recording king RO-328 2 week opinion

[@doublearon5150]

I have an RD -318 and that guitar is so loud and clear. It blows away my $2400 Taylor. When I first strummed some chords on it my jaw had to hit the floor. I agree, it’s gotta be the Adirondack. Thanks for the video. I was doing some research on the RO 328 and came across this. I’m looking for a smaller body guitar and I think I’m gonna go with this one. God Bless

[@anthonykehoe1773]

My 318 and RO above have gotten much warmer, but still loud. I am using the 318 as my alternate tuning guitar because the bass is so rich.

[@ovash1]

With all due respect, I think it's more than just the Adirondack top. I just returned a Martin 000-16 Streetmaster with a VTS Adirondack top, rosewood back, and sides. It wasn't very loud, and it sounded kind of dull. I loved the playability of that guitar and the color, but I was very underwhelmed by the sound, if I can say that. My 328 comes in Monday. I hope it sounds as good as the one in this video, and for less than half the price of the Martin.

[@davidbaillieul7601]

Thanks for the review. I picked up a used RO-318 lately and have been quite impressed. I had an issue where the ball end of strings will not pass thru the top, so i had to pass the strings from the inside out , but otherwise its been a pleasant surprise. I have noticed fewer retailers carrying them, for no particular reason...

[@8CountAudio]

I've got this one and love it. Setting the astonishingly accessible price aside...every note rings clear, it's pretty loud for its body size, and it's inviting and comfy to play. I love it for solo flatpicking, a nice strummer, and a very capable choice for fingerpicking. Probably not a great choice for a bluegrass ensemble but if you wanna flash some flatpicking solo pieces, this is the one!

[@BreadLightPray_EWFMgtr]

very nice !! I used to be entirely anti off- shore acoustic guitar kinda guy until I more recently discovered played and bought each of Gretch Electromatic , Epiphone ES-335 and Sherston II pro and RK RO-328 and RO-318 ; now I can't get enough playtime on these reasonably priced instruments and am selling many of my high priced NA builds aquired over the years - during my retirement stage ! 🤗 blessings 🎚

[@anthonykehoe1773]

Yeah i had been very skeptical...and still am to some extent, but clearly we have some real brands coming out of China finally that have a good track record. I remember when japan had the same reputation until they got good and the prices went up. Now we are seeing cheap guitars being made in indonesia and india, and the prices of the good chinese guitars have risen dramatically. Alot of the eastmans are over 1000 dollars now.

[@OldJong]

It is not easy to come to terms with the reality that those iconic brands like Martin and Gibson are not the best anymore! They are only a lot more expensive!

[@G_Demolished]

They’re still better than the recording kings and Eastman guitars. It’s just diminishing returns on the extra money, but they’re still better.

[@tggleason51]

Thank you, my RO328 will be here tomorrow Weds, you helped me make the decision. I’ve become mostly deaf in the last year and had a real hard time hearing my Martin 00015M, but I can pick out the notes pretty easily on these Recording king 0and000 guitars. It’s the clarity not so much the volume that my ears lost. Thanks again!

[@ShaneOpeno]

I picked up a RO-328 a couple weeks ago, partly because of this review. It is a fantastic guitar and I can't put it down. The V neck is very comfortable.

[@ovash1]

Great sounding guitar. I hope mine sounds as good when it comes in on Monday.

[@Munchable420]

Can totally tell your a praise leader, talking over slidey chords just like one lol great video and beautiful my brother, God bless ya from TX.

[@entemen]

Long time not hear solid Addy's superiority, especially with Rosewood.

[@rirrid5662]

Thanks for the review! It sounds really sweet especially in the higher register. Just wondering if you could please tell us the string spacing at the bridge as I'm trying to working how how it will suit fingerstyle. Also how has your opinion matured on this guitar since you posted this video? Anyway thanks again and peace be with you.

[@lorenvguitar614]

Guitar sounds great,

[@mgibby63mg]

I ordered one yesterday

[@chullerism]

I know what you're saying/feeling about this ro-328. I'm a Martin guy, I have 3 of them, one has an adi top, but I got an ro-318 a few weeks ago and I am totally knocked out. I bought from a place that set it up and leveled the frets (Recording Kings are notorious for uneven frets) and I really have trouble putting it down. I like it better than one of my Martins, which just happens to be my most expensive one.

[@cliffsmith1305]

Great review and video, @Anthony Kehoe! Which one do you prefer - the 328 or the 318 for sound, Rosewood or Mahogany? Also that 1.75 nut width... I have small hands and wondering if the thinness of the neck compensates enough for the wider nut width. Any comment would be appreciated. Thanks!

