As much as they're all good guitars, the Martin is sooooo much more open and mellow-sounding. To my ears it is, hands-down, the best of the three...but then it is almost 70 years old and has opened up a LOT in that time.
Got the 318 last week and just blows me away. The sound, clarity, dynamics and projection are off the charts. It just rings like a bell rich harmonics and fundamentals.
That was enjoyable. More importantly it is a great demonstration. All three different, all three beautiful sounding. Your excellent picking helped, I'm sure. Thank you sir.
I feel the same I have 4 Martins not dreads but 00 , 000 and OM's but these Recording Kings are amazing ! I played one in State College a few years ago and it was UNBELIEVABLE !!!! His D 28 is also Brazilian Rosewood too !!!!
Great video Man. Been caught up between getting the recording king RD 328 or an Eastman E20D TC. I live faraway here in Africa so my only option is online purchase. Would be super glad for comparison if you happen to come by an Eastman E20D. Thanks again for this video 👍
I've had the RO-328 "000" style Recording King with same woods as the RD-328 for about six months. I love it so much I had installed ($150) the top-of-the-line LR Baggs "Sessiom VTC" under-saddle pickup system ($200). That $350 was 1/2 the price I paid for the guitar ($700). I spent about $85 on Gator case. A bargain, indeed, since it sounds so good and will only sound better. I conditioned the case with 4 Boveda 91% Humidipaks and keep a fresh D'Addario 49% Humidpak system in the case. I value this guitar.
Great job on this sampling/ comparison 👍 The Martin has a much refined sweet tone, but those RK’s will age in -and are extremely affordable. I like your No hype up approach compared to the other guy from Nova Scotia.
Like you I gave a 1954 D18 vintage Martin. Also a 2006 HD28. I like rosewood acoustics more in the last few years. Not long ago I bought a RD328 and as it opens up I'm finding it getting closer to my HD28. I've had little problems with the V neck because after 57 years of playing 47 of those bluegrass it's easier for my hands to navigate the fret board. Only improvement I would like to but would add to the cost is a nitro finish.
I have a RO127 and I love this guitar. It’s ok strummed out but no comparison to a dread. It’s a beautiful finger style guitar. Sounds better than all the Martin John Mayer or Eric Clapton guitars I’ve played. I just ordered a 328 dread I can’t wait it’s used but guy says in mint condition. We will see gonna be here Thursday. I have a home studio and I’m working on a album of Christian songs. Not easy to do harder than writing worldly songs. I probably will be buying a 318 too. God willing. You play beautifully. Love seeing bluegrass style. It’s my favorite to watch on guitar. My style is percussive. But I do like finger picking. That 318 sounds great. It’s a hard choice for me. The 318 seems easier to record not much to eq out. A little compression and it’s perfect. Thanks for taking the time. My next recording king will be from you if you have a 318. God bless my friend.
Very good comparison Adam. I made myself listen with good headphones and they all sounded very good. Maybe the Martin was warmer. I picked up a used RO-318 a couple weeks ago and after a good setup and new strings, WOW! I was just fingerpicking some Paul Simon on it and was astounded on how good it sounds and plays. RKs seem to be in short supply locally, is availability is stores currently an issue?
I’ve been a Martin lover for decades, but..... those Recording Kings are so much clearer and louder than the Martin. I have heard this comparison twice now by two different folks, and the Martins sound MUDDY to me now. I would grab a Recording King when I have enough money for a guitar again. Especially when they are all solid wood. No laminates in those at all.
I have an Eastman rosewood dreadnaught with Adirondack, and it's similar to that RD-328. There's just a bit of extra sweetness from the D-28 I've got which is around a 2004 guitar, with Englmann spruce top, so I'm not picking up the Eastman often. The Eastman would be great to take to a jam though, because it's so loud - it's a banjo killer like those recording kings.
