Hi guys, any thoughts on the better buy? An older model RK76 Elite(approx 5+ years old) or a brand new Gold Tone OB-250?The Recording King about $1k cheaper. Due to distance and lack of decent banjos in my city, I can't play either to test, so any advice welcome.
Edited by - Peverel1066 on 08/05/2024 03:47:31
Um, was there even an RK-76 ten years ago? I thought it came quite a few years after the RK-75 but then, time flies...
As long as the RK-76 is in good condition, I would recommend to save the money and go for the RK. It's a great banjo and you will always find something to spend the 1,000$ you saved on, may be even your next banjo purchase.
Ok...could have over estimated the age of the RK-76. Cheers for the advice.
With a $1K price difference I too would go with the RK as well. I have an RKR-36 which has the same pot configuration as the more expensive ones, and it is a great banjo.
Bobby
The RK-76 has a longer scale length than typical, as others have pointed out in the past. I'm a Gold Tone fan, but I would also choose the RK and keep the $1K in my pocket.
Another vote for the RK. No contest.
And all of Gold Tone's other OB banjos -- 150, Twanger, Bowtie, Standard, Bela - are better choices than the 250.
Other makers update or refresh some models from time to time. See the current RK20 vs the original. Or the current Goodtime vs the Gumby. Gold Tone is way overdue to improve that amateurish headstock on the 250 and Cripple Creek banjos and do away with excess wood beyond the 22nd fret.
These opinions of an old curmudgeon could be wrong.
I would have believed the RK Elite 76 was available 10 years ago, but the oldest YouTube videos I can find are 6 years old.
Found an older video.
Here's Robby Boone, then at Janet Davis Music Company, demonstrating an RK-Elite-75 9 years ago. Video posted in June 2015.
It's a 75. Don't know how much later the 76 came out, but don't think it was far behind.
Edited by - Old Hickory on 08/05/2024 19:58:34
Cheers all...think that makes my choice pretty clear!
RK. I never was overly fond of Gold Tone quality nor pretense.
If you are referring to the RK76 on gumtree, I can tell you that I purchased the banjo new from the US around 5 or 6 years ago at a cost of $2600 aud. The current owner purchased it from me maybe 3 years ago. I had never played the banjo during my ownership and it looks like he hasn’t either. He is selling for around half what he paid me for the banjo and it is virtually giving it away.
