|
Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link.
pops54 - Posted - 04/18/2009: 17:50:42
Looked at both the Recording King Rk-R20 and the Morgan Monron MNB-1 and they look the same am I right or have I been looking to long?
If there different with is better?
carteru93 - Posted - 04/18/2009: 17:58:18
No, they are totally different. RK will probably be better.
___________________________________________________
Carter
Blaylock Bear Tracks Banjo the "Growler"
You can''t fix stupid!
RONLD - Posted - 04/18/2009: 17:59:21
YOU ARE CORRECT BASICLY ! innie minnie miny mo...
Job 33:4 - Zech 4:6
Edited by - RONLD on 04/18/2009 18:00:26
Bizdoc - Posted - 04/18/2009: 18:04:18
Both made in China, look at a Washburn, same thing. One note, I'm not sure about the RK-20, but I know the MNB-1 has a tone hoop as opposed to a tone ring. Now the MNB-1 is lighter, due to the tone hoop, but the Matterhorn class of MM has a Tone Ring, and while heavier, has a better sound and the price isn't all that much more. I know, I started with an MNB-1 and within 2 months traded up for the Matterhorn, and was very happy that I did.
Gibson - Earl Scruggs Standard 2006
Morgan Monroe - Matterhorn 2008
Dragonnail1 - Posted - 04/18/2009: 18:22:46
I had a RK-R20 as my first bluegrass banjo and was very happy with it, light because it had a tone hoop. My second banjo was a Morgan Monroe MGB 1c, which had a 20 hole tone ring, much heavier but I was also happy with that banjo,
Mark
"got banjo"?
RONLD - Posted - 04/18/2009: 18:31:34
I owned the mnb-1 , then went to a festival & played a rk-20 songster. They are exactly the same banjo period. Both have tone hoops instead of tonerings, same exact inlay,weight,
color, just a different name on peghead!
Job 33:4 - Zech 4:6
eralbert - Posted - 04/18/2009: 18:52:16
Having had a Johnson JB-200, which I believe is the RK-20, I would say the Rk-20 , the MNB-1 sure look identical to me.
YMMV.....
Rick
MoTomCat - Posted - 04/18/2009: 18:55:24
I believe the RK-20 and any RKs below the RK-50 are made in the same factory with many other banjos, all basically the same with different names on the peghead like RONLD said.
I think it is the RK-50 and above that are made in their own factory to RKs specs though, so it's only the lower numbered models that are the same as others.
So, to answer your question, "Are Recording King and Morgan Monroe the same", the RK-20 and MM you mentioned are the same, but if you go up to a RK-50 or above, then no, a Recording King and a Morgan Monroe are not the same.
Tom
Jeller - Posted - 04/18/2009: 19:05:29
MNB-1, RK-20, and the Mastercraft Classic all come from the same factory and other than cosmetics are the same.
2 Corinthians 5:10
cannibal4 - Posted - 04/18/2009: 19:05:30
That being said, if your looking to purchaes one look in the classifides here there are a couple of good deals..RK80 $800
Morgan Monroe mgb-2 $400
To be Old and Wise you must first be Young n Dumb!
12fret - Posted - 04/18/2009: 20:31:26
Hello
Yep...they are the same banjo
Though Recording King banjos such as the RK-80 ( RB-3 style Mahogany) and models above that are entirely different banjos than the Morgan Monroe line, they have clearly sourced out these entry level banjos from the same factory. Over the past 35 years, I have noticed that low end banjos are usually all sourced out of the same factory. In the 1990s Fender, Epiphone, Washburn, etc were all the same Samick-built banjos with different pegheads and logos.
I'm a big Recording King dealer but last time I ordered the Morgan Monroe MNB-1 was a better deal so I buy these entry level banjos with the Morgan Monroe name on them. Both have the same Waverly style tailpiece and the same upside down ( improper) string install on the tailpiece...for some reason, the Chinese makers can't figure out how install banjo strings?? They run the strings through the holes meant for Ball end strings and over rather than under the down bearing leading edge of the tailpiece.
