The Recording King vs. Martin Question!
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- Опубліковано 30 вер 2024
- JP does a blind comparison between his new RD 328 Recording King and his D-28 Clarence White Martin. Can you tell which one is which? Which did you prefer? Comment below with your guesses!
#jpcormier #martin #recordingking #fingerstyle #acoustic #comparison
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www.jp-cormier.com
www.boucherguitars.com
www.gandgmusicstore.com
www.levysleathers.com
www.recordingking.com
Love to all.
This guy is a treasure to the guitar community. Best sub I e made in the last ten years.
I just subscribed, and I am feeling the same thing. He's also a person who knows the beauty of Yamaha. It's lonely out here these days. I've not had the pleasure of playing the fine, handmade Yamaha's that he has, but my FG from the 90s is wonderful. I walked into a vintage guitar store in DC with 3k in my pocket but only spent $350 and walked away with "my" guitar. It wonderful. I'm at the point where I believe my playing justifies a bit of an upgrade though, and I also want a nice pickup system. So I'm going to try and get an FGX5.
Hopefully JP and I will get to be good friends and he'll mail me L models to borrow for a few months at a time :) Seriously though, I really am glad I found him. America is indeed depressing these days, and lately I've lost interest in the things I really love. JP is making me feel that excitement again. That's a great gift.
I coutour
I listened with Beyerdynamic Amiron headphones. Number 2 seemed.a little brighter, but I can't say which I prefer.
Where do I find the answer please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!JP
I just found your channel recently. I hear the Recirding King as the 1st played a bit brighter than the Martin. I am not sure the difference in money would be worth it. I would guess the Martin would appreciate in value from name only. I think I will look for the RO-318 model as I have wanted a 000-18 for a while and at $649 new sounds like a bargain
shit, RK are my dream baby!
Just FYI, you mention at the 10:55 mark that the Alvarez you reviewed in the Nov. 2, 2019 video comparison to the Martin has laminate B/S. That is not correct. The Alvarez MD60EBG is an all solid guitar (which you mentioned in that video). The Alvarez is all solid just like this Record King (although sitka/mahogany instead of adirondack/rosewood). It also retails for less than the RD-328. Also, I do not think Robin Boucher invented torrefaction unless he's a viking. The process is attributed to Vikings who used torrefied wood to build their ships to keep moisture out, and make them lighter and faster. The Finnish luthier Juha Ruokangas was the first to use the process to make guitars, he made his electric guitars with torrefied wood in the 90's.
I would guess guitar 2 was the Martin just sounded a little more aged.
The first sounds new and focused (the Recording King); the second sounds more aged (the Martin). They both sound great in your hands, JP!
I would love to see a comparison between de Alvarez and Recording King!!!
Me too, Md70bg vs. Rd 238..
The Alvarez you used in the last test does have solid back and sides. It’s part of their Master Works series which are all solid.
That's what I had thought. Thank you.
Sent you a Friend Request but you did not accept ... On You Tube you seem like a nice person --- but in real life you are not so nice ... Now I will Block you ...
#2 was my choice, and I think it is the Martin! I would be very surprised if # 2 is the Recording King.
Where is the answer? Or when is it going to come 🤷🏻♂️
I absolutely preferred the first one, it judt had much more in it. It just made me smile...
The second one sounded more compressed.
So, I think nr 2 was the Martin 👀
2nd sounds like a martin. Tighter, and less ringing. First sounds new, bright and clear. I'm unbiased. Love my Yamaha LL16. $900
Love all my yamaha’s ❤️
Love my FG-300 red label!❤️
There is a definite difference in these 2 guitars. The first was much brighter, and the second much warmer and full. I say #1 is Recording King, and #2 is Martin...Either way, #2 sounded quite a bit better to my ears, for what it's worth. Neither sounded bad, but #2 was the winner, and I'm guessing it's the Martin. I hope I'm wrong! Lol
I displease the crown I agree.
I actually liked the brighter almost brassy tone of the Recording King, though it would mello over time.
Mainly bc the RK is a brand-new guitar, and "quite a bit" is a strong term to me, especially not "quite a bit" = "5000 by-god dollars."
I think you are right, but I would choose the nr 1. I like the bright trebles, though they may mellow over time,as a commenter said. I own a Eastman E20D TC, chinese handbuilt all solid D28 copy. Awesome guitar. 2000 bucks though...
Thing is, uless you actually can compare them on site (in shop) it is hard to know. I tried a range of Eastmans from 600 Euro upwards and they all sounded very good, but you could still hear why the expensive ones were...more expensive.
I just found this channel and subbed.
