After watching for a good deal on a used RK-R35 or 36 for a couple of months (I had a couple of near misses), I finally bought a new RK-R35. I received it Wednesday, but it was tonight before I realized that the headstock logo was different than what I had seen on previous models.
The only detail I hadn’t really liked on the 35 and 36 was the rectangle logo block - I just didn’t care for it. The 35 I got is different and I really like it - a more traditional MOP cursive letters on black (I’m attaching a pic). I can’t believe it took me nearly a week to notice, lol. I looked at the Recording King site and the pics there still have the old style headstock logo.
(Loving the RK-R35. Played it for a few days as is, then tonight put on Gotoh tuners with black buttons, a Huber bridge, a Kershner tailpiece (all based on recommendations here), and new medium strings. I’m already getting a nice glossy glow on the back of the neck from my hand and thumb. The MOP inlay is very pretty, and just enough bling for my taste.)
Edited by - Doug Brock on 11/30/2020 21:27:55
I agree, the block inlay was ugly.
I quite like the block inlay! Either way, amazing banjo. I smile every time I play mine.
The block was absolutely necessary and there was no other choice as those models were modeled after period instruments
quote:
Originally posted by desert roseThe block was absolutely necessary and there was no other choice as those models were modeled after period instruments
I know very little about historical banjo models and believe that you have a point there. However, they seem to have chosen differently now. I assume that is because quite a lot of people found the block inlay ugly but that may be because I personally feel this way about the block and never wanted one of the RK models with a block inlay.
Congratulations on getting your RK-35. I love mine!!!
One of the many prewar RK-designs with the block (from http://earnestbanjo.com/wp/):
quote:
Originally posted by EmielOne of the many prewar RK-designs with the block (from http://earnestbanjo.com/wp/):
Interesting! I had no idea of the historical significance. Not exact matches to current RK's, but very interesting, even down to the little thing at the top of the head. (It looks like a bell on the new RK's, but not sure what it is on this old example.)
What goes on with recording king anyway ? is Grich still in charge ? He used regularly to show his latest model off here, where is he ? Nothing new from them has been posted here for ages !
Philipp the prewar r k banjos were exactly like the first issues rk 80 etc wide binding and block logo we hd to follow the original spec in the enitial models after that everything is from Greg Rich and no restrictions
Scott, I considered buying the RK80 but I didn't like its looks precisely for the wide binding and the block logo. I'm aware that looks shouldn't be the decisive factor in choosing a banjo but since I don't exactly live in banjo heartland, I had to rely on the generally good reviews of all RK banjos and order it online. I went for the RK75 instead and am a very happy customer.
I understand that the block inlay has some tradition but if I have a choice of an RK without it, I'll prefer that over tradition... :)
