GSWJ - JP Reviews the Recording King RD 342

[@tadgoodman]

Got a RD-328 because of your reviews and it's fantastic. The sharp v neck was weird at first coming from a Taylor but got used to it pretty quickly and love it.

[@BrickhouseGuitarsKitchener]

Thanks! Cheers. Roger

[@jamesmcgraw724]

You are spot on with your comments about not all Recording Kings being the same quality on anything. The last RK I bought off Amazon was junk and promptly returned it. The talent you have you could make a garden rake sound good but us mere mortals cannot.

[@TheScottyj75]

Awesome Review JP. Love recording king guitars and loved the Boucher clinic last week. Cheers.

[@jamesgraff6259]

Gordon Lightfoot one of the best ever….I just watched he and his band perform Canadian Railroad Trilogy and I started crying like a baby.. He will live on forever in our hearts. God bless you all

[@soniah4821]

Putting it on my list. Thanks JP.

[@tubadylan]

Nice looking guitar. Your reviews are always excellent. Thanks, J.P.

[@hobonickel840]

Thank you! Sounded great! I hope I can find a buck banger that sounds that good

[@JBMindset]

Hey man, I love your channel. I can't afford the Master Boutiques you really enjoy. But I will definitely be checking out this RK stuff. I appreciate your honesty.

[@danstune]

JP, Thank you for the review and great demo playing. I trust your judgement.

[@radiumrickshaw9920]

Looks a lot like my old "Flinthill FHG-26" which was made in China. I'm told there's some connection to Recording King, but there doesn't seem to be much info available.

[@rickhernandez-z9t]

Thank you for making me aware of Recording King guitars. I have an Ro 318. I will be purchasing a Ro 342 soon. Thank you again. By the way you are a great musician John.

[@nikmidclayton5933]

Got one today, i thought the v neck was weird at first but the more i play it the more i like it. I love the low/mid sound of the guitar.

[@dennishache5023]

I have an RD 227. It had issues with the bridge as well but I had a thicker one made and it is perfect. It sounds great and JP is right you need to use a humidifier

[@cripmeister9104]

I know why the pickguard covers the rosette. It is cut with the wrong radius and that is the only way it will line up. I replaced the pickguard on my RD-328 and it is the same way.

[@guyincognito320]

Theyre all like that even on the triple O's

[@nicbordsy]

JP, you’re the best at this. We emailed a while back and I asked for your advice on which guitar to purchase. I went with recording king 328 and I am in love with it. I also got one of the “The Loar” mandolins (their sister company) and I love that as well! I’m becoming a huge RK and The Loar fan. Banjo next! Cheers!

[@Ledzepfan88]

Im sold on this and the FG5 would love to see a contrast video if you still have that Yamaha.

[@markashworth983]

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your friend, Mr Lightfoot, J.P. 😞

[@johnhiscutt1853]

HI JP It says on there website the top is AAA andirondack spruce or red spruce!!

[@nikkicartee879]

Wondering if you’ve ever done a review on the recording king road king pro grand auditorium cutaway?

[@philmansfield8825]

I just recently acquired a RD126...what a great cannon of a guitar

[@joaotordo449]

my only Recording King experience with an RPS-11-FE3-TBR (not exactly the cheapest model): the bridge collapsed after less than 3 months. Not buying another one of these anytime soon! Really like your videos JP!

[@benallmark9671]

Ya I ordered one and it came with a dud bridge pin. I gave it away.

[@bobbyclobber]

Just wondering what you meant by the bridge collapsed?

[@joaotordo449]

@@bobbyclobber maybe bad english on my end...it split in two, and then it sort of...imploded.

[@bobbyclobber]

@joaotordo449 Thank you, Joao! I understand. Did you get a new bridge put on? It is a beautiful guitar.

[@joaotordo449]

@@bobbyclobber it sounded great, it did. But it kind of self-destroyed. it's been sitting on a corner since.

[@scottbradford960]

Trying out a 342 in a couple days that has almost same serial number as this one. Hoping it is as good as this one

[@gabeensley1842]

I’ve been thinking about buying this for the past month and also wondering if you would ever do a review, there’s not a lot of videos on this specific model.

[@fredericroy6425]

I have ordre one 7 Weeks agi, cant Wait to have it!!! Hope that Will sound as good as this one!!!! Ive purchase an Alvarez md60 BG...great great guitare!!! Thank you JP!!!

[@ryanbloom1738]

Would be a good companion with my blueridge br280.

[@davidmosher9470]

The pickguard radius only lines up one place.

[@HayesTech]

I can verify that Recording King makes great guitars. I have the RD-328 and it just keeps getting better and better the more I play it. I want to get the 000-28 version that they build because of my handicap, it would be easier for me to play.

[@LarryPerkins78]

You won't be disappointed...a friend here in Nashville just got one and it's one of if not THE best sounding 000 rosewood anything I've ever heard. One heck of a bunch of guitar for a little bit of money

[@mitchmalloy3468]

I want that!

[@dalesearcy5734]

In the early 2000's, I owned a Recording King that was a copy of a 40's series Martin. It was a great sounding guitar and the neck was like the one that you have in this video. Greg Rich worked for Recording King at the time that I bought mine. Before that, he worked for Gibson and was one of the people that did their inlet work. I don't remember the model of mine but it was all solid wood. The guitar had what we all called a fuggly pickguard, which I replaced.

[@daw162]

Dude (G. Rich) was a master of lampooning people with cartoons on the banjohangout, too. I had an archtop from a company he was involved with. I don't think it was RK and can't remember the name now, but it had wood filler at the neck joint that just didn't look great, a neck that could've eaten a 70s fender deluxe, but for almost no money it had a solid spruce top and a sound that came straight from heaven. I've made some guitars. I could care less about the "oops" with the wood filler on a $900 guitar with a solid spruce top (carved, not pressed) and I could've shaved the neck if I'd have kept it (ran into too many inexpensive used archtops at the time).....What I do care about is that sound. Wow. It has only been outclassed by a 900 series hand carved eastman cutaway that I got later. I had a brand new bought from the factory (lesson learned) heritage golden eagle that was by no means as mellow or open and sweet as either of those guitars.

[@Tbone1952]

I love the guitars but the neck profile makes it impossible for me to play. 😢 I’ve had both the 318 and 328 got them both sold, neck profile sucks.

[@nylonsteel]

Love my RD 328 ,the finish isnt as thick as some state on the top anyway,the back and sides could be thinner but hey protection ;)

[@jimmyolsenschannel6263]

Thanks for this video. One thing puzzles me though. You describe the neck as a "sharp V" and indeed it looks that way, yet according to Recording King it's a "thin V", and some reviewers say that too. Are there different versions of the design? Perhaps Recording King have changed the neck profile along the way?

[@guanobucks]

Why wouldn’t you humidify in the case to bring back up? Sounds great

[@jbanjo056]

Ok guys, first of all, great video as always JP! I have to tell you, that I was recently at a trade room during a convention and played a 342 that was complete and utter bullocks, I mean shite terrible. Thus is obviously a stellar guitar, as it compares favorably to a lot I've heard him review, but he is telling you right about the quality control. Whatever you do, play it before you buy it and DEFINITELY don't order one off the internet. They do, apparently make some great guitars though, and much respect to the company for what they do. Cheers

[@rcrai3]

You are making me rethink my decision.

[@jbanjo056]

@@rcrai3 hey bro! Not hating on recording king at all here! Just a brand from which you need to play the individual instrument before buying, that's all. Things to look out for are unevenness of volume across strings and possible buzziness, some of which can be fixed or altered though. Also their v neck is extreme lol. But some are great instruments!

[@josejcastaneda5826]

I am debating between this one and the RD 328? Any advice!

[@believer936]

I just got one. I love it already. I do wish they had put the torch in the headstock. I’m pretty sure the top is Adirondack.

[@jcsmith9518]

Looks nice JP. Don't know about the pick guard placement though.

[@Wobbz9413]

Oh NO! The pick guard police.....🫣

[@kurtdavidson9808]

John, I have purchased two acoustic guitars based on your review. Now that guitar the recording king sounds very much like that little Alverez that you did a review on that I purchased the next day. I also bought the Apple phone Loretta Lynn custom shop excellente it took me just about a year to get. Now because I’m just learning and only been playing for about two years. I felt like I really didn’t need to spend $4000 on a guitar. But I have picked up $4000 guitars and I’ll have to say I love this Alverez and this Apple phone just as much as those $4000 guitars I picked up and played.

[@Craig_KCfan]

I am new to the idea of purchasing a Recording King eventually.. unfortunately with having a family and needing to watch my money, it will be quite awhile to be able to afford anything like a RD-328 or a RD342… any whoo I am curious if a person is paying a decently expensive price on the upper Recording King’s how come you don’t get any electronics? I mean is that’s fair question? Thank you for what you do.. to be honest if I am interested in a Recording King I look for your videos first.. I was interested in their 11 series 000 series until I watched your videos on the RD-328 and the RD-342… Thank you again Craig

[@elipatrickmusic]

What's the name of the tune at 5:14?

[@lostjohn]

Wild horses at stony point

[@3cardmonty602]

They’re going for about $800 in the States right now. Wow!

[@pepe3675]

No, The most common price is 1099.99 in places like sweetwater, Guitar Center, reberb etc, if you find it at 800 it would be an offer or something like that or maybe used

[@soofitnsexy]

1100

[@ramspencer5492]

Two. 1,100. Now if you could just go in and play a bunch of them and pick the star of the litter

[@toddcagle4245]

Is it possible for you to review the Alverez MDR70ESB. It’s a twelve fret dreadnaught. I have yet to see a review I trust. I respect you and your music as well as your opinion on guitars

[@johnyeaman5192]

Hi John I've ordered my Recording king 342 John.Y UK

[@Lfrm-420]

1yr review. What do you think?

[@Terry-fp3dw]

Nice Zippo JP! Got one just like it 👍

[@xa9590]

What a beautiful guitar. Do you think I’d have a better chance of getting a quality guitar from reverb going with an rd 328 or an rd 342. I know it’s a craps shoot but I’m just trying to increase my odds

[@ramspencer5492]

It would really help if they use torrified wood..... That one sings.... But it would help too get more great sounding guitars.... It's not like we can go in ourselves and pick the best of the litter.

[@billdedrick1914]

Have you ever played a 2011-2012 RD-316? or RD-126?

[@joemcgraw5529]

ok wow just read the specs and its amazing but I dont see a sale price on it ,im really intersested in this guitar ,if its close in price to the RD328 im gonna try to buy 1 for my son

[@panayotiscanellopoulos8696]

One correction JP... the top is Adirondack spruce!!! I felt in love... just as the RD-328 one.... hard to choose... But in these prices , I can afford them BOTH!!!! 😀

[@markcrawford8876]

Dang dude, you got Chops! What strings are on that axe if you don't mind me asking.

[@GaryFerguson-zh1jn]

Unfortunately JP I did not get the same R D 342 Recording King that you did ! At the time there was only one in the US and I went for it after watching your videos ! It doesn’t have the sound that yours seems to have ! It sounds quite tinny, and the tuners sometimes have to be turned a half to a full turn in order to get them to respond ! The set up is as you mentioned is to low ! And I only have seven other guitars, and they all beat it for quality and sound ! And unfortunately, there are watermarks on the back ! I have no idea where they came from ! And I did end up paying about 2200 with the exchange and duty ! at this point, I have sent it out to my luthier to have the strings changed new bone pins pegs to try to get it to the point where I can sell it or play it ! I certainly would not have bought this guitar had I had the opportunity to play it in music store ! Anyway, I love your videos, but this one just didn’t make the cut !

