Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
Average Price: $1,237
Standard/Professional
$499
$1300+
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Budget
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.
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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
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What type of music is the Recording King RM-991 Resonator best suited for?
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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.
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What is the neck profile like on the Recording King RM-991?
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The RM-991 features a C-shaped neck, providing a comfortable grip for most players, making it suitable for both fingerpicking and slide techniques.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Recording King RM-991?
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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.
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Does the Recording King RM-991 come with a case?
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No, the Recording King RM-991 does not include a case; it is sold separately.
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Is the Recording King RM-991 suitable for beginners?
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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.
Videos
Jay Bee Rodriguez
Testing Resonator Recording King RM-991 (available TAB)
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
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Recording King resonators are considered more affordable alternatives to National resonators, while maintaining good quality.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Owners often dedicate resonator guitars like the Recording King RM-991 to open tunings for playing blues and slide guitar.
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User experience
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It's suggested to A/B test single cone versus tricone resonators in person, as YouTube doesn't fully capture the tonal differences.
Source
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
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"
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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