@@jazzlehazzle quite a bit may sound strong to your ears, but to my ears there was no comparison. The Martin blew the RK away, and I posted this comment the same day this was uploaded, before the answer was revealed. Listening again much later, I agree with and stand by my statement, and then some. I don’t care for the RK at all. Funny, I hardly remember this comparison. That’s how much of an impression the RK made. LOL
I'm going with guitar number 2. It sounded a little "bassier" to me and not as much sustain in treble range. Can't wait to hear the results.
I say #1 was the Recording King, it was definitely a brighter tone [which I prefer]. In fact IMHO I have NEVER owned a Martin, because I've always felt they were/are too mellow/warm... and acoustic guitar has always struggled to get in the mix, and again in my opinion that is part of the reason. A brighter guitar not only has more presence, but cuts thru better too.
Blind test passes almost no one! Also in other areas. I know well-known UA-camr from large music houses who regularly describe details of the sound of very expensive electric guitars. One of them describes the difference of different woods of fingerboards or bodies, but at the same time he rejects blind tests. The guys from Andertons in the UK regularly did blind tests and often mistook cheap Epiphone for expensive Gibson.
I like the second one. I really hope it is the Recording King. I work with M. George here in Fredericton and we are talking with Guillaume about representing them.
Troy McLaggan you cant go wrong with recording king. They’re incredible instruments for the money.
If you do, I'll definitely refer any of my guitar-shopping friends your way to check them out.
I just bought a blueridge ❤️. The first new guitar I have bought. I always bought used and slightly increased the quality over the last 4 years since I started. I could have brought a martin. But I couldn't justify the price compared to the blueridge. I looooveee guitar and I love you too bud. Thanks. I'm so glad I stumbled across this.
Which one did you get and how do you like it?
Couldn't have said it any better my self !
I don't know if Canada considers this man a national treasure but Scotland loves him. (Especially Shetland )
For another REMARKABLE "bang for the buck" comparison, I'd love to see you A/B the RD-T16, with the torrified Addy top, with your Martin. I got mine used for $325.00- even more amazing, when you consider the massive difference in price.
My vote is the Martin is the second guitar. The second guitar had a more fuller sound to the lower register notes. Both sounded good, but I prefer guitar 2
Guitar number one needs to be played more
I felt that the first was the RK and the latter was the Martin. Unlike many commenting here, I felt the difference between the two quite discernible (however this is NOT to say that I am CERTAIN which is which - but only that they were quite different 'in my ear').
I just recently discovered you and your channel, J.P., and I am binging your videos. I have been playing for 40 years...nowhere as good as you, but to my audience, friends, and family...they are amazed. I just want to say I love you, Brother! You speak my language; and we're definitely kindred spirits. Long live your channel! Btw, representing Houston, Tx...
Hi JP,
if one day you can have both in your hands, is it possible to compare the RK RD316 with a D18?
I have the recording king nRD-316 for 5 years, I find it superb, but I have not, and I may never have, the opportunity to test a Martin, and since they have the same specs, I would be happy to hear the difference (in brand and price!) Thanks to you!
I can tell what one sounds new but to be honest, once that RD-328 opens up and dries out a little, it might be be harder to hear the difference. I have had many cheap acoustics go through my hands and I can tell the difference in a solid guitar. But even a decent cheap solid top can be a great guitar. I have a Blueridge BR60, Solid Sitka with Laminate Rosewood, and it's a rhythm monster. Loud. And at the Bluegrass jam I had several people ask what it was and liked the sound. I say partially some of that is experience but also definitely the guitar. But the neck is screwed up and I adjusted it several times. It got worse to where I had to actually make the strings higher. Over several months it just got worse. Not my first time adjusting guitars either. I decided to put it in slack key tuning (open G) and it relaxed the neck a little more. But that was my Bluegrass jam guitar. I have been without a good jam guitar for a while now. I have a decent Yamaha solid top but it's not something I think can hang with the Banjo and Mandolin. I finally got the money together to order Recording King RD-328. I can't wait. Hopefully it's similar to my Blueridge but a little better. I don't think it could possibly be louder to be honest but if it's the same, I will be thrilled. I do play on the point of as hard as I can usually so I can't say for sure but I think the Blueridge was louder than all the Martins. I was louder anyways. I had to kinda ease back sometimes. But this should be a great guitar. 11 days till arrival..
i think #1 is the RK it just sounds bright and new. I know this is old but am anxious to see the answer. I have 2 RK banjos and they are excellent instruments. I like #2 better.
I like the sound of #2. Can’t wait to see which one I actually like.