In any event, both are the same quality banjo. Reasonably good looking and reasonably QC but both need extensive setups and the soft plastic nuts need recutting... or if you can arrange it, replacement with bone. Get the one that you get the best deal on and get the most reliable setup and followup service.
Both banjos should have roughly the same resale or trade in value when you are ready to move up.
I've sold 40 or 50 of the MNB-1 and not had a single defect issue.
Grant
NOTE: if tone is your issue rather than looks, the much plainer but very sweet sounding Deering Goodtime banjo is worth a look-see
Bradskey - Posted - 04/18/2009: 21:09:34
The RK-20 is outside of RK's line of high-end banjos made at their own factory. Its sourced from boutique factories and is almost certainly the same as several other brand "models".
BanjoDiva - Posted - 04/19/2009: 09:04:58
quote:
Originally posted by 12fret
Both have the same Waverly style tailpiece and the same upside down ( improper) string install on the tailpiece...for some reason, the Chinese makers can't figure out how install banjo strings?? They run the strings through the holes meant for Ball end strings and over rather than under the down bearing leading edge of the tailpiece.
Hey 12Fret, can you post a picture of what you are taking about? Sorry, I'm having trouble visualizing it in my mind. (I think that's a girl thing.) Thanks! Diva _____________________________________________________  RK R-80 #67 "The Black Dahlia"
rickylee - Posted - 04/19/2009: 09:51:30
Maybe Scott Z. will chime in and clear it all up for sure....
RickH
slammer - Posted - 04/19/2009: 15:31:25
I own an epiphone mb250 and it also has the same tailpiece. This argument has been brought up before so I called Fist Quality and Janet Davis and talked to both service departments and was told from both that it can be strung either way without a difference in sound, although it is easier to string them over the top , but IMO , it makes more sense to go under and not have the strings exposed over the top . Scratches the hell out of the tail piece and more chances to get cut on string ends. Just my opinion. Is there anyone out there that can really confirm the correct way to string these. This has been a long ongoing debate and there are a lot of these out there. Yes , maybe Scott Z knows for sure.
Slammer from the U.P.
Tip Up !!!!!!!
Tweak - Posted - 04/19/2009: 15:52:36
It makes no sense to string underneath the tailpiece and then back up. The idea of that tailpiece is to put more down pressure on the bridge, and it's adjustable so you can get different tone. By stringing that way, you lose control over the height of where your strings are from the banjo head. Plus, it just ain't right.
pops54 - Posted - 04/19/2009: 16:37:56
Thanks everyone this forum is the place to ask questions .
You all have been a GREAT help .
I`ll let you all know what I decide....so many choices.
THANKS AGAIN
deuceswilde - Posted - 04/19/2009: 17:03:42
quote:
Originally posted by BrittDLD1
On Google, type-in:
Daewon Rally Banjos
Or:
http://www.straus.co.kr/banjos.htm
http://www.straus.co.kr/about.htm
Add a few proprietary parts, and a few pirated copy parts...
And Voila!
Best-
Ed Britt
••• A good fiddle tune will bring two or more people together who might otherwise be enemies. •••
Those factory tour photos must be fake. I thought all of the factories in China were dark dangerous pits full of childern that have been captured and forced to work against their will for no money. So those pics must be from some other factory. -Joel Success always comes to those who have the money to buy it. -The Adventures of a Banjo Player, 1884 p.26
BrittDLD1 - Posted - 04/20/2009: 12:19:23
quote:
Originally posted by deuceswilde
I thought all of the factories in China were dark dangerous pits full of
childern that have been captured and forced to work against their will
for no money.
So those pics must be from some other factory.
Daewon is a KOREAN company. So it's actually a Korean-run factory, that's located in China.... Best- Ed Britt ••• A good fiddle tune will bring two or more people together who might otherwise be enemies. •••
BrittDLD1 - Posted - 04/20/2009: 12:35:17
quote:
Originally posted by Tweak
It makes no sense to string underneath the tailpiece and then back up.
The idea of that tailpiece is to put more down pressure on the bridge, and it's
adjustable so you can get different tone. By stringing that way, you lose control
over the height of where your strings are from the banjo head. Plus, it just ain't
right.
