Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $360

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$200

$601+

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Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Recording King dirty 30's 12-string dreadnought acoustic guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Step back in time with the Recording King Dirty 30's 12-string dreadnought acoustic guitar, a masterful blend of vintage charm and modern acoustics. Inspired by the robust sounds of the 1930s, this guitar is designed for those who appreciate the lush harmonics of a 12-string. The solid Sitka spruce top is paired with sturdy whitewood back and sides, offering a resonant and rich tone that fills any room. It's not just about sound; the mahogany neck with its comfortable “C”-shape and smooth laurel fingerboard ensures every chord and note is a joy to play.

The guitar's standout feature, the wide 1-15/16-inch nut width, provides ample space for each string course, facilitating effortless picking and fretting. This thoughtful design allows both seasoned players and beginners to explore intricate fingerpicking and bold strumming without compromise. Additionally, the Cross Lap "Double X" bracing enhances stability while maintaining superb resonance, making it ideal for both stage performances and intimate sessions.

The Dirty 30's aesthetic is completed with ivory top body binding, large ivory dot fingerboard inlays, and a classic RK Whitley pickguard, all nodding to its vintage roots. This is more than a guitar—it's a piece of musical history, refined for today's passionate musicians.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka spruce top with whitewood back and sides
  • Cross Lap "Double X" bracing for enhanced stability
  • Wide 1-15/16-inch nut width for easy string navigation
  • Comfortable "C"-shape mahogany neck with smooth laurel fingerboard
  • Classic dreadnought body shape for powerful projection
  • Vintage-inspired aesthetic with intricate ivory inlays

Product specs

String Type Steel
Number of Strings 12
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape Dreadnought
Back & Sides Wood Whitewood
Top Wood Solid Sitka Spruce
Finish Satin
Body Bracing Cross Lap Double X-bracing
Binding Ivory Plastic
Neck Wood Mahogany
Neck Shape C
Radius 16"
Fingerboard Inlay Large Ivory Dots
Number of Frets 20
Scale Length 25.4"
Nut Width 1.93"
Nut/Saddle Material Bone/Bone
Bridge Material Ovangkol
Tuning Machines Nickel with Ivory Buttons
Strings D'Addario, .010-.047
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the Recording King Dirty 30's 12-string dreadnought acoustic guitar?

The guitar features a solid Sitka spruce top and whitewood back and sides, which contribute to its warm and resonant sound.

Is the Recording King Dirty 30's 12-string dreadnought acoustic guitar suitable for beginners?

This guitar is designed with a comfortable C-shaped mahogany neck and a 16" radius, making it accessible for beginners who are interested in exploring the rich sound of a 12-string guitar.

What is the neck profile of the Recording King Dirty 30's 12-string dreadnought acoustic guitar?

The guitar has a C-shaped mahogany neck, which provides a comfortable grip for most hand sizes, enhancing playability for both beginners and experienced players.

How does the cross lap double X-bracing affect the sound of the Recording King Dirty 30's 12-string dreadnought acoustic guitar?

The cross lap double X-bracing enhances the guitar's structural integrity while allowing the solid Sitka spruce top to resonate freely, resulting in a full-bodied, balanced tone.

What is the nut width of the Recording King Dirty 30's 12-string dreadnought acoustic guitar?

The nut width is 1.93 inches, providing ample space for fingerstyle playing and making it easier to manage the additional strings of a 12-string guitar.

RecordingKingOfficial

RecordingKingOfficial

The Dirty Thirties Series 12-String Dreadnought

Video thumbnail for The Dirty Thirties Series 12-String Dreadnought by RecordingKingOfficial

The Dirty Thirties Series 12-String Dreadnought

RecordingKingOfficial

RecordingKingOfficial

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent sound quality praised by experienced musicians

  • Easy to play compared to other 12-string guitars

  • Affordable option with impressive sound for the price

  • Fits well in a standard dreadnought case despite tall headstock

CONS

  • Requires significant setup work to become playable

  • Issues with high frets and sharp fret edges

  • Low-quality tuners with inconsistent tension

  • Additional setup costs can equate to guitar's price

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Recording King dirty 30's 12-string dreadnought acoustic guitar.

Build quality

  • The fret dressing on the Dirty 30s 12-string dreadnought is noted to be less refined, with room for improvement in fit and finish.

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  • The neck is described as comfortable and not too wide, catering to players with smaller hands.

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  • The thick poly finish is often described as feeling plasticky and can negatively impact the tone, making it sound muted and dull.

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Use cases and applications

  • This guitar delivers a boxy, plunky sound ideal for old-time music, but may require other instruments to moderate their volume for it to stand out.

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  • A V-shaped neck is noted to provide comfort for players with arthritic wrists, making it easier compared to more slender necks.

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Comparisons

  • The Gretsch Jim Dandy is considered a comparable model, with some users finding its price tag more attractive for band use.

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  • The Seagull Grand Parlour is noted as an alternative with a warm, mid-focused sound, preferred by some over the Dirty 30s.

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  • Owners compare the Series 11 000 model to a poor man's Waterloo WL-14, highlighting its light, responsive nature.

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User experience

  • An owner reported dissatisfaction with the Dirty 30s series, suggesting higher-end Recording King models as potentially better options.

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  • One owner used it as a couch guitar, praising its unique punchy sound and even tonal quality.

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  • Some owners report a "thuddy" sound on G notes at specific frets, 4th and 5th strings, 5th and 10th frets, which is a common harmonic issue.

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Value and pricing

  • The Dirty 30s is seen as a solid value for achieving a 'primitive' sound without aiming for perfection.

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  • The RO-328 is considered 90% of the quality of a Martin OM-28v at only 20-25% of the price, underscoring its value for money.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Fret sprout is an issue, with frets protruding due to neck material shrinkage as the wood seasons.

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  • The truss rod is adjustable, and using lizard skin cleaner helps prevent fingerprint issues on the finish.

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  • Consistency in quality is variable, with some needing returns before receiving a satisfactory instrument, emphasizing the importance of playing before purchase.

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5.0 out of 5

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