I have either owned or play just about everything. I can honestly say that pound for pound, the recording king RD-318 is hands down probably the best inexpensive D-18 style guitar made today. B I have an Eastman endorsement, I had a Martin endorsement, I had a Tanglewood endorsement and I had a Blue Ridge endorsement. I own a Martin D 18, I’ve played Many Santa Cruz, Collins, Bougois and others. For the money, I think this one is it.
Great comparison! The RD 328 sounds 99.8% of your vintage D28. Only ones that will disagree will be folks that have already $4/6000 for a vintage D28.........simple as that for $750 the RD328 is an incredible value. If your a headstock logo guy you could never be happy with a Chinese built guitar. However Billy Strings could outplay about anyone On this planet with that RD 328.......... Even if they were playing an Early D45.......... I though a 40 series Laravee was great value at $1600 till I tryed these RK 328's........ Nothing will replicate a D28 for $750 like the RK does😉
“The only ones that will disagree…” That part is dead wrong. I don’t own a vintage Martin but I’ve played them next to Recording Kings and they’re not even in the same league. I guess I could flip your fallacy on you and say the only ones who don’t agree can’t afford a vintage Martin.
Martin wins...but all 3 fine sounding guitars and nice playing. I like to listen all three! Recording King makes some fine guitars! Beginning guitar players today can find some really nice / good guitars for a small investment.
Hi Adam where are you located man? I have a couple banjos that are in dire need of a pro setup. 1 is my never played Washburn B-17 Americana that came with a abs nut, it needs setup and a new bone nut?
Honestly, unless you are in the Martin cult, you always find that the Martin guitars somehow sounds better....to my ear, no way i would pay 3k more than that Martin for such a small difference...and frankly, to my ear, there is not much of a difference..and don't forget that those RECORDING KING will open up with time! Sorry Martin freaks!
@@denisprieur7944 @denisprieur7944 - and I even think the Recording King is better.. If you play them over and over again: 1:40min and 2:25min .. you'll notice the Martin has a more room/reverb sound (or more treble sound).. while the Recording King has a more sharp and concise sound.. More bass.. and doesn't have any reverb.. While I think the Martin could be a better solution to play live, I don't mind to own the Rercording King, because well: it's a "recording king", lol.. I can easily put reverb anyways.
I am blown away at how good the Recording King guitars sound. Wow. There is no way I am going to buy a Martin at $3K when I can get one of these for $800. If there is much of a difference it is slight but the price differences are astounding.
I bought a RD 328 online. Looked great! Great build quality. I just couldn't get used to playing the V-Neck. I sent it back. Did you have any problem adjusting to the neck???
Thought I needed to give it a longer test. Went back and played it for hours while comparing it to several others I'd been considering. I brought the RD 328 home and am very happy with it. This is one great guitar!!!!
That Martin sounds awesome. But, let these Recording King's get old for a while. I have one for my self, by the way. A ROS-647. A Martin copy. Pre-war II. That instrument will never leave me. Among the best ever made. As close as you can come to an old Martin 12-fret. I guess? I love that guitar.
I wonder if you could talk about the feel of the necks on the RKs. I've seen several videos where they talk about them being chunky and just not a lot of fun to play.
The 318 is the best, followed by the Martin and then the 328. I have a 318. They should do an all Hog version to rival the D15M. I do hate the gloss neck tho.
I would agree about the D28 especially in the historical sense. Unfortunately the prices have gotten to the point where getting the better Martin is becoming difficult to do. Martin sells a whole bunch of the cheaper models which are somewhat competitive with the RKs of the world. I doubt they would still be in business if they had stuck to the old formula totally.
A music shop owner in Canada , mentioned that the action has to be adjusted on the Recording King, after getting three buzz notes. before buying it I own a Martin x model - laminate with the same Martin quality The Recording King, has more of a banjo tone. Comparable to a Yamaha, or Epiphone All well and good Guitars are a personal choice Martin"s laminate guitars are more weather resistant After a number of years even a D- 18 or D 28 needs attention to get back to playing . $720.00 vs $2,800.00 ( D-18) It's still Martin quality
@@kennethdabish2175 I own 12 recording kings, and love them all my Martin and Taylor sit in the cases. But I have found compared to the higher end guitars they didn't spend a lot of time on polishing and crowning the frets. They gotta cut corners somewhere to get that much sound for that little money!
