I have the RD 328 ,RD 318 and RO 328 they are superb guitars all solid wood and sound as good as a Martin for a quarter of the price , it's a V shaped neck which is different but easy to get used to . No better guitars for the money .
Recording King was a featured brand of guitar back in the day of the Montgomery Ward catalog. They disappeared for a while and came back with a new and improved line of guitars. The RD-328 is modeled after the Martin D-28 right down to the forward bracing for that big sound. Heard great things about this guitar and it’s on my list as well. There are many reviews of the RD-328. Check out JP Cormier’s review of it. Enjoy!
I didn’t make that connection with the 28 in both model numbers. Thanks for that! I appreciate the comment and for taking the time to watch. I’ll be heading back to Ciderville to record some more guitar reviews. Keep checking back!
It's actually closer to the Martin HD-28 having forward shifted scalloped bracing and herringbone binding. The Recording king bracing is a little rough cut, but nothing a good luthier can't take care of easily. I didn't know the RD-328 was scalloped bracing until I checked with a mirror.
Sounding great Cody! I just learned that Adirondack Spruce guitar tops are supposed to be louder than other Spruce tops, especially in the middle range. So that should help you to be heard more while playing with others, like you wanted? A comparison with your Recording King and your previous Martin could be interesting.
Thanks for the comment! And you’re right, it’s certainly packing a punch. I’ve yet to find strings that I like with it, but I’ll get there! Funny enough, I’ve shot the b-roll for that exact video, but haven’t sat down to film it yet. Very soon, though. I appreciate your viewership!
@@codymmusic I'm getting my first new guitar later this week, an Orangewood Echo Vintage Sunburst Live (Dreadnought). I plan to use all of your videos as a great way to finally learn how to play the way I want. It's just at the right level for me, so thanks for that!
Seems to be a pretty good guitar. The neck takes a bit to get used to, but once you do, it's pretty slick. Took me about 10 minutes to settle into the neck while picking on one in the local guitar shop here in Newfoundland, Canada. The addy top was nice, punchy and clear sounding. Have fun with it and glad you found it!
@@jacobeames4093 The RK I played a had pretty defined "V" shaped neck. It's not the common shape these days. It takes some time to get used to it. If you also get your hands on the 342 model, I believe the "V" is also pretty drastic on that one too!
It really rings out! Because of the size of my hands, I really like my Martin low oval neck profile, so not sure I could handle the RK. Anyway, congrats, very exciting purchasing a solid wood guitar at that price range..
Since recording that video, I started messing around and playing some tunes with bar chords and Immediately noticed a huge difference with the beveled neck. The “cowboy” chords feel normal, but the bar chords felt way different to hold them the way I typically do. I imagine they’ll likely cause some cramping down the road.
I live in the heart of bluegrass country. Around here it’s Martin or Blueridge. I’ve had tons of experience with the Recording King. Personally I didn’t like the neck and also thought they were overpriced. The pick guard is cheap as crap. Just my 2 cents worth but to each his own. If you’re happy I’m happy for you. Keep mashing!!!!!
The Blueridge (the BR140 and BR160 models) are also incredible Martin D18 and D28 clones for right around that $1k price point. But overall, Blueridge, Recording King and Eastman are the three import brands delivering way about their price point
The day I bought my Martin DX1RAE I had every intention of buying a Blueridge. That day at the shop, they only had the low end models in stock, and so I settled on the Martin. It’s been years since I’ve played one, but I recall loving the sound. Great instruments.
Yep, if you can't afford a Martin HD-28, you may want to take a look at Recording King. They are cannons that really sound the part. And all solid words used. No epoxy used either. All, wood glue. Compound Dovetail, neck to body joints and the neck is one piece of mahogany, not several glued together. Also has rosewood Bridge and fingerboard. Too bad they aren't Ebony, but at least they are rosewood. The top is 30 year old/aged Adirondacks spruce. The are basically designed after the 40s Martin D-28. And these have carved braces, just like the Martin HD-28. I've made a couple videos on this guitar too and highly recommend them, if you can't afford the Martin.
Hi. I’ve been searching for one that would blow me away. “ in that price range “ but no luck so far. I’ve tried 3 328 and 1 318 . They sounded ok . But I was really disappointed. I had heard so many good things about these guitars from Jp Cormier.With that being said . My main guitar is an Boucher bg-152 gm. Since I’ve bought that guitar. Literally anything else sounds ,,, just ok. Glad you found one you like. Adirondack top and solid Indian rosewood B/S. thats a lot of guitar for under 1000$. 👍👍👍
I have a RO-328 and it's phenomenal. The V neck is ridiculously comfortable.
Agreed! It was a very quick adjustment from the C shaped neck, but I love it. What kind of strings do you have on it?
I have the RD 328 ,RD 318 and RO 328 they are superb guitars all solid wood and sound as good as a Martin for a quarter of the price , it's a V shaped neck which is different but easy to get used to . No better guitars for the money .
Recording King was a featured brand of guitar back in the day of the Montgomery Ward catalog. They disappeared for a while and came back with a new and improved line of guitars. The RD-328 is modeled after the Martin D-28 right down to the forward bracing for that big sound. Heard great things about this guitar and it’s on my list as well. There are many reviews of the RD-328. Check out JP Cormier’s review of it. Enjoy!
I didn’t make that connection with the 28 in both model numbers. Thanks for that! I appreciate the comment and for taking the time to watch. I’ll be heading back to Ciderville to record some more guitar reviews. Keep checking back!