Hi J.P. I'm really getting into bluegrass & looking for a guitar around £500-£600. Have a Yamaha FG730S & looking to sell & get something closer to those beautiful tones i hear from Martin, Recording King, Red Label Yamaha. HELP!
Hello,
I gather your from the UK. Recording Kings are fabulous but difficult to find here.
Definitely recommend.
Good luck.
It's almost obvious that #2 is the Martin and #1 is the Recording King. The wood on #2 sounds warmer and a little punchier but the ringing bell like tone on #1 sounds exactly what I'm looking for while I own other darker sounding guitars. Both guitars sound great!
Number two is the Martin
Could you tell me a decent acoustic guitar that costs less than 500 dollars that is a reliable instrument that'd last for years with no problem?
Any Yamaha
Not sure which Alvarez you're referring to, but the MD60BG is solid African Mahogany back and sides. Sitka top.
#1: Recording King
#2: Martin D28
As soon as you began playing #1 I thought, "That's not the Martin!" Then, when you began playing #2, it confirmed to me my order.. UNTIL the last cord you played on #2.. and that didn't sound as full, deep and rich as the last cord you played on #1. HOWEVER, I'm still staying with #1 = RK; #2 = Martin.
I think #1 sounds more powerful (perhaps slightly more noise/overtones, than #2) , #2 was more controlled or focused from note to note. I think #1 would be a better fit for someone performing where a strong voice is needed (street, outdoors, etc) , while #2 might be better in the recording studio or stage and play better with other instruments. Having said that, I preferred the #1 guitar overall.
I agree and couldn't have said it better
Number 2 is the martin
Although both sound great, I would say that #1 is RK since it feel too bright, and sharp. #2 is Martin, feels more subtle, round, and with more depth.
22:07 Guitar1
23:06 Guitar2
For me is the aged well ballanced sample 2 the Martin.
But i will buy the Recording King + new wooden pins + new strings + L.R. Baggs M80! 😛
Great video JP! It will be interesting to see everyone’s answers. We will
watch your next video for the answer! Thank you!
Would love to hear your take on the inspired by gibson humming bird
I'm going to say that guitar #2 was the R.K. RD-328, mainly because I heard a slightly annoying metallic edge/"buzz" to some of the notes that I didn't hear on guitar #1. We'll see.
I pick #2 as RK, #1 Martin I own a RD10 RK and a Martin D28 2R
I found your channel a few weeks ago, while researching my next guitar purchase. After viewing your previous comparison video, I found an Alvarez MD60EBG (I need the electronics) at my local dealer. After playing it, I brought it home. I’d still love to get a Martin D-18 or a D-28. I’d be real curious about putting the Alvarez and the Recording King up against a new Martin. The Aged, played in sound was obvious in this video for those who know what to listen for, but I have to say, that Recording King sure held its own and 1/4 the price. I own a 1970’s Sigma DR-7, made by Martin in Japan. I can’t tell it apart from a D-28 based on sound alone. Those are another bang for your buck purchase if you find them.
Martin was number 1 . #2 was softer . I think that the sharper sound of #1 might be a result of the less finish and larger hole. There you go my thoughts.
I would assume the 2nd is the Martin and would be happy to know that it is the Recording King. Great video.
🎶😎🎶 #2 Martin........Check out the "Pre War Company" out of Hillsboro NC........ever played a Jagard guitar?
I'd be delightfully shocked if the RK was the second one. Hey, J.P., ...crazy timing. I have been looking for the right one of these all week. Any thoughts on sanding off the thick coating on the Adi top?
Whiskey Before Breakfast? Or Monroe’s Hornpipe? Number 1-Recording King. 2-Martin Clarence White LSV D-28. ???????
It's so weird to me what people call brighter... Or tighter... Or warm...... Didn't know which is which. I like number two better. They both sound great.
I bought a Bourgeois Vintage D several yrs back w/serial #-under 3,000. Love it! Traded my Beard Resonator (Dobro), which became the Jerry Douglas model for it straight across, & glad I did! I’ve tried to teach my oldest son how to play & wanted to get him a quality box at a fair price. I chose Recording King after reading the woods, bracing & tone then sought to get my boy one. His was mahogany sides & back and the sound blew me away! I then bought one for myself that had rosewood sides & back w/Adirondack spruce top & when I get a guitar out to jam or show my son a lick or 2, I reach for my Recording King & leave my Bourgeois in the case so it’s only played when w/serious players & keeps it unblemished and it’s value intact. I love my Recording King guitar & I’ve been playing since age 9, so it’s been 40-years and I’ve played a few boxes in my time. Great video!