I think the finish thing is really a non issue to a point. The finish is not that thick although it looks like it. I have a Blueridge BR260 (made in same factory) that I’ve had since 2004 and it has opened up nicely. The nitro finish is physically softer and has that tactile feel to it, the poly finish is considerably harder and has its own feel to it. There was a player on the Blueridge forum that took the finish off the top of his guitar and was surprised how little difference it made sound wise and now he was stuck with a guitar that had no finish on the top.
@@charlesfellows8130 I noticed that also on my Blueridge. I do things like fret work so I leveled and recrowned the frets. Haven’t touched it again since 2004
very nice video. I have a guild D50 d-46 nt ASH.. Alvarez DY-61 and Epiphone Masterbilt among others.. I would really like to see the Alvarez mg60bg Compared to the 318 here same woods and price point . 599.00 I do not compare rosewoods to Mahogany. thx for your post.. The guild D46 NT . is a breed all its own.
The Martian sounds wonderful but as lounge room hobbyist player even though I could afford a Martin I simply couldn't justify the price with my skill level, the 318 for the dollars would be the guitar I'd be taking home.
I hear a smoother sweeter sound from the Martin. According to Geog Gemunder, an instrument will sound as good when it is brand new as it will ever sound if it is built right.
@@elsizzle2000 How it went was RK took it back. I received full store credit. Didn't get cash back but store credit. RK paid shipping back. I am sure there are examples of the RD-328 that would please me, not the example delivered.
@@ayushpratap4726 That is a real tough one ?? I will tell you this the Recording King is an amazing instrument and for the difference in the cost I would think very very very hard on the Recording King. But the bast way is to play them both .
New strings on all. The RKs come with a lighter gauge. That being said, my Martin has a 65 year old Sitka top with straight, rear shifted braces. The RKs have a 30 year old Adirondack top with forward shifted, scalloped braces. Really two different animals... also my 28 has Brazilian rosewood verses mahogany and Indian rosewood. Naturally the RKs would be brighter cause they’re not broke in, and because of the nature of the pre-war style build.... different? Yes. Would I pick the Martin if all were free? Yes.... but there’s just not $10k worth of difference in the tone.... or volume.
@@Adammcimtoshmusic Thanks for your honest response. (And somewhat related...J.P. Cromier just did another blind test with one of his Martin D28's and a RD328 and, as expected, there were some real surprised folks. LOL.) Kinda makes ya wonder if maybe, 40 years from now, some folks will be sitting around talking about how crazy it was that the RK guitars that sold for under a grand "back then" are selling for 5 times that in 2061. ;-) Also...it's like...not you, but some of the folks touting the Martin...are they REALLY that good to merit such a guitar? Or do they think the great guitar will somehow make them great? Truth is...very few folks walking around are that good. Seriously. And I guarantee they're not here commenting on RUclips.
Until I decide to make a habit of sticking a lavaliere mic in my Martin and playing it through my MacBook speakers I'm going to ignore "comparisons" like this one.
In all these comparisons, the imports sound bright and harsh in the overtones. Yes, they get closer all the time. The D 28 sounds richer to me. I think this would become apparent over time, unless of course, you had no Martin to compare it to. Great for the money is the operative phrase.
Not much difference to my ears between the D28 and the Rd328. Listening to a recording is not a good comparison. Play them both and decide. I've watched a lot of guitar videos and went to the local music shop to play them in person and I've always had a different listening experience.
They didn't sound alike at all to me. The RKs were loud but clangy. I've heard a lot of mid-price guitars that were loud and clangy. Having said that, the Martin didn't really sound that great. It did in parts but it was very variable. I think string information is needed in all cases.