The original Waverly tailpieces -- from the 1920s -- did NOT have the extra holes beneath the string posts. The strings went OVER the top of the tailpiece. Best- Ed Britt ••• A good fiddle tune will bring two or more people together who might otherwise be enemies. •••
PyrPups - Posted - 04/20/2009: 14:27:42
quote:
Originally posted by BrittDLD1
quote:
Originally posted by deuceswilde
I thought all of the factories in China were dark dangerous pits full of
childern that have been captured and forced to work against their will
for no money.
So those pics must be from some other factory.
Daewon is a KOREAN company.
So it's actually a Korean-run factory, that's located in China....
Best-
Ed Britt
••• A good fiddle tune will bring two or more people together who might otherwise be enemies. •••
Wow! So there is the four million dollar factory! Who designed the "Mayflower"? I guess the next Guinness record attempt will be a Bluegrass version of "Chopsticks" Anybody have tab for that? I just bought stock in Orville Redenbacker...should be a command performance coming up!  Rally 'round folks...that's a nice looking bunch of instruments! Kerry You''ll never see Kerry''s Harley parked in front of a Psychiatrist''s office!
Edited by - PyrPups on 04/20/2009 14:29:14
desert rose - Posted - 04/20/2009: 17:51:33
Actually there are LOTS of 4 million dollar factories making instruments in China, Ive worked in quite a few in the last eight years. this is NOT the RK factory of course this is the "Dalian" banjo factory owned by the Korean company Daewon that makes all the banjos with everybodys name on them. They make that bottom of the line banjo in the pictures with about six different companys names and make up to about medium level banjos. They are not capable of making RK and Goldstar level banjos bya long shot.
RKs factory looks very similar, just as clean and equally as modern at least. The RK factory in Shanghai is even MORE impressive, this is where they make the Loar mandolins, RK guitars and FENDER electrics
Sorry but the mysterious sweatshop image that Westerners love to dream about doesnt exist in Chinese instruments and hasnt for years, that is migrating to our Western ally India where they still sell 12 year old children as factory property in business. Think about that in the future when you seen entry level instruments made in India
Chinese factorys have in addition to wages, room, board, three GOOD meals a day, set working hours, insurance, day care, and profit sharing as standard perks.
The food these people eat as factory workers is so good that when Im on site working at a factory I insist on eating lunch with the workers, no restaurant they could take me to would be better
Scott
Klondike Waldo - Posted - 04/20/2009: 17:54:02
quote:
Originally posted by Thor
[snip
This is the way that some dealers are sending out RK's, Mastercraft, etc. I've heard of people getting banjos that were supposedly set up by knowledgeable dealers like this. Glad to hear that 12fret is doing the right thing.
Isnip
Edit: Looks like RK has pulled that image from their site. Guess they at least know about it now. 
 [/quote] I emailed their customer service line from their web page- probably not the only guy to do so, but I don't like to let sloppy work get by- must be the teacher in me... I''ll never play like Earl Scruggs or sing like Luciano Pavarotti, but I''ll pick better than Luciano and sing tenor better than Earl deligo ergo renideo, Bob Cameron
PyrPups - Posted - 04/20/2009: 19:00:20
How come we've never seen a factory tour for RK other than a few shots of a rack or two of banjos? If it's just like the Daewon factory, it would be neat to see, especially if it is MORE impressive. It's in Shanghi now? Interesting...
desert rose - Posted - 04/20/2009: 21:55:45
I cant for the life of me see where I said it was now relocated in Shanghai
A little research would be good or at least not jumping to conclusions based on emotion
AXL owner of RK Palatino, Guardian and numerous other brands is one of the largest music makesr in Asia and theb world, between their own factorys and the ones that they have things like grand pianos made at they are reaponsible for about 20 large manufacturing places in China. Their booth at trade shows is as big or bigger than the icon brands
Their home base in Asia is Shanghai and where their largest manufacturing facility is, others are spread all over China and places as far as Mexico
How come you never seen a factory tour, likely the same as you have never seen one of Martin Fender Goldstar Blueridge Ibanez Gibson etc etc etc etc. I promise you if you would like a personal tour they would be happy to take care of you and you can bring your camera. Time it right and the CEO himself will guide you around, Ive seen him do it for many
PyrPups - Posted - 04/21/2009: 03:16:28
Thanks Scott! I'll look into it on my next trip into the area. Bringing music into the world is the essence of global harmony.
