Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

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.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

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

What type of music is the Recording King Dirty 30s A-style Mandolin best suited for?

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.

Does the Recording King Dirty 30s A-style Mandolin come with a case or gig bag?

No, the Recording King Dirty 30s A-style Mandolin does not come with a case or gig bag; these must be purchased separately.

What is the neck shape of the Recording King Dirty 30s A-style Mandolin, and how does it affect playability?

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.

Is the Recording King Dirty 30s A-style Mandolin suitable for beginners?

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.

What materials are used in the construction of the Recording King Dirty 30s A-style Mandolin?

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.

RecordingKingOfficial

RecordingKingOfficial

The Recording King Dirty 30s A-Model Mandolin

Video thumbnail for The Recording King Dirty 30s A-Model Mandolin by RecordingKingOfficial

The Recording King Dirty 30s A-Model Mandolin

RecordingKingOfficial

RecordingKingOfficial

Video thumbnail for RECORDING KING / Dirty 30sシリーズ by サウンドハウス

RECORDING KING / Dirty 30sシリーズ

サウンドハウス

サウンドハウス

Reviews

PROS

  • Solid top delivers impressive sound quality for the price

  • Matte sunburst finish adds visual appeal

  • Good action right out of the box

  • Loud projection for its size

  • Affordable for beginners and casual players

  • Quality bridge fitting enhances sound and playability

CONS

  • Comes with a plastic nut instead of bone

  • Requires professional setup for optimal performance

  • 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

  • Some users report inconsistent tuner performance, with some mandolins struggling to hold pitch for more than 30 seconds.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Recording King is favored over The Loar Honey Creek as a secondary mandolin, despite initial skepticism.

    Source

User experience

  • Quality control variability is noted, with differing user experiences on similar models.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Considered a suitable mandolin for keeping at work due to its affordability and adequate performance.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Recording King Mandolins

Rogue RM-100A Mandolin

$69.99 - $129.99

# 1

Rank

Gene Ween Rob Scallon Zachary M. W. Corsa
5 artists using
Ibanez M510E

$199.00 - $229.99

# 2

Rank

Mauricio Durán Gene Ween Aaron Freeman
4 artists using
Ibanez M510 Mandolin

$180.49 - $199.99

# 6

Rank

Ariza
1 artist using
Washburn M3SWK

$599.00 - $999.00

# 14

Rank

Lil Nas X
1 artist using
Gibson F5-G Mandolin

$5,999.00 - $6,099.00

# 15

Rank

Marcus Mumford Chris Thile Zac Brown
3 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides