When it comes to imports two stand out. Recording King and Gold Star. both are equally really good. The Gold Star line are harder to acquire. The Elite is a bit less expensive of the two. Both have top quality parts and sound amazing. They rival about anything on the domestic market. In my opinion the Gold Star have a bit more attention to detail and the older ones are very sought after commanding good money. The RK35/36 is less expensive due to the some of the parts and inlay. same pot but different tuning pegs. having a 100hf and a 35 they both play and sound great. the 35 is brighter and twangy due to being maple. the 100 being Mahoghany is dryer and a bit more mellow. same can be said of most other brands made of these materials. Both of mine are set up to the same specs with Richie Dotson bridges and Remo med. heads set to a g#. same strings and Prucha presto tailpiece. Both are a pleasure to play and hear. The downside is that I can't justify buying anything else regardless of price or brand. Yes, they are that good.
Your subject line says Recording King "Elite", but the post says RK-R35/36. The 35/36 aren't the "elite", they're the "madison". The "Elite" is the RK 75/76.
Other than fancier H&F / Flying Eagle inlay, and price, the main difference between the "madison" 35/36 and the "elite" 75/76 is the scale length. Madison has a 26-1/4" scale, Elite has a 27-3/8" scale.
The Gold Star GF-100 has a 26-3/8" scale length. You can also get it with Wreath inlay, which RK doesn't offer.
Edited by - KCJones on 06/08/2023 09:59:48
I have no idea how representative the neck of my Gold Tone EB-5 is for Gold Tone necks in general but I have to say that I find it easier to play than the neck of my RK-75.
quote:
Originally posted by phbI have no idea how representative the neck of my Gold Tone EB-5 is for Gold Tone necks in general but I have to say that I find it easier to play than the neck of my RK-75.
I think he's talking about Gold Star, not Gold Tone.
quote:
Originally posted by KCJonesYour subject line says Recording King "Elite", but the post says RK-R35/36. The 35/36 aren't the "elite", they're the "madison". The "Elite" is the RK 75/76.
Other than fancier H&F / Flying Eagle inlay, and price, the main difference between the "madison" 35/36 and the "elite" 75/76 is the scale length. Madison has a 26-1/4" scale, Elite has a 27-3/8" scale.The Gold Star GF-100 has a 26-3/8" scale length. You can also get it with Wreath inlay, which RK doesn't offer.
Yes you are correct. i was referencing that the elite and GS 100 are in the same price range and of equal quality. Madison is a term that RK uses on both the elite and 35/36. Scale length to me has little bearing on my playability. My point was that both are very good. sorry for not being clearer.
quote:
Originally posted by KCJonesquote:
Originally posted by phbI have no idea how representative the neck of my Gold Tone EB-5 is for Gold Tone necks in general but I have to say that I find it easier to play than the neck of my RK-75.
I think he's talking about Gold Star, not Gold Tone.
Oh, yes, indeed! Seems like my reading comprehension suffers over a long working day...
quote:
Originally posted by phbquote:
Originally posted by KCJonesquote:
Originally posted by phbI have no idea how representative the neck of my Gold Tone EB-5 is for Gold Tone necks in general but I have to say that I find it easier to play than the neck of my RK-75.
I think he's talking about Gold Star, not Gold Tone.
Oh, yes, indeed! Seems like my reading comprehension suffers over a long working day...
Gold Tone has a vast selection of options. I have one of there banjos. glad you enjoy yours.
I've never heard of an Elite being called a Madison. I guess no longer in production but there was also an RK 85 Elite. I bought a cherry red one new. Was told there were only 25 made. I really wanted a 75/76 (I wanted mahogany) but they were on a long back order. The red 85 was available. I was told it was the one Greg Rich was bringing around to shows (prototype ?) so it was considered slightly used !! The shop where I got it didn't charge me for shipping. It had to be shipped from California to North Carolina. Other than the weight is almost unbearable I think it's pretty easy to play (my limited finger picking).
I have a RK77 Elite,, it’s the gold-plated one. I heard there were 22 made,, mine is #2. It honks!
Edited by - chuckv97 on 06/08/2023 13:47:35