#2 was martin...heavier more solid bass and full sound....RK was a weaker and more treble sound.....martin has a more elite and full and rich sound....RK for the money is a poor cousin....dark cloud songwriter...ontario....i only play martin but i bought my guitars years ago so they were reasonably priced....and yes i know martin`s are getting very expensive !!!!
Oh, and I own the Alvarez md60ebg because of you and I am certain they are all solid woods. Solid spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides. No laminates on these babies! Incredible value...And I am close to buying a Boucher BG-52, or perhaps another Gibson. I have always preferred them over Martin. Sorry, fan boys. Lol
🌴🎸🎶🥁🎶🎸✌️🤠👌🌴
🐸🎸#1 Recording King🎸😹
🌴🎸#2 Martin 🎸🎶💃🕺😎👍
I thought #2 had more of the Martin sound, but it was a hard decision. The 1st guitar sounded like the action was a bit to low and the frets were choking some of the tone.
I think RK was No1 and Martin No 2....
But in terms of aging, (if I'm correct), The No1 will sound better than No2....
In terms of VFM, ANYWAY the RK is the CLEAR winner!!!!
You mentioned the Alvarez MD60BG was laminate back and sides. But I was under the understanding it was solid Mahogany back and sides. Just as the MD70BG is solid Rosewood? Could someone confirm?
Great video JP!
I curious... if you would pick between the Yamaha FG3 and the RD 328 Recording King.. which would you choose? They are in the same price range and are both high praised by you.
Maybe a comparison video like this one?
It's amazing to me how a great guitar can make a mediocre player sound good!
You should compare the Recording King to a Boucher.
I have a 2016 Recording King ROS-10/000 12 fret, with elixir lite strings. Sweet little guitar, solid top/ back/side-built well, perfect intonation and resonance. Great for finger picking my favorite songwriter's music (John Prine).
Oh hi JP, can you give me the contact information for recording king? ! Thanks a lot I love your blog !
If number 2 is the Recording King then I’m buying one today.
I honestly had trouble hearing the difference, but if I had to choose I think I like number one best. However, I think if I listened again I might change my mind. So close!
JP what is the best Bluegrass sounding Mahogany dred from Recording King?
Hey JP do you have anything to say about Stonebridge/Furch guitars?
J.P......I just saw this for the 1st time. I'm now chasing a Recording King to "back up" my Martin J40. Did you receive the Recording King via the post,..or were you able to get one that was sold and set up locally ? Just curious- Thanks ! Randy
martins not worth their money, up to D40s series.
00015sm - worth it.
While savin for Boucher, i play Larrivee Lv03SP
☑️ RK is Not Martin, they don't claim to be , but do make very good replicas with good woods at much more reasonable prices ‼️☻️🙃
I own both RK RO-342 and Martin OOO-42 _the price difference is only somewhat justified _except American builders do it better and need to make more money on the builds 🤑
Which guitar was which? I’ve never owned, or played a Martin, (my acoustics- Gibson J45 mahogany M, Ibanez Ew60 coco bolo & an Antoria J100 copy), so I’ve no idea what the Martin would sound like, but my favourite was number 2. Saying that both sounded good, but No2 just sounded better to me.
I prefer #2 the Martin, the Alvarez sounded better than both the Recording King and Martin. Wow.
I honestly can not tell the difference in sound, loudness, clarity, quality of tone and body ring/chime. Wow. The headstock name is hard to deal with though. Martin is a worthy name and is taken with great reverence. Recording King is a long way off from that sort of respect from peers. I totally agree about headstock predigest, and quality of sound is what matters. But it's like taking an Epiphone Les Paul on a big stage versus and Gibson Les Paul. Or the difference between a repop 6120 Gretsch made in Korea or an real vintage 6120 made in America in the 1960s. They sound the same, but what one carries the clout?
I have a RO 127 it’s a replica of a Eric Clapton. Recording king doesn’t make it anymore.
This isn't complicated. Buy the best guitar you can find for the amount you can afford to/are willing to pay. You are likely to get a good, very good sounding instrument at $1000. or less. The differences between instruments aren't as great as they were years ago. Modern tooling has made for more "equality" amongst instruments within a certain price range.
Used guitars can offer very good values if you learn what to look for. It is fairly common. A person gets fired up, thinks I am going to learn to play guitar. The person buys a 300 series Taylor or a Gibson J15 or a Martin 000-15, then discovers they don't have the time necessary, or it is more difficult than they thought it would be or not as much fun as they anticipated. Then they sell the barely used guitar.
I am surprised that Larrivee or Seagulls weren't mentioned, both Canadian makers. Both good guitars.