[@anthonykehoe1773]

Thanks! My preference hands down is the 318. The neck on the 318 is narrower than the RO-328. 318 is 11/16 while the 328 here is 3/4. But given that the 328 is a short scale, that offsets the width nicely. Also the 318 is a better strumming guitar. I have small hands and both guitars feel fine, but choosing between them I would go with the 318 for comfort, feel, and tonal range.

[@cliffsmith1305]

@@anthonykehoe1773 hey man thanks very much 🙂 no one in these parts have it so cannot play... So you observations are much appreciated. Actually a little surprised you pick the mahogany 318! I'll reread specs. Cheers!

[@BreadLightPray_EWFMgtr]

I happen to fortunately own both of the RO_318 and RO _328 brand new more recently. The necks on both are carved exactly the same , and are sufficiently spaced for easy finger style play ; the woods on both are top notch for their species ; the finish on both is pretty much near perfect ; if you could say you understand the tonal differences between the sound of Mahogany vs EIR then that is exactly how the tones have turned out. So which do I like better , they are both esthetically very pleasing to look at , but in this case I prefer the RO_328 better in tone and it may have something to do with the herringbone perfling around the top ; that routed edge is supposed to tend to open up the top a bit more and I think in this case it has❗😊 Value for dollar these two are probably the very best flat top acoustics I have bought brand new for around a grand or less and that says a lot in my case , I've owned far too many acoustics over the years _off shore instruments are coming into their own ❗

[@cliffsmith1305]

@@BreadLightPray_EWFMgtr Hi! Thanks for taking the time to respond - Much appreciate the opinion and the details 🙂 I have not heard or played either one... I gravitate toward Rosewood only because I've heard a few Martins... And I love rosewood for the wood itself!

[@adamkubiak1933]

Thank you for the review. Looking forward to hearing more from you. The fingerboard is very dark. Is it rosewood or ebony?

[@kemaikemai]

It's rosewood

[@ramspencer5492]

The top wood on the elite models is aged and cured for 30 years.... Just a little vibration from playing will help it open up more.... But it's already pretty darn resonant out of the box

[@ramspencer5492]

Between this and your RD-318.... Which one would you recommend more?

[@theguitarschoolproject3785]

Hi… thanks for this video. Which is louder? The Ro-328 or the RD-318.

[@anthonykehoe1773]

318

[@nige2410]

Strangely enough the pickguard on my RD-318 appeared to have been cut with scissors near the top - I went back to my supplier and sent pics and had a bit of a winge about it and they re-imbursed me to the tune of £30 (around $41 USD) - was considering changing it anyway and I have a red tortoise one with me now and a brown tortoise one on the way so will see which one looks best and possibly swap it out - by the way both cost around £3.00 each so peanuts anyway. Other than that the guitar is phenominal - Recording King just need to tighten up on their quality control I guess...

[@anthonykehoe1773]

I am thinking of replacing my 318 pickguard as well, probably with tortoise. :)

[@nige2410]

@@anthonykehoe1773 yep should be a definate improvement Anthony

[@jakemcclurg4369]

Would you still recommend this guitar?

[@nige2410]

Just posted a comment about the trimmed pickguard on the 'Recording King Enthusiasts' Facebook page - not sure if you're a member there Anthony but surprise surprise someone else has had the same issue !

[@anthonykehoe1773]

lol I eschew fascistbook because of its fascist tendencies...pretty close to leaving youtube behind as well. That aside, this is why you cannot really compare a recording king to a Martin...the build quality of the big makers like Gibson, Taylor and Martin is just a case of you do get what you pay for.

[@nige2410]

@@anthonykehoe1773 yeah agreed but a pickguard should be 100% right I'd have thought - after all those things costs pennies to make - out of interest where was yours jagged ???- mine was just at the pointy end ie nearest the neck and the other guy who had the same problem was in exactly the same place and even the same shape so wondering if its the machine that cuts them out ???- who knows....

[@billsmith3042]

@@nige2410 mine is really jagged about halfway around.

[@danielpenaofficial4186]

@@nige2410 can u share the link to that f. Group?

[@nige2410]

@@danielpenaofficial4186 not sure how you share a ‘group’ but if you’re in Facebook suggest searching ‘Recording King Guitar Enthusiasts’ which is the full and correct name for the group - hope that helps …

[@ernievance2938]

Which strings and gauge have you found work the best with the RO328?

[@billsmith3042]

Elixir or Dadarrio XS lights.

