Recording King RO-318 Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ก.ย. 2024
- Just a side note here: In the video I misstated the nut width. I said it was an 1 11/16”, but it is actually an 1 3/4”.
Folks, this is a Recording King RO-318. Please see specs listed below:
- String Type: Steel
- Number of Strings: 6
- Body Shape: 000
- Wood: Solid Adirondack Spruce
- Back & Sides Wood: Solid African Mahogany
- Body Bracing: X-bracing
- Binding: Ivoroid Neck Wood: Mahogany
- Neck Shape: Thin V
- Radius: 16"
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Fingerboard Inlay: Mother-of-pearl Dots
- Number of Frets: 20
- Scale Length: 24.9"
- Tuning Machines: Open Gear Butterbean
- Bridge Material: Rosewood
- Nut/Saddle Material: Bone/Bone
- Nut Width: 1.75"
- Case/Gig Bag: Sold Separately
#recordingking #recordingkingro318
Always feel free to reach out to me directly: asmallstone1977@gmail.com
Get video Randy. I can't wait till I can get mine now.
That joint (neck to head) was called a bird's head type joint. And that joint was stopped in the late 1800s but they kept that point (valute) as a design feature. But yes, back in the early 1800s, that would have been a two-piece neck with that bird's mouth joint.
I love my recording King RD-328 dreadnought. I think for the money you just can't beat these guitars by Recording King, and yours sounds awesome.
Again, I can't wait until I can get mine. I might even go for the mahogany instead of the rosewood version, like what you got.
That guitar lists for $649.00 (with no case) and at that price you just won't get a better, Martin sounding guitar. I know, I've searched...lol ..
Bottom line is this, you did this guitar a great service by really showing it's sound and quality and I thank you for that my friend.
I'll see you on the next one..
Oh, and I got mine from Chicago Music Exchange, and they set mine up pretty good before they sent it out. So where you purchased is also a factor of how good the guitar will be set up from the get go. But everything can be dialed in without too much effort..lol...
Thanks David. I really appreciate all of the help on this one, brother man 👍🏻
wow this is so amazingly well done and beautiful my frend great job
@@randysrhythm
I wasn't much help. Just someone to talk to that owns one from this brand of guitar.
@@HayesTech You’re so funny sometimes 😂
@@randysrhythm
But holy cow that thing sounds great... Talk to you soon my friend.
Congrats on 46years together.
Love the sound of that flat top.
Super video,thanks.
Hi Mark, we really appreciate the congratulations, she deserves it. Thanks for the kind words and this guitar shocked me with such a great sound. Appreciate you, brother man 👍🏻
I just picked up this guitar at Elderly Instruments and I simply love it. Thanks for the great video.
Hi James, great to hear that. It’s a wee cannon for sure and you’re most welcome, brother man 👍🏻
Thanks for the review. I picked up a used RO-318 last week. It had deader than dead strings and bad setup, so it was a leap of faith on my part. The action at the nut was fine, so I just got the truss rod tightened and dropped the saddle to taste. With new EJ16 strings she sounds quite good. I used to have a Yamaha LS16 which had very better build quality and a very balanced sound, but didn't move me. So far, I would describe the RK's sound as more dynamic. I actually really like the headstock on the RO-316 as well.
Hi David, appreciate the feedback. The sustain really caught my attention on this one. You’re right, the headstock is pretty sweet, brother man 👍🏻
first time ever seeing one of your videos..that intro pulled at the heartstrings..
Hi Leo, that comment made my day. How my wife stayed with me all of these years is still a conundrum that I’ll attribute to the Hand of God. It’s hard to believe how quickly another year has passed, but we’re coming up on 47 in July. Very much appreciated and I love the tag you have, @ComeOnPeopleThink, brother man 👍🏻
I just have to say, wow. I was watching this again and man, you really play guitar beautifully. You can tell when someone is going through the motions and someone who puts themselves into it. Talk to you soon my friend
Thanks brother man 👍🏻
What a guitar that is! Both sound and appearance score 10/10 and it seems to play very well. It deserves this deep-down review.