@@ayushpratap4726 if you have the money for a D-28 go for it! A 328 is going to be a phenomenal value and sound extremely similar. Also another good option is a Blueridge BR 180
I own a Guild D55. Great guitar, but the sound is quite different from a RD 328 and a Martin D28. I believe that if your target sound was the D28 the RD328 is a better choice than a Guild D55.
Видеоклипы
As much as they're all good guitars, the Martin is sooooo much more open and mellow-sounding. To my ears it is, hands-down, the best of the three...but then it is almost 70 years old and has opened up a LOT in that time.
It's a vintage Martin! Go play Martin in the shop they do not sound that good! I've been thoroughly unimpressed with new martins
Of course that old Martin is broken in and opened up but those other two are incredible for being new. Amazing
Got the 318 last week and just blows me away.
The sound, clarity, dynamics and projection are off the charts. It just rings like a bell rich harmonics and fundamentals.
Oh and after 2 days I ordered the 328 and get it next week.
@@jmoffitt36 what do you think of the 328 after 7 months of playing it?
That was enjoyable. More importantly it is a great demonstration. All three different, all three beautiful sounding. Your excellent picking helped, I'm sure. Thank you sir.
The RD-318 sounds beautiful & is a steal for the price.
Agreed
It’s also made in China
@@blakeb4583 What is not? Lol.. And the wood are from my country I bet: Brazil.
Thanks for your comparisons. Keep em coming.
I enjoyed this very much, I just recently purchased both of those, an RD318 and 328
THANK YOU! Will order the 318 now. Subbed.
Great pickin Adam!
Awesome review Adam. Thanks. I have a couple of Martins and cant get over the sound of the RKs.
I feel the same I have 4 Martins not dreads but 00 , 000 and OM's but these Recording Kings are amazing ! I played one in State College a few years ago and it was UNBELIEVABLE !!!!
His D 28 is also Brazilian Rosewood too !!!!
Great video Man. Been caught up between getting the recording king RD 328 or an Eastman E20D TC. I live faraway here in Africa so my only option is online purchase. Would be super glad for comparison if you happen to come by an Eastman E20D. Thanks again for this video 👍
Thanks for a nice comparison!
I've had the RO-328 "000" style Recording King with same woods as the RD-328 for about six months. I love it so much I had installed ($150) the top-of-the-line LR Baggs "Sessiom VTC" under-saddle pickup system ($200). That $350 was 1/2 the price I paid for the guitar ($700). I spent about $85 on Gator case. A bargain, indeed, since it sounds so good and will only sound better. I conditioned the case with 4 Boveda 91% Humidipaks and keep a fresh D'Addario 49% Humidpak system in the case. I value this guitar.
Great job on this sampling/ comparison 👍 The Martin has a much refined sweet tone, but those RK’s will age in -and are extremely affordable. I like your No hype up approach compared to the other guy from Nova Scotia.
Like you I gave a 1954 D18 vintage Martin. Also a 2006 HD28. I like rosewood acoustics more in the last few years. Not long ago I bought a RD328 and as it opens up I'm finding it getting closer to my HD28. I've had little problems with the V neck because after 57 years of playing 47 of those bluegrass it's easier for my hands to navigate the fret board. Only improvement I would like to but would add to the cost is a nitro finish.
I have a RK RD 26 I have had for about 10 years love it
I have a RO127 and I love this guitar. It’s ok strummed out but no comparison to a dread. It’s a beautiful finger style guitar. Sounds better than all the Martin John Mayer or Eric Clapton guitars I’ve played. I just ordered a 328 dread I can’t wait it’s used but guy says in mint condition. We will see gonna be here Thursday. I have a home studio and I’m working on a album of Christian songs. Not easy to do harder than writing worldly songs. I probably will be buying a 318 too. God willing. You play beautifully. Love seeing bluegrass style. It’s my favorite to watch on guitar. My style is percussive. But I do like finger picking. That 318 sounds great. It’s a hard choice for me. The 318 seems easier to record not much to eq out. A little compression and it’s perfect. Thanks for taking the time. My next recording king will be from you if you have a 318. God bless my friend.
