Overall Comments

I had the opportunity to visit Zepp Country Music back in October 2009, but it wasn't until February 2010 that I actually bought something. I wanted a hard shell case for a new banjo. I live in Akron, Ohio, and placed my order by phone after searching the store's website (www.zeppmusic.com) for what I wanted.

I was interested in a TKL Premier case, but I wasn't sure it would fit my banjo (a short scale with a 12-in. pot). I spoke to Marc Miller, store manager, who agreed that the fit might be too tight and suggested some other options that might work better.

However, some of those option were out of my budget and others were out of stock. So I asked if I gave him some measurements, could he could tell me if my banjo would fit. By the end of the call, I had Marc searching through his case inventory and measuring every possible angle to ensure my banjo would fit the case I wanted. Great customer service!

I placed the order on a Monday and received the case on Friday of the same week. Marc said I would receive UPS tracking information the next day by e-mail, but the tracking information didn't arrive. I don't know if it was a mistake in taking down my e-mail address or it was just a lapse in memory, but the problem was quickly resolved. I e-mailed Marc and received the information I needed within an hour and a half.

The package arrived in a sturdy box with good cushioning, and the good news is my banjo fit perfectly. So beware: My banjo and I are now mobile! Thank you Marc (and Donald Zepp)! I will definitely be a repeat customer.

Overall Rating

9

Sound

This banjo, to my ears, fully embodies the old-time sound. The banjo has a wide range of tone. Its lower range sounds warm and plunky while its higher range has a bright, lilting pop. It can sound either mellow or brash, depending on my playing. While I try to keep my volume lower, the Dobson tone ring provides plenty of punch.

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

This banjo was built for me, so this is the exact appearance I wanted. The banjo’s simple elegance brings out the beauty of the woodwork. The neck and dowel rod are Walnut with a Chechen fingerboard and peg head overlay. Bill Van Horn's take on the Dobson heel is very reminiscent of the boat heel. The fingerboard has Mother-of-Pearl dot inlays and a star at the fifth fret, and an Indian head coin adorns the “paddle” style peg head. The Chechen has golden figuring that is further enhanced by the raw brass hardware. The banjo has an overall old-timey look.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

I dealt directly with Bill Van Horn (BVH here on BHO), first meeting him to look at and play some of his previous builds. I ordered the banjo in early September 2009 with the expectation of waiting until after Christmas. Bill followed up by phone and e-mail almost weekly with updates or questions for me, and he delivered my banjo earlier than I expected. He says if I ever have a problem to call him, and he will fix it. I have no reason to doubt his word.

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

This is the perfect banjo for me, and I expect to keep it as long as I play. The price suited what I feel is "next step up" from my beginner banjo, but the quality far exceeds what I saw in similarly priced instruments. It is a pleasure to play, and I am continually impressed with its looks.

Overall Rating

9

Sound

I bought this beginner banjo with the intent of learning Scruggs three-finger. It arrived with a nice bright tone with minimal sustain, but not exceptionally loud. I have since set it up for clawhammer and it sounds full and warm with nylons and a higher bridge. It sounds as good as any starter I've tried, but a starter nonetheless.

Sound Rating

6

Appearance

Of all the starter banjos I looked at, the RK-20 was most attractive. It has a nice wood finish and pleasing inlays. The metal doesn't knock your eyes out, but it does the job. The Recording King label kind of detracts from the otherwise nice headstock with its boring square label, but that's pretty nitpicky.

The RK-20 isn't going to win any beauty contests, but it's far from needing a brown paper bag to hide itself.

Appearance Rating

7

Customer Service

Did not deal with Recording King directly.

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

This banjo is a great starter. It sounds good enough to keep for a couple years before upgrading to a keeper. The Recording King Songster is right on par with the Deering Goodtime and Gold Tone Cripple Creek. The price, neck and looks are what sold me on the RK-20 over the other two. (Also the set up with purchase from Fitch Banjos was a great value.)

Overall Rating

8

Overall Comments

Great selection of parts, accessories and learning material. Easy-to-use website. Fast shipping (my package arrived in two days with cheapest option!) with sturdy packaging. No complaints, and I'll definitely order from Elderly again.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

I ordered a Recording King Songster from Cliff Fitch (www.fitchbanjos.com) in March 2008. Cliff was very friendly and helpful over the phone and quick to respond to my e-mails. The transaction was easy through PayPal and the banjo was delivered when he promised in fine playing shape. It was well packed and only needed slight tuning. His set up was as advertised. If and when I feel the urge to upgrade, I will definitely consider going through Fitch Banjos to purchase or set up my instrument. Thanks, Cliff!

Overall Rating

10