The Recording King vs. Martin Question! 

This guy is a treasure to the guitar community. Best sub I e made in the last ten years.

The first sounds new and focused (the Recording King); the second sounds more aged (the Martin). They both sound great in your hands, JP!

I just recently discovered you and your channel, J.P., and I am binging your videos. I have been playing for 40 years...nowhere as good as you, but to my audience, friends, and family...they are amazed. I just want to say I love you, Brother! You speak my language; and we're definitely kindred spirits. Long live your channel! Btw, representing Houston, Tx...

You are fun to watch and I always learn stuff, highest compliment I can make!

I would love to see a comparison between de Alvarez and Recording King!!!

Just FYI, you mention at the 10:55 mark that the Alvarez you reviewed in the Nov. 2, 2019 video comparison to the Martin has laminate B/S. That is not correct. The Alvarez MD60EBG is an all solid guitar (which you mentioned in that video). The Alvarez is all solid just like this Record King (although sitka/mahogany instead of adirondack/rosewood). It also retails for less than the RD-328. Also, I do not think Robin Boucher invented torrefaction unless he's a viking. The process is attributed to Vikings who used torrefied wood to build their ships to keep moisture out, and make them lighter and faster. The Finnish luthier Juha Ruokangas was the first to use the process to make guitars, he made his electric guitars with torrefied wood in the 90's.

#2 was my choice, and I think it is the Martin! I would be very surprised if # 2 is the Recording King.

Thanks for this video. I can’t wait to order this guitar, I’m beyond excited

Great video JP! It will be interesting to see everyone’s answers. We will watch your next video for the answer! Thank you!

Im so glad i found JP and this channel. Jp has a great personality and some videos are so funny. I love you too JP. Thanks man 👍

I bought a Bourgeois Vintage D several yrs back w/serial #-under 3,000. Love it! Traded my Beard Resonator (Dobro), which became the Jerry Douglas model for it straight across, & glad I did! I’ve tried to teach my oldest son how to play & wanted to get him a quality box at a fair price. I chose Recording King after reading the woods, bracing & tone then sought to get my boy one. His was mahogany sides & back and the sound blew me away! I then bought one for myself that had rosewood sides & back w/Adirondack spruce top & when I get a guitar out to jam or show my son a lick or 2, I reach for my Recording King & leave my Bourgeois in the case so it’s only played when w/serious players & keeps it unblemished and it’s value intact. I love my Recording King guitar & I’ve been playing since age 9, so it’s been 40-years and I’ve played a few boxes in my time. Great video!

The Alvarez you used in the last test does have solid back and sides. It’s part of their Master Works series which are all solid.

This was awesome sir, very helpful

Yes, exactly.. Build them like they used to.. Great video jp. Will check it the recording king guitars for sure. The 18 model... Thanks buddy, great show

2nd sounds like a martin. Tighter, and less ringing. First sounds new, bright and clear. I'm unbiased. Love my Yamaha LL16. $900

I say #1 was the Recording King, it was definitely a brighter tone [which I prefer]. In fact IMHO I have NEVER owned a Martin, because I've always felt they were/are too mellow/warm... and acoustic guitar has always struggled to get in the mix, and again in my opinion that is part of the reason. A brighter guitar not only has more presence, but cuts thru better too.

I don't know if Canada considers this man a national treasure but Scotland loves him. (Especially Shetland )

I am going to say #1 was Martin. So glad I discovered your channel. You have been a breath of fresh air during the lockdown. Hope you can get back on the road soon, but that would mean we won't get the enjoy your talent on YT.

I like the sound of #2. Can’t wait to see which one I actually like.

I'm going with guitar number 2. It sounded a little "bassier" to me and not as much sustain in treble range. Can't wait to hear the results.

I would guess guitar 2 was the Martin just sounded a little more aged.

There is a definite difference in these 2 guitars. The first was much brighter, and the second much warmer and full. I say #1 is Recording King, and #2 is Martin...Either way, #2 sounded quite a bit better to my ears, for what it's worth. Neither sounded bad, but #2 was the winner, and I'm guessing it's the Martin. I hope I'm wrong! Lol

Just to let you know, I purchased this guitar after watching your videos and haven't looked back. I love my RD-328. Thank you for introducing me to this great brand. I wanted to do a video showing that some cheaper priced guitars could sound as good as the name Brand guitars and this one definitely does that. Thank you again for opening my eyes to Recording King.

Great job brother🙏🏻

I would guess #1 was Martin. By the way, I just ordered Recording King RD-126 prior to watching this video. I’m glad you had good things to say about this brand. Always enjoy your videos. Thanks!

