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Recording King RK-R35 Madison

^# 42

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$922.00 to $1,399.99 Price Tier: Standard

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated June 28, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (4)

$1,399.99

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5.0 (5)

$1,399.99

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4.8 (11)

$1,399.99

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5.0 (8)

$1,399.00 5 available New

$1,050.00 2 available Used

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4.0 (7)

$1,399.99

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4.8 (31)

$922.00

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Average Price: $1,282

Standard/Professional

$499

$1300+

Price Tier

In the Banjos category, Recording King RK-R35 Madison is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Recording King RK-R35 Madison". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Dive into the heart of bluegrass and folk with the Recording King RK-R35 Madison, a banjo that resonates with tradition yet screams affordability. Its three-ply steam bent maple rim and hand-finished satin maple resonator blend vintage aesthetics with modern playability, making it a standout choice for both seasoned players and newcomers. The frosted Remo head not only enhances its classic look but guarantees a sound that's as pure as folk lore itself. Whether you're lighting up the stage or serenading the night away by a campfire, the RK-R35 promises a performance that's as unforgettable as its timeless design.

Key Features:

Crafted with a tube-and-plate flange for durability and classic appeal
Three-ply steam bent maple rim for superior sound quality
Hand-finished satin maple resonator offers a sleek, timeless look
Lustrous rosewood fretboard enhances playability and aesthetic
Dual coordinator rod neck joint ensures stability and ease of play
Adjustable truss rod for personalized playing comfort
Frosted Remo head for a traditional look and pure sound

Product specs

Type	Acoustic
String Type	Steel
Number of Strings	5
Body Style	Resonator
Finish	Satin
Top Material	Remo Coated Head
Body Material	Maple
Neck Material	Maple
Neck Shape	C
Fingerboard Inlay	Mother-of-pearl Seagull
Number of Frets	22
Scale Length	26.25"
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-R35 Madison banjo best suited for?: The Recording King RK-R35 Madison banjo, with its maple resonator and tone ring, is ideal for bluegrass and other traditional folk music styles, offering a bright, punchy tone with excellent projection.
What is the neck profile of the Recording King RK-R35 Madison banjo?: The Recording King RK-R35 Madison features a C-shaped maple neck, which provides a comfortable grip for most players, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned banjoists.
Does the Recording King RK-R35 Madison banjo come with a case?: No, the Recording King RK-R35 Madison banjo does not include a case; it is sold separately.
What kind of strings does the Recording King RK-R35 Madison banjo use?: The Recording King RK-R35 Madison comes with D'Addario EJ60 Light gauge steel strings, which are known for their bright tone and durability.
How many frets does the Recording King RK-R35 Madison banjo have?: The Recording King RK-R35 Madison banjo has 22 frets, allowing for a full range of notes suitable for various playing styles.
What materials are used in the construction of the Recording King RK-R35 Madison banjo?: The Recording King RK-R35 Madison banjo features a maple body and neck, a Remo coated head, and a bone nut, contributing to its robust sound and durability.

Videos

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Jim Pankey

Recording King Madison RK-R35 - Jim Pankey

Jim Pankey

Recording King Madison Comparison - RK-R35 and RK-R36

Jim Pankey

The Madison Series RK-R35 Maple Resonator Banjo

RecordingKingOfficial

Banjo.com video: demo of a new Recording King RK-R35 Madison 5 String Banjo

banjodotcom

Recording King RK-R35 Madison Demo Video: Banjo Ben's General Store

Banjo Ben Clark

The RK-R35 Madison Maple Banjo (2024)

RecordingKingOfficial

18 Month Review of the Recording King Madison RK-R35

Jim Pankey

The Banjo Store reviews Recording King's RK-R35

Adam Mcintosh

Recording King RK-35 Madison

Bernunzio Uptown Music

Reviews

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PROS

Excellent value for the price
High-quality tone, comparable to much pricier banjos
Bell brass tone ring enhances sound
Good playability for beginners and pros alike
Solid build with durable materials
Dual coordinator rods for easy neck adjustments
Modeled after the Gibson Mastertone
Loud and clear sound, great for bluegrass
Quality components and rich bluegrass sound
Suitable for various playing styles and genres

CONS

Heavy instrument; may require a strap
Minor quality control issues (e.g., screws, dimple on headstock)
Tuning pegs are relatively cheap plastic
Does not come with a case

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Recording King RK-R35 Madison.

Build quality

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The RK-35/36 features a 3-ply maple rim, one-piece flange, and sand cast tone ring, essential for pro-level bluegrass banjo tone.
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The satin finish on the RK-R35 is preferred by some users over glossy finishes for its subtle appearance.
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Value and pricing

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Used banjo prices are about 66% of new. Maximum value price points are around $750, $1500, and $2500-3000.
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Comparisons

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The RK-35/36 is a "masterclone" similar in features to $3000 American-made banjos, offering significant value.
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The Gold Tone BG 250F is a close alternative, but often priced higher; a left-handed option is available unlike the RK-R35.
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The RK-R35's Gibson-style Mastertone ring and resonator geometry set it apart from beginner models like the RK-R20, which uses a basic plywood rim and flat resonator.
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Features and functionality

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The RK-35/36 is "stripped down," focusing on essential components for sound quality with simple inlays and neck design.
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The RK-R35 is praised for its thicker hoop and j-hooks, contributing to its durability and sound quality.
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The RK-R35's construction includes notched hoops and round hooks, enhancing its traditional bluegrass sound profile.
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Use cases and applications

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The RK-35/36 is suitable for stage performances, meeting the expectations for professional bluegrass music.
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User experience

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Greg Rich's involvement in the RK-R35's design is a key selling point, linking it to high-quality past designs like Rich and Taylor banjos.
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It is recognized as the best tone ring bluegrass banjo for its price range, especially when purchasing new.
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Owners emphasize that the tonal difference between maple (RK-35) and mahogany (RK-36) is subtle, with setup influencing sound more significantly.
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Many players prefer mahogany for its historical connection to Gibson and bluegrass icon Earl Scruggs, despite the RK-35's brighter maple tone.
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