They awesome sounding guitars. Where is your store located? Awesome video thanks for sharing.
The Martin has a more mellow sound. The east Indian rose wood will sound better with age if it holds up time will tell. Great picking.
Very good comparison Adam. I made myself listen with good headphones and they all sounded very good. Maybe the Martin was warmer. I picked up a used RO-318 a couple weeks ago and after a good setup and new strings, WOW! I was just fingerpicking some Paul Simon on it and was astounded on how good it sounds and plays. RKs seem to be in short supply locally, is availability is stores currently an issue?
martin for sure, a warmer, classic sound
Beautifully compared guitars! Would this title also work as : $ 700 RK vs $ 15,000 Martin D28 ? Nice playing, love your Bluegras riffs!
Martin-hands down. But for the money the RKs are great guitars.
Martin for me but they all sound great. Great picking.👍👏🇨🇦
I’ve been a Martin lover for decades, but..... those Recording Kings are so much clearer and louder than the Martin. I have heard this comparison twice now by two different folks, and the Martins sound MUDDY to me now. I would grab a Recording King when I have enough money for a guitar again. Especially when they are all solid wood. No laminates in those at all.
Wow Great Review...Unbelievable...What strings/type and gauge were used on each of the 3 guitars? What flat Pick and thickness were you using?
That Martin though 😍
That 328 is a canon. LOL.
brilliant guitars. why did recording king stop with the torrification? many thanks for the presentation!
I have an Eastman rosewood dreadnaught with Adirondack, and it's similar to that RD-328. There's just a bit of extra sweetness from the D-28 I've got which is around a 2004 guitar, with Englmann spruce top, so I'm not picking up the Eastman often. The Eastman would be great to take to a jam though, because it's so loud - it's a banjo killer like those recording kings.
Those RKs sound great. I wish they weren’t finished in poly though. The woods deserve a better finish imho.
The Martin is a magnificent instrument. No comparison, however, at less the a grand the RKs pack a lot of bang for the buck. Nice.
I have either owned or play just about everything. I can honestly say that pound for pound, the recording king RD-318 is hands down probably the best inexpensive D-18 style guitar made today. B I have an Eastman endorsement, I had a Martin endorsement, I had a Tanglewood endorsement and I had a Blue Ridge endorsement. I own a Martin D 18, I’ve played Many Santa Cruz, Collins, Bougois and others. For the money, I think this one is it.
RD328 has more punch, but I believe it is because of the adi top.
the Martin D28 sounds vintage and dry, very very nice and pleasant to listen to.
I wish I could see your left hand as you play, so I could tell myself, "Nope. There is no way I will ever sound that good!"
The top on that RD 318 is sweet.
Great comparison! The RD 328 sounds 99.8% of your vintage D28.
Only ones that will disagree will be folks that have already $4/6000 for a vintage D28.........simple as that for $750 the RD328 is an incredible value. If your a headstock logo guy
you could never be happy with a Chinese built guitar. However Billy Strings could outplay about anyone
On this planet with that RD 328..........
Even if they were playing an Early D45.......... I though a 40 series Laravee was great value at $1600 till I tryed these RK 328's........ Nothing will replicate a D28 for $750 like the RK does😉
The Martin by a country mile. The RD's sound thin/shrill in comparison.
Look already a fanboy
Your comparing a vintage guitar lol. Your not ok bro.
“The only ones that will disagree…”
That part is dead wrong. I don’t own a vintage Martin but I’ve played them next to Recording Kings and they’re not even in the same league. I guess I could flip your fallacy on you and say the only ones who don’t agree can’t afford a vintage Martin.
Been wanting an rd328 for a while
Martin wins...but all 3 fine sounding guitars and nice playing. I like to listen all three!
