Detail 01
Tone ring
A heavy metal ring under the head. It adds volume, sustain and the bright ring bluegrass players expect.
Product detailSKU #1274115039528
Recording KingRK-R35 Madison Tone Ring Banjo Maple
brightarticulatebluegrasscountryfolk
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
A resonator banjo with a tone ring and maple neck, built for bluegrass volume and cut. For players moving past a starter banjo.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Bluegrass jams where the banjo has to be heard over guitars and fiddle
- Players upgrading from an entry-level banjo and wanting more projection
- Country and old-time picking that needs bright, articulate note separation
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- First-time banjo buyers — this is more instrument than a beginner needs
- Players wanting a warm, mellow open-back sound for clawhammer
- Anyone needing a light instrument to carry — resonator banjos are heavy
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Maple neck
Maple is dense and stiff. It pushes the tone bright and snappy, with clear note separation instead of warmth.
Detail 03
Resonator
The back plate throws sound forward at the audience instead of into your body. Louder and more focused, but heavier.
Detail 04
5-string banjo
Standard bluegrass setup with the short drone string. Fingerpicks and three-finger rolls apply here, not flatpicking.
Detail 05
Price tier around $1,400
Puts it above starter banjos in build and hardware. Expect it to hold tune and setup better under gigging.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Fingerpicks, strap and a case or gig bag are separate purchases
- 02Have the head tension and bridge placement checked — both change tone and intonation
- 03Resonator banjos are heavy; a wide padded strap makes long sets easier
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Is this a good first banjo?
It is more banjo than most beginners need. If you are certain you will stick with bluegrass, it will not hold you back. Otherwise start cheaper.
02Can I play clawhammer on it?
You can, but the resonator and tone ring push it bright and loud. Clawhammer players usually prefer an open-back for a softer, thumpier sound.
03Does it come with a case?
No case or gig bag is included. Budget for one, plus fingerpicks and a strap.
04Why is a resonator banjo so much louder?
The resonator is a wooden back plate that reflects sound out toward the listener. Combined with the tone ring, it gives the volume bluegrass needs.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
1 detailsBody & build
- Neck Wood
- Maple