[@BreadLightPray_EWFMgtr]

agreed on the brands any light guage between 11_52 to 12_54 phosphor bronze

[@jefferyclark351]

Hey you still alive. If yes is the honey moon over with the RO-328 and what strings are you using in this review.

[@anthonykehoe1773]

Still love playing it and the sound has gotten warmer as the top breaks in.

[@ramspencer5492]

I may have to pick up one of their Adirondack models.... Something about the attack sound... Responsive and articulate. It's great that they got enough bass from a triple O... Rosewood is very capable but you have to design the guitar right

[@muzixman2011]

I never play a RK, but the sharp V neck at the top worry me that playing bar chords will be quite uncomfortable to the thumb

[@billsmith3042]

Makes it easier….much easier. But the V fades fairly quickly and it just sort of rounded bump on the other side which still makes it easier to play bar chords up the whole neck. I can hold them much longer and firmer with that there.

[@muzixman2011]

@@billsmith3042 but those Martin’s V necks are shallow V only, this one is deep V at the first three frets

[@12babyapes59]

Was the guitar playable right out of the box or did you have to adjust it?

[@billsmith3042]

No adjustments needed. Played perfectly

[@jefferyclark351]

First of thanks for the honest review. I’ve just ordered this guitar. Wondering what strings you recommend after playing it awhile. Also just ordered the rd-328 also. Sounds like the RO -328 would also make a rhythm strumming guitar also. What’s you opinion. Might give grandson the rd-328 and keep the RO for my self. Thanks Jeff Clark from Rockdale Texas

[@glouismusic]

Like a descript Of neck

[@anthonykehoe1773]

One of my other videos has a comparison between the v neck and the Martin but this particular guitar has a neck that is wider than the dreadnoughts at one and three-quarter inches compared to 1 11/16 on the dreadnoughts. However it is not a thick neck and the V back tapers very quickly so it’s very comfortable to hold. In my opinion the slight V makes it much easier to do Bar chords

[@sooparticular]

i played these RKs excellent guitars but owning a dozen Martins they are not even in the same world..or universe as a Martin great video!!

[@cugir321]

I recommend you play it before you buy it.....their quality people are not always dead on.

[@lowellcalavera6045]

I have to disagree....it actually it IS a replacement for a Martin. The Martin 000-28 is $4000, my RO-328 was $799, and the sound is very, very comparable.

[@danr5105]

My RD-328 sounds like crap (trebelly low E and A strings, 2 setups) People need to realize these guitars do not compare to Martins (well ok maybe an X brace Martin but who wants to sound like an X brace Martin?) I have a Martin D16E and it puts this RD-328 to shame (I also have a Yamaha FGX5,blows the Rd-328 away. I want to send mine back. I do like the neck profile (deep V) nice tuners. Lots of nice parts,just not the sound. RK says "you have a manufacture's dud". I keep my guitars humidified, soundhole device(Tucson) and in a humidified cabinet.

[@mgibby63mg]

Lol, you got a lemon ( if indeed your story is true )These are great guitars and compare very well to martin d28s.. Martin's are great, I own one but I'll never buy another. There's no need to anymore. The Alverez MD60BG compares favorably to a Martin D28 as well... Your the first person I ever heard complain about these which leads me to doubt you're being truthful

[@danr5105]

@@mgibby63mg Well, how to prove it (why lie.) The end result was RK took it back. Multiple luthiers diagnosed it as "green wood" still moving. Very thin bass. One instructor quipped "you will not be doing much recording with that RK". Perfectly satisfied with my D16E and Yamaha FGX5,perfectly.I didn't get cash back,store credit. I think I stick with Red Label Yamahas. The guitar was a good looker (poly finish too thick) Great V neck. All the right parts. No real data on wood aging techniques. My source said "only 15 years" natural aging (no process like Yamaha uses.) The guys at the music store laughed when I said "good as a D28 at 1/4 the price" and were still laughing when I sent it back. 20% of each run (oK, up too 20%) come out as "manufacture duds". Some suggested "sell it to a beginner as they do not notice such things". Did anyone get a chance to demo an RD-328 in the store or were they all bought per KZbin reviews? Even Martin,Taylor,Gibson have manufacture duds. Why so hard to believe RK does also has duds in their mass produced line?

[@mgibby63mg]

@@danr5105 , riiiiight

[@lukeGGlee]

this is a RO-328 , RD is different from what this guy has

[@G_Demolished]

Almost all Martins are X braced.

[@Cla-xm8cc]

Parli troppo e suoni poco

[@anthonykehoe1773]

il titolo dice "opinione" tu idiota. Impara a leggere prima di fare commenti stupidi.