Thanks for the reply! I almost get nervous when I hwar “good for the price.” Because does that mean it would be a “bad” guitar if coming from let’s say Martin? But, what I’m hearing is its just a solid guitar!
Recording king RD-318
1 Like
I had an RD-318 for a while. Very good guitar for the price. The solid wood construction puts it above a lot of more expensive guitars. I wouldn’t hesitate to get one.
2 Likes
What are you pickin’ on now? The consensus seems to be that they’re good guitars. I appreciate the response!
2 Likes
A Collings D1 I got used from Carter Vintage Guitars. The RK is a really good value though. Very solid guitar and will open up nicely over time.
2 Likes
You really can’t go wrong with Eastman, Yamaha, or RK according to your budget. That’s why I carry those guitars.
If you want to get into more of a pro model but not super high priced, check out the American-made Gruene guitars!
3 Likes
I’ll chime in…
Are you going to keep playing the rest of your life? Get ya a $1500-$2500 guitar. If you have to wait and save up more? Then do so for now.
Look at an instrument as something you will keep for life. Heck, I’m 52 and play a 53 year old guitar most of the time (Martin D18). Sure I have a new one too…they will never depreciate in value unless you smash it.
If you are going to play another 30 years? $3000 guitar only cost you $100/yr. How much is your cell phone bill/year?
You can trust Ben. If something is wrong? He’ll make it right. I’d buy one from Ben long before I went looking at Guitar Center or something,
Lot of good guitars out there. I prefer Martin. Takamine is good. I have an almost 100-year-old Gibson too! All still sound fine. Gibson probably cost $50 back then. I think it’s $35K now.
Have fun. Everyone likes new instruments.
5 Likes
I’ve never heard of Gruene guitars! I appreciate your response and will start looking into them asap. Cheers!
1 Like
I like this advice. Though, I’m playing on a pretty cheap Yamaha storia right now. Anything all solid, dreadnought and recommended/sold by Banjo Ben is a major step up! I plan to play as long as I can! Would like something sooner than later, though! I have a loar mandolin and an RK banjo, both I love! So figured I’d ask how their guitars are considering I like the mando and banjo so much.
3 Likes
The fact that you own Chinese-made mandolin and banjo indicate that you do not appear to suffer “brand envy”, and are only concerned with getting a really good guitar. I am very confident that you would be pleased with the quality of the Recording King RD-318, and might be able to find another use for the $2 K to $4 K that you saved by not buying a “name”. As I indicated in my previous comment, I own a small collection of well-known name-brand guitars, ranging from the Martin D-28 which I bought new in 1964, through to an '04 Martin D-42, and boutique Collings, Bourgeois, Santa Cruz, and Larrivee dreadnaughts. I enjoy them all, but have no reluctance to play my Recording King RO-328 in any setting. In fact, it’s such a clone of the Martin line that people have mistaken it for a Martin.
Folks who have been around guitars for a while know that vintage name-brand instruments have become relatively valuable. But that has to do with the smaller numbers produced in years past. I would question what the future holds for residual value of the mass produced, largely machine-built guitars coming off of the Martin, Taylor, or Gibson lines. If you are buying an investment a contemporary guitar is not likely to yield much. If you just want a quality instrument for the joy it will bring in its playing, the RK will do the job admirably. If you would take pleasure out of the “pride of ownership” of a more expensive name-brand guitar, then buy one and enjoy it.
Enough said! I promise not to rant any further on this topic (unless provoked).
2 Likes
Thank you for the response! This is well-worded and just awesome! RK it is for me. I had the opportunity to play one last week at GC. I’m holding out for Banjo Bens store to get the 342s back in stock. $1000 for an instrument that I can play all the time! Thank you so much! Cheers!
2 Likes
You want something “sooner rather than later”? The General Store has the Recording King RD-328 in stock NOW for $800. It gives you the same East Indian rosewood/30 year-old adirondack spruce combination. Just less mother-of-pearl bling than on the 342. You should consider getting the 328 model, add a hard shell case, spend under $1000, and get one in your hands. That’s what I did and it made me a Recording King big-time fan.
3 Likes
That’s good advice @epjacobs.
@Nic, consider calling Jake at the store and talk about differences between the two models and our timeline on restocking the 342: 833-226-5623
3 Likes
Thanks for the heads up and keeping this thread alive! Cheers!
1 Like
Awesome! Will do & thank you! Cheers!
Nic, please post and let the site know what you decide and how it works out for you.
3 Likes
Of course! I’ll be taking my time for sure. I imagine it will be a recording king, though.
1 Like
I am sorry I am so late to this. My take on the Recording King guitar is that they tend to be an amazing value for the dollar (bang for the buck). I own the RD-316 (no longer made) but it is the brother to the new RD-318 and it is perfect for bluegrass. The tone is dry (less overtones, stronger fundamental) and very well balanced. Out of all the acoustics I own, the 316 I use most on gigs and just playing in jams. It has a nice aggressive, forward sound with good volume. The neck plays great. Mine also has the Adirondack top with solid mahogany back and sides. The difference is that the 318 has an aged Adirondack top, while mine has an ebony fingerboard/bridge and nitro finish. Be aware that Adirondack likes to be played and can take a while to open up. If you were looking at a Martin with an Adirondack top, the upcharge for the Adirondack top wood alone would cost more than the RD-318 or RD-328 in total. Definitely look to Banjo Ben’s store for help as they are an island of good in what can be a sea of snaky music stores. Just my $.02
4 Likes
Nic, What have you decided to do? Have you taken the plunge and bought something yet?
2 Likes
Hey there! I’m holding out for a restock on the RD-342 at the general store. I had the opportunity to play on and loved it!
3 Likes
Weird change of events! I had the opportunity to play a Sitka/mahogany iris DF. Loved the sound and how it felt playing! It’s a beauty and I ended up purchasing that guitar. Hand-built in Vermont.
3 Likes