Very much appreciated, Mark. Thanks, brother man 👍🏻
Hey Randy . . . The people who who were correct or close to being correct in naming the guitar have great ears indeed. I haven't even heard of that brand, let alone the model. Nice upload Mate. 🎸 🎼 🎧 ✌
Thanks, brother man. Some folks just have an ear like that. I can’t relate! They are cool little guitars. The dread versions are even more powerful. Thanks again and stay away from those pesky spiders 😲
Awesome reveal!! Ive never heard of this guitar but it sure sounds great for a great price!!! This was a fun game!!😁 Thanks for all the info!!! I also loved the pics of you and your wife. A big congratulations to you both, 46 yrs is amazing!!!!!💜💜💜
Well, thank you Ms J-Lyn! Donna deserves a medal. She once told me that if I ever leave her, she’s coming with me 😂. Always appreciate you, ma’am 👍🏻
Dear Randy,Sir. 46 years ... you are blessed (great video by the way - love the guitar ) All the best...
Mr Paul, just made my night, hearing from you, sir. I did see where you uploaded a couple of videos, so I’ll be checking them out tomorrow. I always appreciate your kind support and encouraging comments. Thank you very much, brother man 👍🏻
My wife is a patient woman, so what can I say?
That Epiphone J-45 sure sounds great....I love it and the Epiphone INISPIRED BY GIBSON Hummingbird. Those Epiphones have a bell-tone quality sound that
is just beautiful to my ears!
Completely agree, brother man 👍🏻
That’s a nice sounding guitar and it looks beautiful. I am still amazed at the sound coming out of the Masterbilt Excellente! I noticed Sweetwater sold out real fast on their recent Excellente inventory so the word is getting out. Congratulations on your upcoming 46th anniversary-celebrate well!
Hi Collins, always a pleasure to hear from you. Yes sir, the tone and sustain is pretty incredible on this one. The lack of inventory on the Excellente doesn’t really surprise me. I wonder how much longer they’ll make it? Thanks for the well wishes. My wife deserves it 😂👍🏻
You look and sound like my uncle. Thanks for letting me be nostalgic ☺️
Hi Ronni, very kind of you to say and glad it took you back. Anything that takes you back these days is a Godsend 👍🏻
Thank you for your video. I tried a $200 Recording king dirty 30’s 000 body and it was cheaply made , but I expected that for a $200 ( new) guitar. The frets were very sharp, but that’s would you get at that price point except maybe a Yamaha.
It sounds like this is definitely a much higher end build. Thank you for showing this to us.
I also have that Epiphone J45. A surprisingly good guitar for the money and the slightly shallower body depth works well for me.
You’re welcome, Anthony. Yes sir, this one has some high quality woods for sure. It’s very well built, but poorly set up. However, setups are easy enough, especially at this price point.
Agreed, the 45 is pretty killer, brother man 👍🏻
Great sounding 000. The quality materials and work looks very much like the nicer Eastman Guitars. Makes you wonder if made in same China factory? Just imagine in 25 years how these R,Kings and Eastman’s will sound. That guitar there is definitely much nicer than the better Yamaha’s in late 60s Early 70’s we played. For the $ these guitars are sweet👍🇺🇸
Hi Dennis, I had that same question. It certainly needs a talented luthier, like your good self, to make some final adjustments, but the woods are just killer. I surely appreciate you, brother man and hope you are doing great, brother man 👍🏻
These are not made in the same factory as Eastman. The Easties are or were hand made in small numbers. These RKs are not so much, but very well specced. They are also half the price of the Eastmans.
Very interesting Randy , awesome information , and how you break it down , have a fantastic week 🎶🎸👍🎶
Thank you, brother man Steve 👍🏻
Good review. I like your picking of Welcome to my World. Good day
Hi Justin, I really appreciate the kind words, brother man 👍🏻
Another great review Randy, I have a recording King and love it..
Hey Derek, thanks for the kind words, brother man 👍🏻. They have setup challenges, but as you know, they build some surprising guitars these days, all things considered.