For another REMARKABLE "bang for the buck" comparison, I'd love to see you A/B the RD-T16, with the torrified Addy top, with your Martin. I got mine used for $325.00- even more amazing, when you consider the massive difference in price.

Can’t wait to see the followup video...

I like the second one. I really hope it is the Recording King. I work with M. George here in Fredericton and we are talking with Guillaume about representing them.

Without looking at comments, I chose #1 as the Martin. Good comparison. Thank you and enjoy your channel.

I would assume the 2nd is the Martin and would be happy to know that it is the Recording King. Great video.

I just bought a blueridge ❤️. The first new guitar I have bought. I always bought used and slightly increased the quality over the last 4 years since I started. I could have brought a martin. But I couldn't justify the price compared to the blueridge. I looooveee guitar and I love you too bud. Thanks. I'm so glad I stumbled across this.

Great video JP, based largely on your opinion of the RD 328,mine should arrive in a couple of days!

I think #2 was the Martin. It has a warmer sound. But, they are very close and I think it just goes to show that it has more to do with the player and less to do with the instrument. Ultimately the player has to be happy with the sound of their instrument so it inspires them to pick it up often. I enjoy all your all your videos, especially in these crazy times. Looking forward to live entertainment again!

I’m leaning towards the Martin being the 2nd one, only because of the bigger bottom end, however, that said, I prefer the first because I love the trebles and the clarity stands out for me. Great show, John, from Down Under.

I found your channel a few weeks ago, while researching my next guitar purchase. After viewing your previous comparison video, I found an Alvarez MD60EBG (I need the electronics) at my local dealer. After playing it, I brought it home. I’d still love to get a Martin D-18 or a D-28. I’d be real curious about putting the Alvarez and the Recording King up against a new Martin. The Aged, played in sound was obvious in this video for those who know what to listen for, but I have to say, that Recording King sure held its own and 1/4 the price. I own a 1970’s Sigma DR-7, made by Martin in Japan. I can’t tell it apart from a D-28 based on sound alone. Those are another bang for your buck purchase if you find them.

I'd be delightfully shocked if the RK was the second one. Hey, J.P., ...crazy timing. I have been looking for the right one of these all week. Any thoughts on sanding off the thick coating on the Adi top?

This is fun! I own and play 3 Martins (D45, DRS2, and HD28E). Number 2 sounds like the Martin to me (Warm rich lows, great mids, and rich highs). I'd bet on this! Although I have lost a few bets on the KY Derby here in Louisville KY - Cheers

It's almost obvious that #2 is the Martin and #1 is the Recording King. The wood on #2 sounds warmer and a little punchier but the ringing bell like tone on #1 sounds exactly what I'm looking for while I own other darker sounding guitars. Both guitars sound great!

I just came across Boucher guitars and your videos. I've spent hours watching them since. Your playing is awesome and those guitars sound phenomenal! I have coveted a Collings for years but now I want to sell some things to buy a Boucher. That Recording King is amazing for what appears to be $500. It does have a worn in sound.

Great video JP. Have any Sigma guitars picked your fancy lately?

From one OLD martin player to another, one who is still picking on Martin, I'd have to say the second piece was played on the Clearance White model Martin because of the warmth of the mid -range and the sustained tone. The Recording King is super clear on the top like a Rosewood guitar box should sound! Sounds REALL good!

Lol... Last comment, I promise. I wanted to mention that the Pickguard started coming off of mine and I ended up taking it off completely. But after a year and a half, nothing broke or cracked and it's sounding great. I can highly recommend them.

You do some great videos. I have a Recording King 12 string guitar and it is great. I also have a Yamaha FG830 and it is without a doubt the nicest guitar I have ever played and that includes some high end Martins.

Great video JP! I curious... if you would pick between the Yamaha FG3 and the RD 328 Recording King.. which would you choose? They are in the same price range and are both high praised by you. Maybe a comparison video like this one?

My vote is the Martin is the second guitar. The second guitar had a more fuller sound to the lower register notes. Both sounded good, but I prefer guitar 2

#2, Martin? Thanks Sir, you are a master no question. Both sound fantastic to me, in your hands.

Number one TRK, number two M. Thank you for honest and authentic advice. I trust you. All the best

The Recording King looks beautiful. I love torrified guitars! One of my guitars is a 1963 D-28 that my dad bought new... it's a beauty.

I have a 2016 Recording King ROS-10/000 12 fret, with elixir lite strings. Sweet little guitar, solid top/ back/side-built well, perfect intonation and resonance. Great for finger picking my favorite songwriter's music (John Prine).