Recording King makes some fine guitars! Beginning guitar players today can find some
really nice / good guitars for a small investment.
Which has the most resonance and bottom end/bass the 318 or 328?
Hi Adam where are you located man? I have a couple banjos that are in dire need of a pro setup. 1 is my never played Washburn B-17 Americana that came with a abs nut, it needs setup and a new bone nut?
The Martin resonates waaaay more.
I have RD 328 and can say great sounding guitar
For new guitars, not bad. The old Martin definitely has a more complex rich tone as it should being so much older.
Honestly, unless you are in the Martin cult, you always find that the Martin guitars somehow sounds better....to my ear, no way i would pay 3k more than that Martin for such a small difference...and frankly, to my ear, there is not much of a difference..and don't forget that those RECORDING KING will open up with time! Sorry Martin freaks!
@@denisprieur7944 @denisprieur7944 - and I even think the Recording King is better.. If you play them over and over again: 1:40min and 2:25min .. you'll notice the Martin has a more room/reverb sound (or more treble sound).. while the Recording King has a more sharp and concise sound.. More bass.. and doesn't have any reverb.. While I think the Martin could be a better solution to play live, I don't mind to own the Rercording King, because well: it's a "recording king", lol.. I can easily put reverb anyways.
I am blown away at how good the Recording King guitars sound. Wow. There is no way I am going to buy a Martin at $3K when I can get one of these for $800. If there is much of a difference it is slight but the price differences are astounding.
It's very difficult to distinguish such subtle differences in tone via the internet.
For a second I thought a Cowboy Kent video was coming up.
I will go with Man older Martin. Still looking at RDs , not too bad esp. for the price.
I bought a RD 328 online. Looked great! Great build quality. I just couldn't get used to playing the V-Neck. I sent it back. Did you have any problem adjusting to the neck???
Thought I needed to give it a longer test. Went back and played it for hours while comparing it to several others I'd been considering. I brought the RD 328 home and am very happy with it. This is one great guitar!!!!
I still like the Martin but both the Recording Kings are Amazing. I think I prefer the 318. But I am partial to mahogany guitars.
The RK’S are great …. Interesting comparison …
That Martin sounds awesome. But, let these Recording King's get old for a while. I have one for my self, by the way. A ROS-647.
A Martin copy. Pre-war II. That instrument will never leave me. Among the best ever made. As close as you can come to an old Martin 12-fret.
I guess? I love that guitar.
I had one of those. Lost it in a house fire. I was sick when that happened 😁😥
@@papawrichard3553 A house fire? In that case its best to have survived.. A guitar can be bought again. Not life.
WOW..... that Martin was not even in the same ballpark..... is this real life???? Wow.
I wonder if you could talk about the feel of the necks on the RKs. I've seen several videos where they talk about them being chunky and just not a lot of fun to play.
I got a rd 328 and its a slim v neck. Its a little small for me to be honest
@@whiterice9146 Thanks.
The 318 is the best, followed by the Martin and then the 328. I have a 318. They should do an all Hog version to rival the D15M. I do hate the gloss neck tho.
Just awesome, the rd318 IS just incredible ! But I think the Martin D28 is better than the rd28
I would agree about the D28 especially in the historical sense.
Unfortunately the prices have gotten to the point where getting the better Martin is becoming difficult to do.
Martin sells a whole bunch of the cheaper models which are somewhat competitive with the RKs of the world.
I doubt they would still be in business if they had stuck to the old formula totally.
What strings come on the RD-328?
Which strings would you recommend,lights - 80/20 or phosphor bronze?
For flatpicking mediums have more punch and sustain.
A music shop owner in Canada , mentioned that the action has to be adjusted on the Recording King, after getting three buzz notes. before buying it
I own a Martin x model - laminate
with the same Martin quality
The Recording King, has more of a banjo tone.
Comparable to a Yamaha, or Epiphone
All well and good
Guitars are a personal choice
Martin"s laminate guitars are more
weather resistant
After a number of years even a D- 18 or
D 28 needs attention
to get back to playing .
$720.00 vs $2,800.00 ( D-18)
It's still Martin quality
Recording Kings hands down!!!
I live in Tucson Az. What would be the nearest Recording King dealer?
The Folk Shop or Chicago Store are.
They all sound similar
Martin shows it's class
The Martin has got the sound of my choice.Second the 318 mahogany.
Could have been a great sound test but the Martin was played with heavier gauge strings...
The Martin has a bit more punch, enough to isolate it from the other two.
I'm terrified that put your 1950s d28 on the couch like that....
Martin sounds just a little better, but then it's broken in. The RK's sound great; amazing value.
Does it come with your ability?
Now if those recording kings had thinner finish and time for the tops to loosen up, wow! Plan on doing some fret work on them tho.
Frets fine on both my RKs. Mine will only sound better as they open up.
@@kennethdabish2175 I own 12 recording kings, and love them all my Martin and Taylor sit in the cases. But I have found compared to the higher end guitars they didn't spend a lot of time on polishing and crowning the frets. They gotta cut corners somewhere to get that much sound for that little money!
I think the finish thing is really a non issue to a point. The finish is not that thick although it looks like it. I have a Blueridge BR260 (made in same factory) that I’ve had since 2004 and it has opened up nicely.
The nitro finish is physically softer and has that tactile feel to it, the poly finish is considerably harder and has its own feel to it.
There was a player on the Blueridge forum that took the finish off the top of his guitar and was surprised how little difference it made sound wise and now he was stuck with a guitar that had no finish on the top.
@@charlesfellows8130 I noticed that also on my Blueridge. I do things like fret work so I leveled and recrowned the frets. Haven’t touched it again since 2004
very nice video. I have a guild D50 d-46 nt ASH.. Alvarez DY-61 and Epiphone Masterbilt among others.. I would really like to see the Alvarez mg60bg Compared to the 318 here same woods and price point . 599.00 I do not compare rosewoods to Mahogany. thx for your post.. The guild D46 NT . is a breed all its own.
I prefer the 318. Punchy. Smooth. The Martin sounds to scooped.
The Martin of course
I have the 328
I’d settle for the 318 for sure.
The Martian sounds wonderful but as lounge room hobbyist player even though I could afford a Martin I simply couldn't justify the price with my skill level, the 318 for the dollars would be the guitar I'd be taking home.
318 gets my vote 😲
They are very comparable.
They are both great
That RK sounds jangly
Martin still has the low end but sounds tighter
Love both
obviously the martin, but hell the fact recording king is brought up in these comparisons so often says a lot
1955. Martin. Sounds best.
I hear a smoother sweeter sound from the Martin. According to Geog Gemunder, an instrument will sound as good when it is brand new as it will ever sound if it is built right.
The mystique and Chinese production hurt the recording king big time....question is which is best to buy? Rd318 or rd328?
The Chinese have been building wooden instruments for over 1000 years. I think they can handle a 6 string acoustic guitar.
0:58 1:40 2:25
Tone (thin bass) on my RD-328 has gone south. Luthier says "green wood" after 3rd setup.
Damn that sucks
@@elsizzle2000 How it went was RK took it back. I received full store credit. Didn't get cash back but store credit. RK paid shipping back. I am sure there are examples of the RD-328 that would please me, not the example delivered.
Check out JP Cormier. He does a similar video with a RK and a Clarence White Martin.
Yes I have seen the video. It is hard to tell.
Martin or RK which one should I buy?
@@ayushpratap4726 I love my Martins but I had a 12 fret Recording King one time that I have regretted trading ever since !
@@752brickie please tell me should I buy a Martin D28 or RD328 ??
@@ayushpratap4726 That is a real tough one ?? I will tell you this the Recording King is an amazing instrument and for the difference in the cost I would think very very very hard on the Recording King. But the bast way is to play them both .
