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Component wise, the RK-35 is likely to be much better. Now, the Leo could sound great. Only way to know is to play it. I've seen good Leo's and others that were not good at all. RK consistency is good. Their rims are excellent, 3-ply (the Leo likely has many more plies and some of those rims were not glued well). The tone ring on the RK is a good copy of a prewar mix. I don't know what the Leo you are looking at would have. Some PacRim banjos from that era had really cheap metal rims. I believe the hardware on the RK is Gibson like spec. But the Leo might grab you, and that is what really matters.
I won't be able to play the leo before purchasing , I might get to play the rk35 If I can find one close enough to home. But more than likely I'll be ordering over the phone, and not be able to play either before purchasing. So I've been doing some reading and watching videos about both banjos. Thanks for the thoughts ,the leo is a little cheaper, but I've seen a lot of good things about the rk35.
If you can find a Leo for under $400, that's almost a no-brainer. Under $600, or preferably under $500, then you'll still have a good second banjo for less than you'd pay for a used RK-35 or 36. But in some ways, you're getting less banjo. The rims are multi-ply and it's been reported here (and I've repeated) that the tone rings are pot metal.
Granted, that sounds better than beginner level wood rim banjos or brass rod tone rings. But you get a three-ply rim and bronze alloy ring with the RK-35.
I can appreciate your hesitancy on the one in the Classifieds with no return. It's probably not the last sub-$1000 used RK-35 that will ever come on the market.
FWIW, I think the Epiphone MB-250 is comparable to the Leo. It would be a great banjo for an alternative to someone's main player. Same opinion on price to pay.
@dish hey I work for the dealer selling the Leo’s for $699. They’re in really good shape (most are like new since they came from an 250+ instrument collection) and come professionally set-up and cleaned.
Send us a message or give us a call and we’d be happy to pick out a Leo that has the specifics you want (with or without fifth-string capo, railroad spikes, specific inlays, clear or frosted head, original or upgraded case, original strap, etc.). We could also send a sound check video to you. Thanks.