It's actually closer to the Martin HD-28 having forward shifted scalloped bracing and herringbone binding. The Recording king bracing is a little rough cut, but nothing a good luthier can't take care of easily. I didn't know the RD-328 was scalloped bracing until I checked with a mirror.
Sounding great Cody! I just learned that Adirondack Spruce guitar tops are supposed to be louder than other Spruce tops, especially in the middle range. So that should help you to be heard more while playing with others, like you wanted? A comparison with your Recording King and your previous Martin could be interesting.
Thanks for the comment! And you’re right, it’s certainly packing a punch. I’ve yet to find strings that I like with it, but I’ll get there!
Funny enough, I’ve shot the b-roll for that exact video, but haven’t sat down to film it yet. Very soon, though.
I appreciate your viewership!
@@codymmusic I'm getting my first new guitar later this week, an Orangewood Echo Vintage Sunburst Live (Dreadnought). I plan to use all of your videos as a great way to finally learn how to play the way I want. It's just at the right level for me, so thanks for that!
I have the 000 version. Love the V neck- can't beat it for the money
@@miamistomp agreed!
Seems to be a pretty good guitar. The neck takes a bit to get used to, but once you do, it's pretty slick. Took me about 10 minutes to settle into the neck while picking on one in the local guitar shop here in Newfoundland, Canada. The addy top was nice, punchy and clear sounding. Have fun with it and glad you found it!
Could you describe the neck? What makes it so different?
@@jacobeames4093 The RK I played a had pretty defined "V" shaped neck. It's not the common shape these days. It takes some time to get used to it. If you also get your hands on the 342 model, I believe the "V" is also pretty drastic on that one too!
The V neck has been an adjustment. I notice it more when I’m playing bar chords, but overall I think it’ll be easy to get used to.
It really rings out! Because of the size of my hands, I really like my Martin low oval neck profile, so not sure I could handle the RK. Anyway, congrats, very exciting purchasing a solid wood guitar at that price range..
Since recording that video, I started messing around and playing some tunes with bar chords and Immediately noticed a huge difference with the beveled neck. The “cowboy” chords feel normal, but the bar chords felt way different to hold them the way I typically do. I imagine they’ll likely cause some cramping down the road.
Thank you Cody for sharing! 🔥
Thanks for watching buddy!
My good friend Jimmy Martin from Kentucky has always told me to try Ciderville Music.
Expect some more guitar reviews from there very soon!
I live in the heart of bluegrass country. Around here it’s Martin or Blueridge. I’ve had tons of experience with the Recording King. Personally I didn’t like the neck and also thought they were overpriced. The pick guard is cheap as crap. Just my 2 cents worth but to each his own. If you’re happy I’m happy for you. Keep mashing!!!!!
The Blueridge (the BR140 and BR160 models) are also incredible Martin D18 and D28 clones for right around that $1k price point. But overall, Blueridge, Recording King and Eastman are the three import brands delivering way about their price point
The day I bought my Martin DX1RAE I had every intention of buying a Blueridge. That day at the shop, they only had the low end models in stock, and so I settled on the Martin. It’s been years since I’ve played one, but I recall loving the sound. Great instruments.
I'm very happy with my RD328, but the frets need to be leveled I think
Exact same. I get some strange buzz around the 12th fret.
Yep, if you can't afford a Martin HD-28, you may want to take a look at Recording King. They are cannons that really sound the part. And all solid words used. No epoxy used either. All, wood glue. Compound Dovetail, neck to body joints and the neck is one piece of mahogany, not several glued together. Also has rosewood Bridge and fingerboard. Too bad they aren't Ebony, but at least they are rosewood. The top is 30 year old/aged Adirondacks spruce. The are basically designed after the 40s Martin D-28.
And these have carved braces, just like the Martin HD-28. I've made a couple videos on this guitar too and highly recommend them, if you can't afford the Martin.
Totally agreed! Thanks so much for watching the channel.
@@codymmusic
I love the content. You do a great job. I'm actually going to compare my Recording King RD-328 to my Martin soon.
Awe was so happy to see you posted a new video! Guitar is sounding fab! 😊❤
Hi. I’ve been searching for one that would blow me away. “ in that price range “ but no luck so far. I’ve tried 3 328 and 1 318 . They sounded ok . But I was really disappointed. I had heard so many good things about these guitars from Jp Cormier.With that being said . My main guitar is an Boucher bg-152 gm. Since I’ve bought that guitar. Literally anything else sounds ,,, just ok. Glad you found one you like. Adirondack top and solid Indian rosewood B/S. thats a lot of guitar for under 1000$. 👍👍👍
Googling that Boucher now. Looks beautiful! Thanks so much for watching my channel!
Hey the Boucher is top top shelf you can't compare or are you just showing off?
What kind of strings do you recommend ??????????
Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze www.sweetwater.sjv.io/xkYy53
Congrats on the gitty up new guitar!!
Thanks Frank!
Recording King Headquarters is in Hayward California. We need some new bluegrass lick lessons now that you have that New Recording King.
Coming up! Thanks for watching.
What no Eastman guitars around you? Their model 8 dreadnaught is a cannon.
I’ll be in the lookout for one! Thanks for watching btw.
V shaped neck vs more of a C shaped
That’s the lingo I’m looking for! Thanks for that.
It couldn't be the best guitar for bluegrass cuz they've been using martins for the last hundred years 😂