Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (4)
$1,399.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$1,399.99
Amazon
4.5 (5)
$1,399.99
Reverb
4.0 (4)
$1,299.00 New
$1,119.99 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (2)
$1,399.99
Thomann
4.7 (23)
$777.00

Average Price: $1,237

Standard/Professional

$499

$1300+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Recording King RM-991". 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

The Recording King RM-991 brings a taste of vintage craftsmanship into the modern musician's world with its nickel-plated bell brass body. This tricone resonator guitar combines timeless design with remarkable sound projection, thanks to its three hand-spun aluminum resonator cones. Positioned innovatively, these cones offer a well-balanced EQ, delivering a warm, sweet tone that resonates with clarity and sustain. With its bell-like chimes and natural ambiance, the RM-991 is designed to captivate, whether you're fingerpicking blues or sliding into a country twang.

The guitar's roundneck shape is not just about style—it's about comfort and playability. The satin-finished mahogany neck with a smooth "C" carve makes fretting feel effortless, allowing you to explore a range of musical expressions. An open-pan soundwell enhances the resonator's power, ensuring each note rings with a rich lo-fi voice that’s both nostalgic and fresh.

Perfect for the studio or stage, the RM-991 is equipped with premium hardware including an ebony saddle, bone nut, and sandcast bridge. This ensures not only durability but also a sound that's rich in overtones and character. With its heritage rooted in the early days of American music, the RM-991 is a testament to Recording King's commitment to quality and tradition—a true time capsule of tone.

Key Features:

  • Nickel-plated bell brass top, back, and sides
  • Three hand-spun aluminum resonator cones for enhanced sound
  • Roundneck design for traditional playability
  • Open pan soundwell for improved resonance
  • Satin-finished mahogany neck with a "C" carve
  • Padauk fingerboard with 19 frets
  • Bone nut, ebony saddle, and sandcast bridge
  • Sturdy nickel tuners with an 18:1 ratio

Product specs

Resonator Type Tricone
Number of Strings 6
Body Shape Tricone
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Style No Cutaway
Finish Nickel-plated
Top Material Bell Brass
Back & Sides Material Bell Brass
Body Bracing Brass "Pan" Soundwell
Neck Wood Mahogany
Neck Shape C
Fingerboard Inlay Abalone Dots
Number of Frets 19
Scale Length 25.5"
Tuning Machines Open Gear with Black Buttons
Bridge Material Sandcast T-bridge
Nut/Saddle Material Bone/Ebony
Nut Width 1.75"
Strings D'Addario, .013-.056
Case Included Sold Separately

FAQs

What type of music is the Recording King RM-991 Resonator best suited for?

The Recording King RM-991 Tricone Resonator is ideal for blues, bluegrass, and slide guitar playing due to its distinctive metallic tone and sustain, typical of tricone resonators.

What is the neck profile like on the Recording King RM-991?

The RM-991 features a C-shaped neck, providing a comfortable grip for most players, making it suitable for both fingerpicking and slide techniques.

What materials are used in the construction of the Recording King RM-991?

The RM-991 is constructed with a bell brass body and a mahogany neck, offering a robust build and a rich, resonant sound typical of metal-bodied resonators.

Does the Recording King RM-991 come with a case?

No, the Recording King RM-991 does not include a case; it is sold separately.

Is the Recording King RM-991 suitable for beginners?

While the RM-991 offers professional-quality sound and build, its unique characteristics and heavier weight may be better suited for intermediate to advanced players familiar with resonator guitars.

Jay Bee Rodriguez

Jay Bee Rodriguez

Testing Resonator Recording King RM-991 (available TAB)

Video thumbnail for Testing Resonator Recording King RM-991 (available TAB) by Jay Bee Rodriguez

Testing Resonator Recording King RM-991 (available TAB)

Jay Bee Rodriguez

Jay Bee Rodriguez

Video thumbnail for Recording King RM-991 by peps579

Recording King RM-991

peps579

peps579

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Recording King RM-991.

Comparisons

  • Recording King resonators are considered more affordable alternatives to National resonators, while maintaining good quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners often dedicate resonator guitars like the Recording King RM-991 to open tunings for playing blues and slide guitar.

    Source

User experience

  • It's suggested to A/B test single cone versus tricone resonators in person, as YouTube doesn't fully capture the tonal differences.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The tricone design features a "T" shaped bridge that sits on three separate cones, enhancing resonance.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Taj Mahal uses Recording King RM-991

Taj Mahal

Guitarist

Taj Mahal & the Phantom Blues Band

...
Verified via YouTube

Taj plays a Recording King tricone resonator during his performance with Keb' Mo' at the 2013 Crossroads Guitar Festival. During an interview with Premier Guitar he confirms, "The tricone I’m playing at that show is a Recording King." https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/25789-taj-mahal-and-keb-mo-team-up?page=2"

See how Túlio Augusto uses Recording King RM-991

Túlio Augusto

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Guitar used mainly in recordings but also seen sometimes on stage.

Genre Usage

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

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