Recording King RK-R20 Songster 5-String Resonator Banjo – Gloss

A mahogany-bodied bluegrass banjo with a rolled brass tone ring, delivering punchy, treble-forward tone and a fast, snappy attack that jumps to the front of a mix.

Is This the Right Banjo for You

If you want a real bluegrass resonator banjo that punches above its price, the RK-R20 Songster is a smart step up. It pairs a mahogany resonator and neck with a laminated maple rim and a rolled brass tone ring, a combination that gives it the bright, plucky, treble-oriented attack bluegrass players chase, along with a quick decay that keeps fast rolls clean and articulate. Recording King builds it in the same workshops as its higher-line Madison and Elite banjos and shares hardware with pricier models, so you get authentic tone and vintage bluegrass looks without the top-shelf cost. That makes it an excellent choice for beginners who want a serious instrument to grow into, as well as intermediate players ready to leave an entry-level banjo behind. The gloss finish, hexagon flange, and mother-of-pearl peghead inlay give it genuine old-school class.

Key Highlights

• Mahogany resonator and neck for warm, rich, resonant bluegrass tone
• Rolled brass tone ring delivers punchy, treble-forward attack with quick decay
• Laminated maple multi-ply rim for stable, focused projection
• Nickel-plated RK hexagon flange and 24-bracket hoop for even tensioning
• Remo head and single coordinator rod for reliable, adjustable setup
• Bound fretboard with mother-of-pearl inlays and a decorative peghead
• Shares hardware with pricier Recording King models at a fraction of the cost

Why You'll Love It

Great Fit For

• Bluegrass players who want a bright, punchy, cutting tone
• Beginners who want a serious instrument to grow into
• Intermediate players stepping up from an entry-level banjo
• Pickers who love fast rolls and a snappy, articulate attack
• Anyone who wants vintage bluegrass looks at an accessible price

Sound and Feel

The Songster is voiced for bluegrass. Its rolled brass tone ring and mahogany body give it a punchy, treble-oriented attack that jumps front and center in a mix, then gets out of the way quickly with a fast, snappy decay, which is exactly what tight rolls and driving banjo breaks call for. The resonator focuses and projects that sound forward so it cuts through fiddles and flat-tops without effort. The mahogany neck and 26-1/4-inch scale keep playability familiar and comfortable, and the single coordinator rod lets you fine-tune the action and setup to your hands over time.

Specifications