100 Years of Recording King
For nearly a century, Recording King has been in the hands of in-the-know players, first nationally and now worldwide. On the heels of the Great Depression, countless players would purchase mail-order Recording King guitars, banjos, and lap steel guitars for the rare combination of quality and affordability that Recording King still excels at today. After lying dormant for years, the brand resurfaced in the early 2000s, offering vintage-style instruments at reasonable prices. Today, Recording King remains a top choice for musicians of all levels, proving that quality never goes out of style.
Acoustic Guitars
A great attention to detail is present both in the visible and the unseen parts of Recording King guitars. High-end materials like solid Adirondack spruce tops and tone generators like bone nuts and saddles are readily seen, but the company also focuses on the less-seen components that really make a world-class guitar. Hard maple bridge plates, solid mahogany neck blocks and end blocks, and hand-fit dovetail neck joints ensure every model is built with old-world knowledge. Recording King also uses CNC routing and modern robot-automated buffing for consistent results. Despite the high-tech construction methods, Recording King still employs human luthiers at each stage to guarantee each instrument looks and sounds amazing.
Resonator Guitars
Recording King resonator guitars deliver a unique, powerful sound that has become a staple in blues, bluegrass, and Americana music. Their small-batch European, hand-spun resonator cones serve as the primary tone generator for every resophonic instrument, delivering an unmistakable tone that normal stamped cones simply can’t touch. Recording King resonators offer a range of soundwell options so players can customize their sound. A variety of models are available, including single cone, tricone, roundneck, and squareneck versions. Whether you’re looking for a tone that’s tight and focused or wide open and swampy, there’s a Recording King resonator guitar to match every playing style and preference.
Banjos
Recording King banjos cater to musicians of all levels, thanks to their high-quality construction and distinct sound. Their banjo selection includes a range of open-back and resonator models to handle the needs of any folk or bluegrass musician. These instruments feature vintage-inspired finishes and hand-selected components which provide a unique playing experience that is both high-quality and affordable. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, a Recording King banjo is sure to add a new dimension to your sound and inspire your creativity.
Utility Instruments
Recording King utility instruments are the perfect way to add some unique spice to your music. From lap steel guitars to tenor guitars and mandolins, each instrument is crafted with precision and care to deliver a sound that’s unlike anything else. Whether you’re looking to add some twang or jangle or you just want to explore new musical avenues, Recording King’s utility line has something for you. These instruments are built to last and feature high-quality materials and construction, ensuring you’ll sound great in any venue.
The RK Mission
A great-sounding instrument should be for everyone, not just for pros. From the brand’s earliest history to today, Recording King’s goal has always been to craft instruments that can stand up to the discerning needs of players who want top-shelf performance, but are also inspiring and accessible to players of all levels.