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Apr 2, 2026 - 3:51:05 PM
1 posts since 4/2/2026

Hi everyone, first post here.

I am on the hunt for a new banjo to add to my collection. I currently have a beginner banjo which hooked me on the hobby, so I am looking to upgrade. I should mention the tone/style I am after because it is specific.

  • I play clawhammer but am beginning to do 3-finger style.
  • I am after a banjo with a similar sound to Dock Boggs' way of playing. (Dock Bogg's being the reason I ever started to like the banjo in the first place). I don't know all the terms yet, but to me I want something 'twangy', old-time, very deep in sound. I don't like the bright, jolly or cheerful sounds. I understand this can be achieved with tunings... but I hope you get what I mean otherwise.
  • My budget is capped at $450.


I did consider the Recording King RKOH-05 Dirty 30s open back but I was curious to have other brand recommendations before I took the plunge.

Apr 2, 2026 - 4:43:10 PM
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pinenut

USA

1427 posts since 10/2/2007

Get an equivalent to what he played and work from there...  It looks like he played the range of banjos; it's how, not what.

 

Dock Boggs (1898–1971) famously played a Gibson Mastertone banjo, which he purchased after his initial 1920s recording sessions, often citing it as "the best banjo he could buy". Earlier in his career, he played a Sears & Roebuck banjo. He is known for a unique, haunting style that combined Appalachian folk with African-American blues, utilizing heavy-gauge strings. 

Key details regarding Doc Boggs' instruments:

  • Gibson Mastertone: Purchased following his 1927–1929 Brunswick recording sessions, this was his preferred instrument for much of his recorded legacy.
  • Sears & Roebuck Banjo: Used during his earliest, formative years and in the early 1920s.
  • Strings and Setup: According to folklore, he used very heavy strings, often referred to as "Gibson medium" (e.g., .012 to .025 gauge), to achieve his distinct, dark, dissonant sound.

Edited by - pinenut on 04/02/2026 16:45:01

Apr 2, 2026 - 5:53:29 PM
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2896 posts since 2/9/2007

A used 70's-80's Asian-made "Masterclone" ought to turn up now and then at that price, if you keep an eye out.

Dock liked those heavy strings with a wound 3rd, but he also tuned down a whole step or two below standard, as I recall.

Apr 2, 2026 - 6:01:52 PM
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pinenut

USA

1427 posts since 10/2/2007

quote:
Originally posted by Dan Gellert

Dock liked those heavy strings with a wound 3rd, but he also tuned down a whole step or two below standard, as I recall.


Probably a calf-skin head too; suede is a fair synthetic option.

Edited by - pinenut on 04/02/2026 18:02:06

Apr 2, 2026 - 10:47:16 PM
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RG

USA

3354 posts since 8/7/2008

Second what Dan said, Japanese Masterclone, look for one with an archtop tone ring,

For comparative purposes, "Davenport" is played on a 1974 Taka RB250 clone that I fitted with a Stewmac 20 hole flathead tonering, you can buy these for $400 or less as Dan pointed out. "Country Blues" is played on my go-to 1974 OME "X" with a 20 hole flat top tonering of unknown origin that I got off of ebay for $700 and then restored. I use medium goatskin heads, and as Dan said a wound .018 third string (in addition to heavier strings in general).

I don't know what they go for anymore, but an RK Madison with the wooden tonering might work for you too. Dock played resonated banjos after 1927, but the original Brunswick recordings were played on an $18 (1920 pricing, about $300 adjusted for inflation) Sears 'Supertone" open back. After his sessions, he took the money and bought a Gibson Mastertone.

Happy hunting.


Edited by - RG on 04/02/2026 23:04:04

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