Sounds really good, $21out of pocket, can't beat that👍👍
Thanks, James! No sir, I don’t think I’ll ever beat that, brother man 👍🏻
Man, that’s some guitar, Brother Man - especially for $21! 😊
Seriously, it sounds amazing, and SO different from the J45. This is proof of my theory that when it comes to guitars, you only need one….more
$21.00!! Yes sir, quite a great guitar from the Chinese builders. This will be my last guitar….. until my next one 😂, brother man 👍🏻
I love your personal photos!! Nice guitar, I’m late to the party but it sounds amazing!
Hi Christina, thank you, ma’am! Thought I’d do a short journey of life, since life is actually quite short 😂. Appreciate you and your support, ma’am 👍🏻
@@randysrhythm couldn’t agree more! Happy to do it, sir!
Awesome sounding guitar Randy!! You played it beautifully! I really enjoyed your video! Big like!! 👏👏✌️🎸🎶👍
Thanks Brian. Hope all is well with you, brother man 👍🏻
I have played a couple really nice dreads. Always like the headstock design too. As with most manufacturers, QC can be hit and miss, but there is a lot of great gear coming from across the pond.
I couldn’t agree more, brother man Steve. Always appreciate your insights, brother man 👍🏻
Sou ds so good my Dear Friend Randy!!
Love and respect Kyle!! 😊🥁🇵🇭
Thank you, Kyle, my wee brother man 👍🏻
Nice!:) this sounds great!:)
Thank you, Choey 👍🏻
Nice video and so funny with the racoon story 😂 really nice guitar sound, thank you so much to play it so sweet 🙏😉👍
Thanks, Ren!
I could hear that Vibrato sound coming from that guitar when you played some chords! Interesting sound!
It is pretty crazy, TM. The 45 has a bit of that as well. Those are the only 2 guitars I’ve ever experienced that with 👍🏻
Just purchased the RO 328 with rosewood B/S with addy top. love it. It competes well with my Martin D-18.
Hi Buz, considering the price point, these things are insane, right? Such clarity, sustain and volume. If they weren’t made in China, they’d have another $2K added to the price, brother man 👍🏻
I'm basically a dobro player and didn't really need another ax, but with the quality, sound, and price I couldn't pass it up.@@randysrhythm
Wow that guitar sounds great and lovely pics of you and your wife sweet and congratulations blessed !
Thanks on both counts, Ms Kathy 👍🏻
I’ve never heard of the make Randy - I’m quite ignorant in that way - but it certainly sounds good to me! 👍🏻 Regards, Dave
Hi David, many folks have never heard of them. It’s strange in a way, since they were around when parlors were introduced, so a very old company, introduced in the 1930’s. Always appreciate you, brother man 👍🏻
That’s a really nice sounding guitar. Could stand to hear you play some more.
Are you sure, Ms Rose 😂? I am always concerned it might scare folks off, ma’am 👍🏻
@@randysrhythm as frightening as you are, I know I would enjoy listening! 🤣
Thanks very much for your review of this and appreciate you letting the chords ring and hearing those harmonics. I know exactly what you mean about the string spacing; I have an RK Series 11 000 with similar wider string spacing and lovely neck profile that I really enjoy playing. I do a review of that guitar on my channel. Best wishes from Australia.
Great to have another reviewer on the channel. You are most welcome, brother man 👍🏻
Very good show, I'm happy to be able to enjoy the show that you share.
Greetings to you, hopefully healthy always
Thank you, Anthon 👍🏻
I played the RD328 and love it.Ended up buying a Yamaha LS16 but it was a hard decision.Gteay review.
Hi Pat, I love the LS16! A great choice for sure. Very much appreciate the view and comment, brother man 👍🏻
Great reveal Randy, I'm not familiar with Recording Kings but it does sound great and looks good for a Chinese guitar for around 700 dollars and you say you got it for 21 dollars 👏🏻 anyway great video and playing and I enjoyed seeing those old photos at the beginning, so you and your wife are coming up on 46 years married is that right? Well an early congratulations to you both 🎸👏🏻👏🏻🙏🏻
Hi Trevor, thank you for the kind words. Yes sir, 46 years in July. I have no idea how she pulled it off, brother man 👍🏻
Very good friend, Beautiful song 🎶
Thank you, Airton 👍🏻
Hello, Randy. Nice video, as always.
from Alabama!
