Videos (2)

View Allarrow icon
Recording King RKO-3S Open Back Banjoplay button

Recording King RKO-3S Open Back Banjo

Basic Setup of Your Bluegrass Banjo with Jim Pankeyplay button

Basic Setup of Your Bluegrass Banjo with Jim Pankey

Recording King

collapse expand iconDescription

The Recording King RKO-3S open-back banjo, a retro-infused instrument with historic vibe and accessible sound. Like mail order banjos from the early 1900s, the RKO-3S delivers authentic tone in a lightweight, road-ready package. Singer-songwriters, folk artists and troubadours will appreciate its blend of vintage style and versatile performance.

Maple Neck and Remo Banjo Head Provide Traditional Tone

The RKO-3S features a maple neck and Remo banjo head for classic, open-back sound. Its 11" pot and 26 3/4" scale length produce full, ringing tone that cuts through. The banjo head is securely tensioned for accurate pitch and sustain.

Satin Finish and Vintage-Inspired Details Evoke Retro Style

With a satin finish and retro-infused design, the RKO-3S brings historic banjo vibe to life. Dot inlays, traditional tuners and a bound rosewood fretboard capture the look of early 20th century instruments. An inlaid Recording King logo on the peghead completes the vintage-inspired aesthetic.

Accessible Setup Accommodates Players of All Levels

With excellent playability and forgiving setup, the RKO-3S suits beginners and pros alike. Its medium frets, 1 3/16" nut width and comfortable neck profile encourage fluid playing across the fretboard. An adjustable truss rod provides relief for different playing styles. Overall, the RKO-3S delivers a blend of classic banjo sound and modern, performance-ready design.

Recording King RKO-3S Open-Back Banjo
Recording King RKO-3S Open-Back Banjo
Recording King RKO-3S Open-Back Banjo

collapse expand iconFeatures

Body
  • Body type: Open-back banjo
  • Cutaway: Not applicable
  • Top wood: Not applicable
  • Back & sides: Mahogany
  • Bracing pattern: Not applicable
  • Body finish: Matte brown
  • Orientation: Right handed
Neck
  • Neck shape: C
  • Nut width: 1-1/4"
  • Fingerboard: Composite rosewood
  • Neck wood: Maple
  • Scale length: 26-1/4"
  • Number of frets: 22
  • Neck finish: Satin
Electronics
  • Pickup/preamp: No
Other
  • Headstock overlay: Black
  • Tuning machines: Ivory button
  • Bridge: Maple with ebony cap
  • Saddle and nut: Ebony saddle, plastic nut
  • Number of strings: 5
  • Special features: No knot tailpiece
  • Case: Sold separately
  • Accessories: Not applicable
  • Country of origin: China

Featured Articles