Kerry
BrittDLD1 - Posted - 04/21/2009: 07:07:34
If you're interested in tours of instrument factories...
Just go to You Tube and do a search for:
guitar factory
guitar factory china
guitar factory shanghai
guitar maker
Banjo factory -kazooie
banjo maker -kazooie
Gibson Factory
etc,
Since the video game Banjo-Kazooie is FAR more popular than
it's namesake... you have to add "–kazooie" (minus Kazooie)
or you'll have to go through 20 pages of gamer stuff.
NOTE: Shigeru Miyamoto. is a Japanese industrial designer, who went
on to become a well-known game designer at Nintendo -- producing
Mario, Donkey Kong, etc.
He's also a bluegrass banjo player.
I'm sure there must be a connection,in there, somewhere...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shigeru_Miyamoto
Best-
Ed Britt
••• A good fiddle tune will bring two or more people together who might otherwise be enemies. •••
Edited by - BrittDLD1 on 04/21/2009 07:23:44
pops54 - Posted - 04/21/2009: 13:47:21
This place is great I posted a question about if two banjos were the same and now I learned about placement of strings plus I've been on a world tour.
pops54 - Posted - 04/21/2009: 14:18:13
This place is great I posted a question about if two banjos were the same and now I learned about placement of strings plus I've been on a world tour.
pops54 - Posted - 04/21/2009: 14:18:34
This place is great I posted a question about if two banjos were the same and now I learned about placement of strings plus I've been on a world tour.
rickylee - Posted - 04/21/2009: 14:33:34
Yea, but did you get the answer to your original question?? For the life of me, I think I missed it. Are they the same or not??
RickH
milkman - Posted - 04/21/2009: 14:46:42
quote:
Originally posted by desert rose
Actually there are LOTS of 4 million dollar factories making instruments in China, Ive worked in quite a few in the last eight years. this is NOT the RK factory of course this is the "Dalian" banjo factory owned by the Korean company Daewon that makes all the banjos with everybodys name on them. They make that bottom of the line banjo in the pictures with about six different companys names and make up to about medium level banjos. They are not capable of making RK and Goldstar level banjos bya long shot.
RKs factory looks very similar, just as clean and equally as modern at least. The RK factory in Shanghai is even MORE impressive, this is where they make the Loar mandolins, RK guitars and FENDER electrics
Sorry but the mysterious sweatshop image that Westerners love to dream about doesnt exist in Chinese instruments and hasnt for years, that is migrating to our Western ally India where they still sell 12 year old children as factory property in business. Think about that in the future when you seen entry level instruments made in India
Chinese factorys have in addition to wages, room, board, three GOOD meals a day, set working hours, insurance, day care, and profit sharing as standard perks.
The food these people eat as factory workers is so good that when Im on site working at a factory I insist on eating lunch with the workers, no restaurant they could take me to would be better
Scott
I gotta send my corporate office to China and maybe when they return my office will start providing meals for me!!!!
rickylee - Posted - 04/21/2009: 15:00:38
So the RK-20 is not the same, it just LOOKS the same??? To qualify my being so puzzled, I haven't seen either of these banjo. But from posts here they must look nearly identical.
RickH
Edited by - rickylee on 04/21/2009 15:38:02
BanjoDiva - Posted - 04/21/2009: 16:45:29
How's the weather over there Scott? Temp. seems to be dropping over here all of a sudden.
Diva
_____________________________________________________
RK R-80 #67 "The Black Dahlia"
pops54 - Posted - 04/22/2009: 17:14:21
As far that I see and here both ,and maybe some more banjos are the same. I guess I`ll pick the one that looks good to me ,leare first then get better.
|
RSS Feeds