Howdy, Ms Alabama Brooke! Thank you, ma’am 👍🏻
@@randysrhythm you're very welcome! Hope you have a wonderful day.
good looking and sounding guitar.
Thanks, brother man 👍🏻
Hey Randy, checking out another video. I came across this guy Jamey Johnson, a really intense dude, and some beautiful acoustic songs he's written. I'm sure many others know or has heard of him...but I just discovered him
My Epiphone inspired. By Gibson is doing great, sounds better every day if that makes sense.
Hey brother man, Jamey is a killer performer and quite a musician, for sure. I agree, these beasts are opening up more every time you play them. Always appreciate you checking out the videos, and your insights, my friend 👍🏻
Uhhhhhh dude,
It’s a 1 3/4” nut
It’s. 24.9” scale length
I own the sister guitar, the RO-328
And I’m buying this one as well
Hey Hippy, yes sir. I corrected that in the description after I uploaded the video. Appreciate you catching it 👍🏻
Never heard of that brand but it does sound good 👍
Hi Bruce, they’ve been around since the 1930’s. Of course the quality was better when they built them in the states. Always appreciate you, brother man 👍🏻
Those tuners are open back Grovers. The ones on my guitar are excellent
Hi Robert, they were just a tad high on the ratio for me, but they seem to work fine, so I think I’ll just leave them on, brother man 👍🏻
Great video/review thanks!!! Is that a Harmony 319 12 string over your left shoulder? Let's here it!!!!!
Hi Jim, thank you. No sir, that’s a 1970 6 string Stella. I actually did a bit of slide with it about 7 months ago, Amazing Grace Dedication.
Wow! You managed to trick a beautiful woman into marrying you too!! ")
Jack ~'()'~
I lied like a dog 😂
Fantastic overview and insight. I have the Epi IBG J45 (love it btw)
Seems this Recording King would provide some great alternate sound/stylings for a reasonable price. Would installing a set of genuine Waverlys be justified in addition to some nut and saddle work?
Thanks Sandy! Yes, it would be worth it. I detest their method of setup, but they really uncovered a goldmine of woods for this lineup. I really appreciate you taking time out to watch and comment 👍🏻
Randy , For a brand , made by Gibson back in the day with a lot of water passed under that bridge are making a real close copy of Martin`s ,,, not an exact copy but close enough for the average player ! Kinda makes you want to try to find one.
Now ,,, Just What Will The Colonel Pull Out Next For Us ??????
Yes sir, Colonel, I completely agree. What’s next? Well sir, two of you have requested fingerstyle tunes to be taught and then I have a Gretsch and a custom guitar that I had built last year that I need to do reviews on.
@@randysrhythm Randy might have to call in sick to get these video`s out ,,, Tell them your Fans Are Waiting !!!
Very nice 👍
Thank you, Cameron 👍🏻
❤❤❤
목소리가 너무 환상적이시네요!!! 사랑해요!!! ❤❤❤❤
If only I had sang a song, that would have really been a special comment 😂
Twenty one bucks huh? One last question brother, what kind of handgun were holding at the man's skull again? LOL!
Jack ~'()'~
😂, didn’t need to do that. Someone gave me enough gift cards to take care of all of it, but $21.00!
How do you like this guitar compared to the Martin 000-15sm? I mean it’s not going to beat the Martin but is it a good buy for the money in your opinion?
Hi Holden, of course the Martin is a higher quality build, no doubt. However, the quality of the sound on this 318 is just unbelievable. You’ll surely have to have it set up, but the woods alone are more than worth it. It has clarity and sustain that is just killer. For the money, I don’t know how you beat it, brother man 👍🏻
@@randysrhythm Thanks for the reply. I love my 000-15sm and I play a Faith acoustic Moon dust grey Neptune. It’s solid Java Mango top, back and sides with maple binding. It’s a nice guitar as well. Very well known in the UK. I’m looking to get a 3rd acoustic as I play in standard and alternate tunings when I play songwriter conventions. Looking for something different or I guess you could say a little cheaper but solid wood.
