    Source

Comparisons

  • In direct comparison, the RK-OT25-BR offers better specs than the Deering Goodtime, with included armrest and truss rod, making it a more feature-rich option in its price range.

    Source
  • The Madison features a tone ring, contributing to its sound quality, whereas the Americana may not have 24 head tensioners like the Madison.

    Source
  • The RK-35 is recommended over the RK-OT25 for those seeking superior tone and volume, attributed to its tone ring, which enhances sound quality significantly.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the slick feel of the Madison for slides, contrasting with the stickier feel of some other banjos.

    Source
  • Some NYC-based buyers struggle to find physical stores with a variety of banjos, leading to online purchases with solid return policies.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Second-hand purchases, like the Gold Tone OB250, are suggested for better long-term value over new models like the RK-OT25, with resale value often matching purchase price.

    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