This is an RK-R87 which is the gold version of the RK-R85. Curly maple neck and resonator. I'm not sure how many of these were made, but it wasn't a lot. This one is #65 and is in excellent condition.
It is Chinese made so if you are looking for a Stelling or Deering this is not it. At $850 plus shipping, it is a very reasonable price for the looks, playability, etc. of a superb banjo at a fraction of the cost of a Stelling or Deering. Price is firm
Thanks,
Steve
Last edited by steve takacs on 13 Sep 2018 12:29 pm, edited 4 times in total.
At the time that the Recording King factory was being set up back in the early 2000s, I knew Scott Zimmerman and Greg Rich--the guys behind the creation of the RK banjos and both excellent banjo builders and large scale musical instrument manufacturing experts. Scott, who builds Desert Rose banjos, was responsible for setting up Fender's Japanese operation and Greg was in charge of Gibson's custom shop for many years, as well as the "Rich" of Rich and Taylor banjos.
They both spent a lot of time in China working on building a from-the-ground-up factory for the RK banjos. They both commented that it was the only consulting gig they had ever been on where every little suggestion that they made was taken as gospel and applied to the operation. As a result, the RK banjos, even at their lower price point, are top-notch instruments. I really don't look at them as being at all inferior to the Stellings and Deerings of the world. $850 is a steal for an instrument of this quality.
That was a lot of useful historical. information, David. I have several parties interested. I would ask $45 for shipping.
Thanks For for working your magic.
Still no answer Eugenio.
Remember that 8 & 7 D 10 Millenium and Red Stage One I sold you well below market rate? I did because I knew shipping ito Italy would be high.
All I wanted was for you to contact me about when you would pay for thr Recording King. I still have heard nothing.
This is a killer price on a fantastic instrument, I can't believe someone hasn't snatched this up already!
Don't let the made in China bit scare you, this banjo is at least the same level of quality that went into new Gibsons for the last several years and better than most others.