I’ll add one more thing here, Holden, I have a custom built 12th Root 000 and the sustain is equal to that guitar. There are several thousand dollars between the two. The 12th Root is a very high end custom build, built partially for me and I love it. That said, I’m pretty impressed with the Recording King 👍🏻
I wouldn't assume that everyone will like the Martin better.... A standard Martin 000 is a factory guitar.... It will also just have Sitka spruce..... QC will be higher on a Martin and it will probably be set up better.. Certainly have better tuners... But as a factory guitar there is absolutely no guarantees that the Martin will sound better.... It even ultimately be a better guitar.
@@ramspencer5492 The 00015m Martin is all mahogany guitar.
I started playing guitar in my 60s and will never be a flat picker or finger picker because of essential tremor in my arms, so I'm just a strummer. You talked about certain characteristics of this Recording King that make it well-suited for fingerpicking. Are there guitars that are made to be especially good for strumming? Or can that be assumed for any kind of guitar?
Hi Rick, I think it can be said for about any guitar, but there are perhaps some better suited for strumming. One of the best sounding strummers that I’ve ever owned was a Martin DSS-17. Unless you’re looking at a particular price range, that is a great strummer. If I can help with any further information, please let me know, brother man 👍🏻
Too bad i'm a little bit too far from you, otherwise i could have work on this guitar to make it comfortable for free i do it always myself for all my guitars i'm use to do that. Well have a wonderful day and happy new year 😉👍
Hi Ren, appreciate such a kind gesture. I think I’ve about got it right at this point. It’s a killer little guitar for sure. Appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment, brother man 👍🏻
Hi Randy, thank you a lot to you to take time to answer me. I know web are living very strange time and for me it's become very important to rebuild the humans relations it's my new way of life. So if you think now this little guitar feels good to you it's the most important and if the tuner are good better to keep them in place it give a little kind of roots guitar and it is I think and that is not bad at all to keep them. I never change what it works well in a guitar. Well now it seems you will have to make another nice video and tell us some new little stories as you like to do. I like that so much to ear that king of little things it's the salt of the life. I hope to ear you soon with that little beauty. 🙏👍😉
Is that a guitar or originator?
@@jerrydosser7031 Hi Jerry, great to hear from you. Do you mean, resonator? Regardless, it is indeed a guitar. Hope you and yours are keeping well, brother man 👍🏻
I would greatly appreciate your opinion from Spain, if you had to buy a single guitar, which would it be the Epiphone or the Recording King?
Hi FD, keeping in mind that they are different body sizes, if you can find an IBG Hummingbird made in Indonesia, I’d take the IBG Hummingbird every time. I hope this helps, brother man 👍🏻
LIKE #11!!!
Hi Anastasia, thank you, ma’am 👍🏻
wow this is so beautiful and amazingly well done hey! you want to collab im starting to collab again my frend
Sure nuff, brother man, just let me know the details and we’ll work something out 👍🏻
You said the nut width is 11/16 inches but the Recording King website and every website that offers this guitar says the nut width is actuall 1 3/4 inches? You even listed in your own review under your written specifications that the nut is 1 3/4 inches. So which is the correct nut width?
Hello, I went back to the description just now to make clear my mistake in the video. Thank you for pointing that out to me. The nut is actually 1 3/4”. Sorry for the confusion and appreciate you catching that 👍🏻
Thanks for clarifying it I appreciate it.@@randysrhythm
Thats 1 3/4 nut width
Hi Joe, I don’t know what was going through my mind at the time, so thanks for clarifying. I did put it in the description as 1 3/4”, but must’ve eaten some ice cream before the video and had a brain freeze. Thanks again, brother man 👍🏻
The recording king is a lot chimier than the Epiphone... Not better, just more chime and clarity... I would lean towards it myself, but they're apples and oranges
Hey Spencer, I tend to agree. Apples to oranges, but the RK has chime for sure. Appreciate you weighing in, brother man 👍🏻
What strings come on it
Hi David, I don’t know what it shipped with, but I replaced them with Martin Retro 12’s.