Recording King RK-R50 (Melody King model) banjo, new, with hard case, $799.99 in Portland, Oregon For Sale

This banjo is a new (with lifetime warranty) mahogany Melody King RK-R50 banjo with the 3 ply maple rim shaped at the top like a flat-head tone ring (similar to an inverted V profile), except that there is no tone ring. The flange and all parts are Gibson style (made by Recording King in China). You wouldn't think that a banjo without a tone ring would sound as loud and crisp as this one does, but Melody King banjos do have that "bluegrass sound", and weigh a bit less too (which makes it easier to play for an extended time if the extra weight of the tone ring - about 3 lbs - is a problem). Email me if you want to try it out, and if you would like to get a much lower price quote.
Here is the promo informatiion about the banjo from Recording King's website:
The Melody King Banjo
With a mahogany resonator and premium pre-war-style features, the Melody King banjo is the best introductory model with classic Recording King components.
The Melody King features a 3-ply steam-bent maple rim with a perfectly flat bearing edge for maximum acoustic contact with the head. It also has nickel-plated hardware, a M.O.P. “fan” headstock and fretboard inlay, a mahogany resonator, a one-piece mahogany neck, a rosewood fretboard and American Standard thread hardware.
This model also features the traditional Recording King peghead, an authentic Mastertone-style flange, and comes in a hardshell case. MSRP is $xxxx.99