Recording King ROS-626

Excellent value, excellent tone

My first nice guitar was a Martin D-15 Rosewood which I loved at first but then grew to not like because it was too bassy. I thought I wanted a well balanced guitar with a lot of mid-range so my second nice guitar was a Taylor GS in maple which I bought because the tone was perfectly balanced, but after a couple of years playing it I came to realize that it didn't sound (or look) at all like a blues guitar...(not bassy enough). So I decided to do my homework and figure out what I really needed. I learned that I should stick with all solid wood and a smaller body to replicate the sound of the old blues recordings. I learned that I like wider necks and string spacing, and there are very few manufacturers offering anything wider than 1 7/8". I'd learned with the Taylor that I can't relax and enjoy something I've paid too much for because I'm too afraid it's going to get a nick or a ding, but unfortunately there aren't very many new models that sound or feel or look like true vintage guitars besides some really expensive Martins. I learned the hard way that there are a lot of relatively inexpensive vintage guitars on Ebay, but never to buy anything that you can't play first. In doing my research I saw Recording King, but I initially passed over them because they're made in China, and because at the time I discovered them I thought that I wanted a vintage instrument. I probably would not have bought one except that there was a guy selling a used one on Ebay and he lived pretty close to me, so I was able to go play it first. What I really love about it is the tone...it grabbed me from the start like most guitars don't except for Martins and Taylors and some Gibsons. The wide string spacing and wide neck...much, much easier to fingerpick and also flat pick. I'm really impressed with the quality components...I don't know anyone who is using real bone for nuts and saddles anymore. As I said earlier, the only thing I would criticize would be the finish...not bad, but not perfect if you're into perfect. So, the bottom line is that if you're picky about playability and tone and you're nervous about buying something over the internet sight unseen, (which I'm pretty sure is how most RK's are sold), then you're just like I was. I don't normally write reviews, but I thought it would be a good thing to do in case there's anyone struggling with the decision. I really think RK is the only guitar out there that fits the niche that it does for a great sounding, great playing, vintage style guitar that costs under a grand.

Great playing small bodied guitar at a reasonable price

I tried this guitar for the first time a Schoenberg's in Sausalito, California. At first I was taken by its looks but then its playability and sound really appealed to me. This guitar represents a major leap forward in the Recording King line.

An excellant guitar for the money.

The Recording King ROS 626 is a fine instrument. The quality of the woods and the assembly were great. It fits right in with my style. The price was $749, I would call that a steal. Just read the acoustic guitar review of the recording king. That says it all.

If you want sound - look no more

A buddy of mine bought a Recording King Jubilee series about 8 months ago. It sounded great but was a slope shoulder body with sunburst finish. I like fingerpicking so I saw this RK-626 in the store. Tried it and was blown away with the sound. It really kicks some serious sound ass. It competes head to head with my Martin 000 28VS which I have had for about 8 years. They really have the details down even has Nitrocellous finish...it has a smooth silky feel...I love the neck profile on this guitar. Bought mine for $749 from Elderly Instruments - great set up.

These guys got it right!

If you are into sound like me then this guitar will knock your socks off. I play for hobby, but have been playing for around 20 years. I saw this guitar hanging on the wall at our local store and played it out out of curiosity. Wow...I bought it on the spot. Later had to explain to the wife....just had to play the standard song I wrote for her in college on it...works everytime! Great guitar for the price. Even inside the guitar is clean. I took a mirror and it had scalloped bracing and even a maple bridge plate. The guitar had a list price for $999. I got mine for $749. Even included a great Guardian archtop case! I also love the fact the guitar has nitrocellous finish and lifetime warrenty.

Not sure who is behind these things, but they know what they are doing!