J.P the last time you did a video like this you convinced me to get a Alvarez Md60bg. Sad story the Alvarez got cracked and didn’t make it. After that I was gifted a Martin D 16. Now I’m watching this, I’m only a minute and a half in and I know I’m gonna end up on reverb tonight looking at Recording King RD 328 and RO 328s trying to pick one out to buy😂 lol

I think #2 was the Martin. Both sounded great and beautifully played.

I felt that the first was the RK and the latter was the Martin. Unlike many commenting here, I felt the difference between the two quite discernible (however this is NOT to say that I am CERTAIN which is which - but only that they were quite different 'in my ear').

I played a Recording King RD 126 " I think that was the model" at a music store in State College ,PA probably 6-8 years ago and it was AMAZING !! I have a Taylor,4-Martins and an Alvarez and I will tell you the Alvarez is an amazing guitar ! Love your Playing you take a backseat to no one my friend ! I would guess the Martin is the second one ? But I do not have any Dreads only OM,and 000's !

Great test JP.. I don't know which is martin but i know that i like the 2nd guitar slightly more than the 1st.

I love you too, JP. Tuba players are guitar lovers too!

Number 2 is the Martin I think. They both sound marvelous!

I would love to see/hear you do a comparison between the Martin and a Peerless PD75

I can tell what one sounds new but to be honest, once that RD-328 opens up and dries out a little, it might be be harder to hear the difference. I have had many cheap acoustics go through my hands and I can tell the difference in a solid guitar. But even a decent cheap solid top can be a great guitar. I have a Blueridge BR60, Solid Sitka with Laminate Rosewood, and it's a rhythm monster. Loud. And at the Bluegrass jam I had several people ask what it was and liked the sound. I say partially some of that is experience but also definitely the guitar. But the neck is screwed up and I adjusted it several times. It got worse to where I had to actually make the strings higher. Over several months it just got worse. Not my first time adjusting guitars either. I decided to put it in slack key tuning (open G) and it relaxed the neck a little more. But that was my Bluegrass jam guitar. I have been without a good jam guitar for a while now. I have a decent Yamaha solid top but it's not something I think can hang with the Banjo and Mandolin. I finally got the money together to order Recording King RD-328. I can't wait. Hopefully it's similar to my Blueridge but a little better. I don't think it could possibly be louder to be honest but if it's the same, I will be thrilled. I do play on the point of as hard as I can usually so I can't say for sure but I think the Blueridge was louder than all the Martins. I was louder anyways. I had to kinda ease back sometimes. But this should be a great guitar. 11 days till arrival..

Wow. Very tough. I'm thinking 2 is the Martin. There a rounder, woodier thing to the attack. 1 sounded "stringier" or slightly brighter. On that final chord, the decay mellows down, so they sound damn identical. Ridiculously close, over all, and they both sound great. Wild. Now I'll check out the answer video, well after the fact.

We love you, too!

The Alvarez MD60BG is solid wood which is what I thought you compared in the prior comparison video.

i think #1 is the RK it just sounds bright and new. I know this is old but am anxious to see the answer. I have 2 RK banjos and they are excellent instruments. I like #2 better.

Fantastic video. I ended up buying a B-stock hog back version (RD318) of the RK off the back of this. Great value. Bouchers are something else tho

#1 is brighter. #2 has a warm sound. Both sound great!

Hi JP, if one day you can have both in your hands, is it possible to compare the RK RD316 with a D18? I have the recording king nRD-316 for 5 years, I find it superb, but I have not, and I may never have, the opportunity to test a Martin, and since they have the same specs, I would be happy to hear the difference (in brand and price!) Thanks to you!

Hey JP I recently came across your channel and I’m loving your content. On the subject of affordable alternatives to your martins and Gibson’s, have you played a furch? Made in the Czech Republic and they are simply brilliant. Astoundingly good and priced between 5 or 6 hundred and a couple of grand for the high end models and they blow similarly priced big name guitars clean out of the water.

Great video. I’d like to get your take on another brand that competes with Martin. It’d be great if you can compare Martin’s D28 with Takamine’s EF360S TT. Thanks!

Right On!👌

You mentioned in your video that you used a tortex 1.46 pick to brighten up these guitars. Do you have a link? I have struggled to find them and really want to brighten up the RD-328

I also think the 2. is the Martin. But the RK sounds very good! One of my guitars is a RK Ros 06, a 000-12Fret. And i love it.

I think this video is more difficult than the Alvarez comparison video. On that video I thought the second guitar was clearer than the first. On this video I like the second guitar but not by much. They are almost identical. I don't know Martin guitars, only played one in my life, I can only say what sounds better to me. Great video, I love this channel and really love the way you think, God bless.

I have an Aston Origin and love it. The Aston Spirit is also excellent.

