Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
Average Price: $213
Standard/Professional
$100
$501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Recording King Dirty 30s A-style Mandolin". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Step into the vintage vibe with the Recording King Dirty 30s A-style Mandolin - Tobacco Sunburst. This charming instrument is designed to deliver a classic sound reminiscent of the 1930s, perfect for folk artists and songwriters. The mandolin boasts a high-quality craftsmanship that pairs a solid spruce top with a maple back and sides. This combination of tonewoods produces a bold, foundational tone that's crisp, cutting, and authentically vintage.
The Dirty 30s A-style Mandolin is not only about the sound but also about the feel. The fast-playing maple neck, coupled with a 20-fret Revebond fretboard, provides a smooth and comfortable experience for players at any skill level. A mini-Recording King Jubilee headstock and ivory tuners add a stylish touch while allowing you to fine-tune your sound for perfect accuracy.
What sets this mandolin apart is its balanced acoustics. With a 1-3/4” body depth and specially designed f-holes, this mandolin was designed to deliver clear, well-balanced tone. An internal tone bar bracing further enhances dynamic response and resonance. The result? A mandolin that not only plays well but also sounds fantastic.
Whether you're a beginner looking for your first mandolin or an expert player seeking a reliable instrument, the Recording King Dirty 30s A-style Mandolin is ready to hit the road with you and fulfill your musical dreams.
Key Features:
- Shapely A-style body with 1.75-inch depth for ideal resonance and tone
- Powerful solid spruce top paired with bright maple back and sides
- Internal spruce X-shape bracing for enhanced balance and tone
- Comfortable maple neck with a “Small C” profile
- 20-fret Revebond fingerboard for smooth playability
- Premium compensated ebony bridge for tonal clarity and intonation
- Retro RK Jubilee headstock with hardwood maple overlay
- Smooth nickel tuners with stylish ivory buttons
- Sturdy rear strap button for secure wear/use with a strap
Product specs
| Type | Acoustic |
| Body Shape | A Style |
| Finish | Satin |
| Top Material | Solid Spruce |
| Body Material | Maple |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Neck Shape | Small C |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Dots |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Scale Length | 13.7" |
| Nut Material | Bone |
| Nut Width | 1.12" |
| Bridge Material | Ebony |
| Tuners | Ivory Buttons |
| Hardware | Nickel |
| Strings | GHS, .010-.036 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Sold Separately |
FAQs
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What type of music is the Recording King Dirty 30s A-style Mandolin best suited for?
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The Recording King Dirty 30s A-style Mandolin is well-suited for folk, bluegrass, and traditional acoustic music genres, thanks to its solid spruce top and maple body which provide a bright, clear tone.
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Does the Recording King Dirty 30s A-style Mandolin come with a case or gig bag?
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No, the Recording King Dirty 30s A-style Mandolin does not come with a case or gig bag; these must be purchased separately.
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What is the neck shape of the Recording King Dirty 30s A-style Mandolin, and how does it affect playability?
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The neck of the Recording King Dirty 30s A-style Mandolin has a small C shape, which offers a comfortable grip for most players, enhancing playability, especially for those with smaller hands.
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Is the Recording King Dirty 30s A-style Mandolin suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Recording King Dirty 30s A-style Mandolin is suitable for beginners due to its manageable size, comfortable neck shape, and quality tonewoods that offer a pleasing sound.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Recording King Dirty 30s A-style Mandolin?
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The Recording King Dirty 30s A-style Mandolin features a solid spruce top, maple body and neck, ebony bridge, and bone nut, which contribute to its rich, resonant sound and durability.
Videos
RecordingKingOfficial
The Recording King Dirty 30s A-Model Mandolin
Reviews
PROS
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Solid top delivers impressive sound quality for the price
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Matte sunburst finish adds visual appeal
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Good action right out of the box
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Loud projection for its size
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Affordable for beginners and casual players
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Quality bridge fitting enhances sound and playability
CONS
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Comes with a plastic nut instead of bone
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Requires professional setup for optimal performance
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Tuners are of average quality
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Recording King Dirty 30s A-style Mandolin.
Build quality
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Some users report inconsistent tuner performance, with some mandolins struggling to hold pitch for more than 30 seconds.
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Comparisons
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The Recording King is favored over The Loar Honey Creek as a secondary mandolin, despite initial skepticism.
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User experience
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Quality control variability is noted, with differing user experiences on similar models.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.