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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 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.
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:
Edited by - pinenut on 04/02/2026 16:45:01
quote:
Originally posted by Dan GellertDock 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
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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