J.P......I just saw this for the 1st time. I'm now chasing a Recording King to "back up" my Martin J40. Did you receive the Recording King via the post,..or were you able to get one that was sold and set up locally ? Just curious- Thanks ! Randy

Id like to see an Eastman vs Martin video. Or if not a full test like this maybe just a short video about your thoughts on Eastman guitars and where you think they stand against the Martins and Taylors and boutique brands.

I pick #2 as RK, #1 Martin I own a RD10 RK and a Martin D28 2R

I can clearly hear a difference. The first was brighter sounding and the second was a little deeper and darker sounding. But which is which, you've got me! On a dice rolling guess, I think the second was the Martin.

Love it

I thought #2 had a round sound on the high strings, which is something I noticed on my HD-28 when I upgraded from a DX Martin. The first one sounded scratchier to me, but had the big bottom. Initially I thought the first was the Martin because of the muddy bottom. Anyway, I liked #2 better.

Hey JP do you have anything to say about Stonebridge/Furch guitars?

Hi J. P; I think #2 was the Martin. To tell the truth they were really hard to tell. The first guitar sounded a little tinny to my ear. Will be interesting to see what the results are. Thanks for the great video.

JP. I am really interested what you think of Art Lutherie Ami and /or compared to a Recording King parlour, I am considering one or the other as a beginner. Thanks ahead of time

Number 2 was the Martin love it

I thought #2 had more of the Martin sound, but it was a hard decision. The 1st guitar sounded like the action was a bit to low and the frets were choking some of the tone.

Oh, and I own the Alvarez md60ebg because of you and I am certain they are all solid woods. Solid spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides. No laminates on these babies! Incredible value...And I am close to buying a Boucher BG-52, or perhaps another Gibson. I have always preferred them over Martin. Sorry, fan boys. Lol

Wow...both sound great....#2 a little warmer.....I think in my humble opinion #2 is the Martin

JP what's your take on Wayne Henderson line of stringed instruments but mostly his guitars ? Thanks !🇨🇦

I honestly had trouble hearing the difference, but if I had to choose I think I like number one best. However, I think if I listened again I might change my mind. So close!

I believe #1 was the Martin. Both guitars sound very nice.

Yours is the first RU-vid channel, to which I have subscribed, but I find your playing both enjoyable and informative. Is there any chance of you reviewing an Orangewood Echo. Even better, compare it to a Yamaha FG830. ,

Hi J.P. I'm curious if you've ever played a Northwood guitar? They are made by a luthier luthier in B.C. that learned the trade years ago from Jean Larrivee. I own one and the clarity and sustain are insane. I considered Boucher, and still would like to get one of their guitars one day as well.

If number 2 is the Recording King then I’m buying one today.

I also wanted to mention that the Alvarez MD60BG that you made a video on, is made from solid East Indian Rosewood back and sides and a solid sickness spruce top. You got it right in your initial video. I know because I actually contacted Alvarez and talk to them. I was getting ready to make a video and I had a few questions that I wanted answered, so I could be correct in all my statements. 1. Top it's solid AAAA Sitka spruce. 2. Back and sides are solid East Indian Rosewood. 3. Neck is mahogany 4. Neck to body joint is compound dovetail. 5. Glue used throughout is white wood glue. The newer models have switched to a more eco friendly white wood glue though. 6. Bone nut and saddle 7. Either rosewood or Indian Laurel is used for the fretboard and bridge depending on when it was made. I hope this helps someone looking to purchase an Alvarez. My favorite is the Recording King but I live my Alvarez too.

I think that #1 was the Martin and #2 was the Recording King. The first guitar I thought had a bit of a twang going on. I preferred the second guitar personally, seemed to have more overtones happening with a higher high-end, a lower low-end and an overall fuller and balanced sound. Both great sounding guitars.

JP? What do you think of Blueridge? BTW LOVE your videos and your playing even more!

I got the last one right and I think #2 is the Martin. I'm not a Martin nut but I think that higher end guitars are more likely to sound more balanced in general and more consistent recorded. #1 had something going on in the midrange that was tweaking on my ear a bit. It might have just been the way it was responding to the mic though. If number #2 is the Recording King then wow. I have to get me one. They both do sound great either way.

The first was the Recording King RD 328. It was brighter and harsher. The second was the Martin D-28. It was softer, warmer, and the notes were clearer.

Tough one , both sound good , I dont have any experience playing eather make but my ear liked number two slightly more but splitting hairs to choose one over the other

22:07 Guitar1 23:06 Guitar2 For me is the aged well ballanced sample 2 the Martin. But i will buy the Recording King + new wooden pins + new strings + L.R. Baggs M80! 😛

Liked them both. I would guess #2 was the Martin based on the warmth and richer tone.

So interesting.