[@petrvacek7057]

I admire your hands - are you going to keep that RD342?

[@toddcagle4245]

JP does that neck have a gloss finish?

[@nikmidclayton5933]

Yes, just got one

[@dgarner23]

Looking to get yet another dread. Do you prefer the RD342 or the Masterbuilt Frontier as far as pure clear tone?

[@JPCormier]

They’re pretty different. The Epi is more consistent. But a good RK sounds like a friggin Martin. I would try both before putting money down

[@cajunqueen5125]

luv my RD-328

[@jamiemacdonald6951]

Would you trade that for a Boucher

[@tedr.]

RIP Mr Gordon Lightfoot. 😢

[@12babyapes59]

I got a Yamaha LL16D and LL6 and a RK RO 328 because your Indocement.

[@Tbone1952]

I’d have all three models if it weren’t for that impossible neck profile.

[@halvach1998]

Nothing wrong with a V profile, feels odd at first, but you'll soon get used to it

[@HBoxEntertainment]

Have you played a Zager, Mr. Cormier? If not, I think you should try to get one from them and do a review. I trust your opinion.

[@joemcgraw5529]

hmm just dont know about that v neck but I could always reshape it and would if I bought 1

[@deejay.s]

Unfortunately like you said, they don't all come out great...Bought mine brand new at the shop and it had a warped neck! 😢

[@Terry-fp3dw]

It's an Adirondack spruce top J.P not Sitka spruce. The only reason I know is after hearing you review this fine instrument I had a closer look

[@bleufishtv]

I wish I like the V shape neck. It’s the only reason i haven’t bought one

[@d.j.williams-hello]

Played an RD-342 today and it is an outstanding guitar. I’m not adding “for the price” to this comment because it is just plain outstanding. Period.

[@Sankeyite]

DRIFTWOOD GUITARS.... PLEASE...Really would like to know IF the ego and hype of the builders are in fact meet with the quality and precision, sound they claim... Please review one of there dreds!!!!

[@andorrasrevenge1683]

Yeah I try not to comment if I don’t have anything nice to say, but those guys really put me off and the builds I’ve seen didn’t look very good. Who knows on the sound but I’d bet they do t sound as good as a Sexauer or Ryan which you could get for 15,000.

[@charlesfellows8130]

I own a bunch of Recording kings , if it wasn't for that company there's no way I could have owned and played almost every vintage body style. I have one in short scale 12 fret slope dread that is just amazing. If you're looking for bang for your buck, you can't go wrong buying a recording King. The only problem that I have had is a couple slightly cracked bridges between the pins, nothing a little sawdust and glue didn't take care of. Not sure of the newer models like the one He's showing here but on the older ones plan on doing some fret work and set up and you'll have one sweet axe. I won't be buying the one shown tho, not a fan of all the bling and that v-neck.

[@SibeDad]

Just watched a short video of a RK RO=342, kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWLKhGyFj9eseNE, and noticed the pick guard was below the abalone rosette. Weird, they would not do that on the RD.

[@rcrai3]

What the hell. The pick guard has been driving me nuts on this model. But they fixed it on the RO. Why????

[@spiritualawakenings6251]

The year is now 2024 almost 25. Anyone can make high end guitars now at much lower prices than ever. Surprise, technology has advanced since the 1930s . Recording King, Yamaha, Epiphone, the new sigmas. They all make quality high end guitars at lower prices enjoy

[@12babyapes59]

Love my Yamaha LL16D, I also have the RK RO 328

[@billdedrick1914]

The top on this is AAA Adirondack not Sitka

[@kimlombardy3393]

Just tuned in to you from down here in the sunny south Augusta GA home of James Brown. You are just a refreshing break from alot of the hype we see on U Tubey. I appreciate your straight talk and candor. Please continue with these videos, they are educational, enlightening and entertaining. I will following you from now on. And I just ordered the RC elite because of you I saved $2000 vs buying a Martino. Your check is in the mail 🙂

[@bengtsjoberg]

Nice, maybe it’s time to upgrade from my RD-328 that I bought on your device 🤠👍🏻

[@fenixfp40]

Would be nice if you played melodic tune instead of the single note jigs. Finger style too would be nice.