Well when the Martin sounds like that.. yeah.... too much buzz. Could just be the heavy handed playing... maybe more relief in the neck could help?
Martin all day...
The Martin sounds noticeably dull when compared to both recording kings. How old are the strings?
LOL.No not dull at all..The new guitars have new string and are too bright
@@runnningonempty lol... No.. Your opinion doesn't override anyone else's.. Lmao
@@fishingok4582 MIND YOUR BUSINESS KAREN...NOW GO LYAO
New strings on all. The RKs come with a lighter gauge. That being said, my Martin has a 65 year old Sitka top with straight, rear shifted braces. The RKs have a 30 year old Adirondack top with forward shifted, scalloped braces. Really two different animals... also my 28 has Brazilian rosewood verses mahogany and Indian rosewood. Naturally the RKs would be brighter cause they’re not broke in, and because of the nature of the pre-war style build.... different? Yes. Would I pick the Martin if all were free? Yes.... but there’s just not $10k worth of difference in the tone.... or volume.
@@Adammcimtoshmusic Thanks for your honest response. (And somewhat related...J.P. Cromier just did another blind test with one of his Martin D28's and a RD328 and, as expected, there were some real surprised folks. LOL.) Kinda makes ya wonder if maybe, 40 years from now, some folks will be sitting around talking about how crazy it was that the RK guitars that sold for under a grand "back then" are selling for 5 times that in 2061. ;-) Also...it's like...not you, but some of the folks touting the Martin...are they REALLY that good to merit such a guitar? Or do they think the great guitar will somehow make them great? Truth is...very few folks walking around are that good. Seriously. And I guarantee they're not here commenting on RUclips.
Is the neck fat like Martin or thin like Taylor
Until I decide to make a habit of sticking a lavaliere mic in my Martin and playing it through my MacBook speakers I'm going to ignore "comparisons" like this one.
In all these comparisons, the imports sound bright and harsh in the overtones. Yes, they get closer all the time. The D 28 sounds richer to me. I think this would become apparent over time, unless of course, you had no Martin to compare it to. Great for the money is the operative phrase.
Agreed, thought a fresh new Adirondack top, not broken in sounds like that on any guitar..
Not much difference to my ears between the D28 and the Rd328. Listening to a recording is not a good comparison. Play them both and decide. I've watched a lot of guitar videos and went to the local music shop to play them in person and I've always had a different listening experience.
I really thought the 318 was most articulate
Recording King is great sounding acoustic guitars for under 1000€
They didn't sound alike at all to me. The RKs were loud but clangy. I've heard a lot of mid-price guitars that were loud and clangy.
Having said that, the Martin didn't really sound that great. It did in parts but it was very variable. I think string information is needed in all cases.
Adirondack tops need time to soften up. They are among the stiffest of spruce tops.
For the first view they might be good, but I prefer a Martin.
The RD328 kicks the Martin's behind in my humble opinion
humble....LOLOLOLOL
The RK’s are made in China 🇨🇳
That’s all I needed to know….
Recording king or Eastman?
RK all the way!
@@AOfuhSHO Should I go for Martin D28 or a RK 328?
@@ayushpratap4726 if you have the money for a D-28 go for it! A 328 is going to be a phenomenal value and sound extremely similar. Also another good option is a Blueridge BR 180
@@AOfuhSHO Thanks Aaron! 👍 It will take all my savings ! But I'll go for it lets hope for the best !
I just bought the RD 328 because I can't afford a Guild D55
I own a Guild D55. Great guitar, but the sound is quite different from a RD 328 and a Martin D28. I believe that if your target sound was the D28 the RD328 is a better choice than a Guild D55.
@@fabrizionapoleoni yeah D55 guild sounds like rock guitar played with power chords totally different sound will be great to cover rock nd alternative
Lawrence please share your review how you find it against Martin D28, M confused which one to buy ???