Recording King: Madison RK 25

Submitted by ronbrown1947 on 1/13/2013

Where Purchased: banjo.com

Year Purchased: 2013
Price Paid: 499.00 ($US)

Sound

I play a Gibson Mastertone (ESS), the sound and action are probably among the best available but with age coming on, it's heavy and I needed something to take the pressure off when just noodling, practicing and jamming. I looked and played most brands and models looking for something light and was sold on the Vega Bluegrass Wonder but the price point was not attractive. I had heard about the Madison line but most weighed about what the Gibson did, a woody was what I needed. I stumbled across the Madison RK 25 and based on several reviews, bought one and am glad I did.

Sound Rating: 7

Setup

What set up? They shipped it with the bridge standing, who does that, wonder it did not puncture the head but then it was loose (head) so I doubt if that would have happened. Action was about what you would expect coming out of a Chinese factory. Bridge must have sold for at least $ 1. I switched bridges, tightened the head, shimmed the neck away from the tension hoop, adjusted the tailpiece, put a decent set of Gibson strings on it. Action is now excellent and the tone is acceptable but after playing a Mastertone for some time, it has a ways to go but it has a woody, earthly sound and it's a pleasant change.

Setup Rating: 2

Appearance

I would guess it's a "blem". Lots of nicks up the fretboard, nickel finish is not consistent, truss rod cover leaves alot to be desired but all in all, not bad for the price, a little tweaking and it's more than acceptable.

Appearance Rating: 7

Reliability

Looks well built, components look like quality, Recording King claims they use the same hardward on their entire line, except for the shape of the peghead, it's pretty much a Mastertone clone.

Reliability Rating: 8

Customer Service

Lifetime warranty, only reason I bought it from banjo. com is due to their pricing, did contact them with a couple of questions, never heard back, probably busy answering questions of those that bought the upper end models.

Customer Service: 4

Components

All in all, components look good, other than the bridge and stings and possibly the head, after the set up, I will leave it alone and just enjoy the different sound.

Components Rating: 9

Overall Comments

For the money, I would buy another one and just might do that if the price is right. I tried many of all makes and brands and feel this model with a good set up will serve the average banjo player for many years and if you want a true tonering sound someday you can change that. Neck is better than most, tuners are adequate, bridge is a Presto cloan, the same as I use on my tonering banjos, no problems there. I like the satin finish, I would recommend the Madison RK 25 not only to beginners but seasoned banjoists looking for a different sound, something fairly light weight and well built.

Overall Rating: 9

Gibson: Earl Scruggs Standard #1914

Submitted by ronbrown1947 on 1/13/2013

Where Purchased: Private party

Year Purchased: 2012
Price Paid: 1500.00 ($US) (bought USED)

Sound

True bluegrass sound, feel and drive. Heavy but it was built that way. Often cloaned but never duplicated.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

Used, neck needed refinishing. Have experimented with various strings and bridges over the months. Once it's set up right, there is nothing finer at any price.

Setup Rating: 8

Appearance

It's a Gibson Mastertone, what is not to like. Had been played every day of it's life, tonering needed no break in, a few nicks and dings but in exceptional shape for it's age. Not original neck but an original Gibson made ESS neck supplied to Frank Neat from Gibson in Nashville.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

Going on 22 years, armrests tarnish, it's on it's third fret job (first 5), a couple of bone nuts. I play it exclusively although I have another.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

They were out of business by the time I bought this ESS so never had the opportunity to work with Gibson.

Customer Service: 5

Components

Tonering, fit and finish, and the neck, a neck like no other. Still has original tuners, tailpiece, all originall hardware. Use Earl Scruggs strings, have tried various bridges, the Moon light seems to fit my picking and tone style. No amp needed for this baby, will fill any venue it's in. Stuff a pillow in it for some venues, still rings like a bell and drives hard.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

I have not been playing the 5 string all that long, was advised to buy a quality banjo as soon as I could, I did, has made learning a breeze. Don't have to apologize about the banjo, reserve that to my playing. Will be my banjo for life. Original "The Gibson" case still in very good shape, I tote it in a buttet proof travel case just to make sure it stays that way.

Overall Rating: 10

Bridges: Tim Purcell Bridges

Submitted by ronbrown1947 on 11/28/2012

Where Purchased: Online - Tim's website

Overall Comments

Like most banjoists, I spend about as much time getting my banjo to sound better than playing it. I play a Mastertone ESS and thought it sounded about as good as it was going to get - WRONG. Ordered a couple of bridges from Tim, an old piano bridge and a red maple. I thought my 1st and 3rd strings had died a long time ago, again - WRONG. Scared me, every string is now balanced up and down the neck. Order you one while they are still cheap, these bridges are in a class by themselves.

Overall Rating: 10