[@buskman3286]

That neck is unplayable for me. Heck I sold a Martin OOO28EC that I got in a trade because of the V neck and it was't nearly as sharp as that. Re RK guitars: I have a five year old 328, which has a "normal" neck, and use it regularly for some gigs. One thing that might be important is that the Martin will play much louder. The RK will choke at some point and won't get louder no matte how much harder you pick/strum. My Martin D28 will keep getting louder until you can't hit it any harder. Doesn't matter if you are plugged in/amplified or by yourself in your bedroom but if you are in an acoustic band it will make a huge difference.

[@GMec78]

Starts out saying the most Canadian thing he possibly could start a video with, "some guitars are like rabid raccoons..."

[@cajunqueen5125]

👍👍👍

[@GaryFerguson-zh1jn]

Well, sorry JP my recording is getting experience is not very good about the only RD 342 in the US had it shipped to Canada and it had so many flaws in it that I probably shouldn’t even try and list them ! Flaws in the finish flaws in the tuner the action was way off and three of the tumours didn’t work properly. You shouldn’t have to turn a full turn in order to get a response. ! And it sounded terrible ! My final cost when I got here was $2200 ! Pretty big hit I’d say !

[@JPCormier]

I would demand a refund. Their quality control is sometimes suspect. Get your money back. They will honour your request, they are pretty good about making things right. I’d stay away from buying another one if this was your first experience.

[@thasandmanmorrison8469]

J.P. ,,,that top is a AAAA adirondack top.

[@philmansfield8825]

The what brothers?

[@daw162]

wow...that thing is bottom heavy just like a real martin. The top end is muted in comparison level wise. ...but just like the real thing!

[@nikmidclayton5933]

The low/mids sound great

[@keenanrae]

Too late for this review. I know you've had this guitar for a while and I subscribed to your channel hoping for a review but it was just you taking delivery and a teaser of you opening the case. Bought a atkin white rice instead

[@ClaytonWain]

I had one of these new range and it wasn't great ,miles away from the quality of the yamaha fg 700 series.just buy a yamaha fg3 if you're going to spend this sort of money cheers thx for the review though

[@niallbyrne7562]

Every guitar is unbelievable good. Do you ever review a bad guitar ?

[@bengtsjoberg]

JP was not happy about the Bob Marley tribute guitar, don’t remember the brand at the moment ☺️

[@yetivanmarshall1473]

​@@bengtsjoberg guild. Horrible

[@soofitnsexy]

yeah the yairi I hate those high end alvarez

[@benallmark9671]

Definitely not a soft V neck. Very sharpe

[@larryn2682]

Replace the tortoise shell with a clear plastic pickguard.

[@rodmackinnon8497]

Loud voice . . . never liked the abalone across the base of the neck and neck body sides . . . sounds great but then JP is playing it.

[@briansmith1760]

I just bought a 318 this week off the clearance rack at guitar center.... $520 USD. STEAL!!!

[@kurtdavidson9808]

Sorry, Epiphone

[@pickin4you]

Love everything but that sharp V neck and the gloss finish on the neck. Also, if it takes that long for them to find you a good one, I’ll pass. Also please, if you are going to pick a bluegrass guitar, come ahead with it. You play it like it’s about to break if you pick any harder. Sorry, but us true bluegrass pickers pick hard and loud to try to get half way to the banjos and mandolins anyway.

[@weed491]

I like recording king guitars, but 90 percent of all of them have badly finished frets, And sharp fret ends . And very, very thick polymer finishes !!