Recording King Tonewood Reserve Elite Series

[Troubador]

Recording King has released their new Tonewood Reserve Elite Series, featuring the new dreadnought RD-342 with the 1 3/4 nut. The series also includes 000 and single 0 size guitars.

https://www.recordingking.com/rd342

[Jim Comeaux]

I have two R.K. guitars, see list below, and the Vee necks just don’t fit my style, or rather my hands. They are good guitars and worth the money, but they are not for me.

[davenumber2]

I have to say, all 3 sound really good. I wish they would have gone with a thicker profile to go along with the 1 3/4''. I have the 328 and the V is pretty thin. I assume these are the same.

I noticed the dread video was posted in March. I guess they are just now shipping?

[Troubador]

Originally Posted by davenumber2

I have to say, all 3 sound really good. I wish they would have gone with a thicker profile to go along with the 1 3/4''. I have the 328 and the V is pretty thin. I assume these are the same.

I noticed the dread video was posted in March. I guess they are just now shipping?

The rep told me they would be in stores in September. It will cost considerably more than the 328.

The V-neck on my 000 was comfortable to me. But everybody's hands are different.

[Troubador]

Originally Posted by Jim Comeaux

I have two R.K. guitars, see list below, and the Vee necks just don’t fit my style, or rather my hands. They are good guitars and worth the money, but they are not for me.

I'm sorry the necks don't work for you, since you like the guitars otherwise. I know how that is.

[SpruceTop]

Troubador, you've got me looking at the Recording King RD-342 and anticipating its release! What would you estimate its USD street price would be?

[Troubador]

Originally Posted by SpruceTop

Troubador, you've got me looking at the Recording King RD-342 and anticipating its release! What would you estimate its USD street price would be?

In an email responding to my inquiry about the guitar, a RK rep said this to me: "The retail price is going to be $1466.99, but some sellers may list it for less, it's up to them."

I was seriously considering getting this guitar, and I guess I still am, but I can get the Martin Special 16 from Guitar Center for $1682 after a 15% discount, plus taxes. But the RK does have the Adi spruce top, and I might be able to get some kind of discount from a dealer.

[davenumber2]

Originally Posted by Troubador

In an email responding to my inquiry about the guitar, a RK rep said this to me: "The retail price is going to be $1466.99, but some sellers may list it for less, it's up to them."

I was seriously considering getting this guitar, and I guess I still am, but I can get the Martin Special 16 from Guitar Center for $1682 after a 15% discount, plus taxes. But the RK does have the Adi spruce top, and I might be able to get some kind of discount from a dealer.

I wonder if it’s just going to be a 328 with bling and a wider neck or if something else sets it apart.

[Troubador]

Originally Posted by davenumber2

I wonder if it’s just going to be a 328 with bling and a wider neck or if something else sets it apart.

Here's a direct link to the guitar on RK's site, that I posted previously. The Adi spruce is an upgrade -- AAA Adirondack Spruce, but I don't know about other features.

https://www.recordingking.com/rd342

[George Henry]

The Music Link won’t produce enough of these guitars to make a meaningful difference in the marketplace. I have never seen a 328 for sale in East Tennessee, much less expect to see a 342. And this is supposed to be “bluegrass country”.

[Troubador]

Originally Posted by George Henry

The Music Link won’t produce enough of these guitars to make a meaningful difference in the marketplace. I have never seen a 328 for sale in East Tennessee, much less expect to see a 342. And this is supposed to be “bluegrass country”.

There's a RK dealer about 2 hours from me; I live in north MS. That dealer presently has a RD 318 and did have a RD 328 but sold it. Maybe they'll get a 342.

I have found that there are not a lot of any brand in stores within driving distance of me. If there were, I'd have gone and played them. I made trips to Memphis and Jackson last fall and was disappointed at the options available. I played some, but not nearly enough.

[Cibby]

I have the RD328 I think from the store Troubador was looking for one at. I didn’t think I’d like the neck. All my dreads are 1:3/4in nut width but I do ok with it. They did a good job setting it up and it’s worth the price I paid because it sounds more like a higher priced dread. I was surprised how well it is made for the price range it’s in. I’d love to play the new RD342 just to compare the two.

[Troubador]

Originally Posted by Cibby

I have the RD328 I think from the store Troubador was looking for one at. I didn’t think I’d like the neck. All my dreads are 1:3/4in nut width but I do ok with it. They did a good job setting it up and it’s worth the price I paid because it sounds more like a higher priced dread. I was surprised how well it is made for the price range it’s in. I’d love to play the new RD342 just to compare the two.

The RO 328 I had was a nice guitar, a well made one, with very good tone. I only sold it because I decided I wanted another dread.

[WFO!]

I think you should just get an HD28 and be done it.

[Troubador]

Originally Posted by WFO!

I think you should just get an HD28 and be done it.

I already have one. Am now looking for a dread to replace the 000 Recording King I sold.