Only picking? I wished you would have strummed those guitars a little more! Not all of us are bluegrass enthousiastes!!!
The recording king v neck on the ro-318....i have small hands...is it clucky like they used to be? ive had 2 older ones and they were enormous. thinking eastman if so. wish companies would go back to 1 11/16
They call prewar guitars the Golden Age. This is far from the truth. The Golden Age of guitars is Right Now! There are thousands of guitars in ALL price ranges that are fantastic sounding and playing instruments being manufactured right now. Blueridge, Eastman, Recording King, Yamaha, Takamine, Martin, Epiphone, Alvarez, Ibanez...these companies all make great sounding and playing reasonably price guitars. Do they sound and play as good as the high end guitars? In most cases yes. Do they look as good as the high end guitars? Not quite. When you go to high end handmade guitars, the sky is the limit. Beautiful guitars, fantastic sounding, and playing guitars. They are better than any prewar guitar, hands down. Because of technology and the knowledge we have, NOW is the GOLDEN AGE of guitars. Enjoy it doesn’t get any better than this.
Tone & Timbre is really important to me, but playability trumps Tone & Timbre. If you can't eek out the notes because the guitar is fighting your hands, then there isn't a worry about the other. It's funny how within the same make (at least some of the known brands) and models, there can be a big difference in playability between one and the other. Even with the precision that CNC has brought to guitar production, this still exists, as it did 50 or 60 years ago. I can't afford the brands I used to play 40 to 50 years ago ... I shop for guitars now with my hands (first) and then my ears (last). All of the other qualities are of lesser importance to me. Thanks for your great videos JP. One of your videos in particular convinced me to buy a guitar I wouldn't have otherwise.
I got the Alvarez right BUT this one is the same to my ears...If I would have to guest...#1 is Martin
What was #2? Damn I liked the sound of #2! Thot this would help me buy a guitar for my hubby!
I bought a Recording King 11 series dreadnaught . So very disappointed in the quality. Cheap stuck on pickguard that pealed off within A WEEK. It plays like a brick and sounds dead . NOTHING like any research I did on that model. This is my second Recording King I bought and sold right away. Though I do still have the series 11 ,I want to give it a chance. So far it really is poorly done.
Im late to show, but Ill say #1 Martin and #2 Recording King. #1 has that muddier bottom end so I suspect Martin. Where do we find the conclusion at?
I just don’t understand obsessing over instruments which are really just tools for creating music. A means to an end. It seems to me like a mechanic obsessing over a wrench. This is just how I feel about it, so whatever makes you happy I guess.
This comparison is very limited when your powerful mic -in such close proximity and your playing a high speed flat pick tune like that! You could take just about any decent D-28 copy out there and get similar results. A better comparison test-have the Mic 3-4 feet away. you then play a slow strum/pick folk tune to let the guitars Ring out and the resonant quality shine. Then a medium tempo flat pick tune. Then a high speed Cross pick tune. I’m hard pressed to tell the difference - but I attribute that to the way the sound test was done. Both sounded/had that typical D-28 growl. -I’d say #2 was the Martin- it had more defined note separation and the typical undeniable Martin tone
I’m trying to cure myself of guitar buying syndrome but hearing you I probably think it’s Ok ! Rod in London
Let me know when your playing in America. I’m not allowed in Canada no more. Because of weed. Go figure
Would you do this test with the inspired by gibson humming bird please
Number 1 was the Recording King number 2 was the Martin
I HAVE A MARTIN GREAT GUITAR,I LISTEN TO JP AND BOUGHT THIS GUITAR THE BEST ONE I HAVE EVER OWNED MY RK328,I WOULD SAY TO ANYBODY YOU WILL ENJOY THE V NECK.
Why would you support a regressive Chinese government when we make excellent guitars here in Canada?
It's not "tough"
For the price, big props to Recording King!
Recording King RD-328 is now 699 at Musicians friend.
750 with a case from many sellers and several that include a setup
What you guys don’t understand is comparing the tone of acoustic guitars on you tube is totally moot…until you play and hear them in person it’s a virtual farce. 😂
21:28 22:28
I can't send my money to China. And when you do buy American don't forget resale.
Is there much difference between the RD-328 and RO-328?
The Alvarez MD60BG is solid wood which is what I thought you compared in the prior comparison video.
If anyone thinks RK sounds better than a Martin, especially an American Martin, then Martin are in deep shit.
I just ordered a B stock RD-328 on Sweetwater for $600.
There's a half dozen or more UA-camrs who are reviewing guitars and they seem to be getting them for free. I wonder if they're declaring them as income or letting it fly under the radar.