I’d go with RK anyway day of the week

RK-R20 is more banjo than a CC100R.

Question: What are you upgrading from? Because both of these are essentially higher caliber beginner instruments. They're good to start on because they can serve you longer. But as step ups from typical or lesser beginner instruments they're maybe unnecessary intermediate steps.

The RK-20 at least looks more like an upgrade -- as well as having the components and sound to make it one.

Guitar Center has a used RK-20 at a great price. I think they'll ship it to a store near you.

RK has a better rep and is a better sounding banjo in MOST cases.
i think you get more bang for the buck with the RK... just my 2 cents

RK-R20 as long as it's not a used older version which was not made by Recording King.

quote:

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Originally posted by Old Hickory

......Guitar Center has a used RK-20 at a great price. I think they'll ship it to a store near you.

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That's a great deal. Guitar Center will ship it to the local store for pick up, or ship it right to your door. Their shipping is VERY reasonable. If you are military or a veteran, call the selling store for an additional 10% off. They also deal, so don't hesitate to call or email with an offer. Another tactic, is to put it in your shopping cart, but don't buy it. They will see that, and might email you with a better price offer. If it's not specified, it may not come with a case, but if you call the store and tell them no case is a deal breaker, they my throw one in. One warning is that GC doesn't set banjos up, so you will need to know a little about that. It's a perfect opportunity to learn, and the folks here can instruct you at every step. A positive about GC is that if there is any problems, or you wish to return it, you can bring to to the local store, no hassles. I've been doing business with GC for over 22 years, and have gotten some amazing deals from them. Just realize they don't know Jack about banjos. In fact, two of my three banjos came from them. 

I have not played either one of these specific banjos.  I have played and experimented on several with similar specs.  I agree with the herd.

Gold Tone CC-100R
- Two coordinating rods. This gives overall stability to the instrument; from tuning to tone. It's very important to my ear, especially if the rim is less stiff.
- multiply rim. Often, these are not as stiff as 3ply and eat up some of the volume and tone.  This one probably 'needs' two coordinator rods.
- the hardware is hard on the eyes. Those hooks, tension ring and resonator brackets are awful; especially the ring and hooks.
- rolled tone ring. I like a simple ring like this best; the heavier rolled rings, little wonders, dobson on a hoop, etc suit my ear.

Recording King RK-R20
- One coordinator rod. With the multiply rim, depending on the weather; two may or may not make a big difference.  (~$50 + time & labor)
- multiply rim. Often, these are not as stiff as 3ply and eat up some of the volume and tone. The newer budget RK's I have touched seem 'stiffer'?
- The hardware, tailpiece and finish are banjo 'norm'.  Good to go.
- rolled tone ring. I like a simple tone ring. (example: the simple rolled hoop RB170 type was good enough for Uncle Dave Macon)

quote:

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Originally posted by dcollier

Recording King RK-R20?

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Take note of Graham's comment about being sure that any RK-20 you consder buying is the current version. The used one for $400 I linked to at Guitar Center is current.

Easy ways to identify the current version at a glance:

1. Headstock:  Same shape as RK's other budget (sub-$1500) banjos: Dirty Thirties, RK-OT25 and 26, Madison series RK 35 and 36.  "Recording King" in white script.

2. Color: brown

$400 for a used one in good condition is a killer deal. Some places are selling the new one for $700 (probably because of tariffs).

If you're ready to buy, I don't think you're going to find a better banjo for that price. If you wait, you're just going to pay more. Even if GC doesn't throw in a case or gig bag, this is worth getting. You can wait for a case to go on at sale at Musicians Friend.

Thanks for the link but I went ahead and pulled the trigger on a brand new RK. It should be delivered Tuesday and will be a huge upgrade from my cheap Amazon banjo.