Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (5)
$1,299.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$1,399.99
Amazon
$1,399.99
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$564.12 2 available New
Musician's Friend
4.0 (2)
$1,399.99

Average Price: $1,157

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Recording King RO-342 Tonewood Reserve Elite 000". 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 RO-342 Tonewood Reserve Elite 000 is a masterclass in marrying visual aesthetics with sonic excellence. Crafted to channel the "Golden Age" of acoustic guitar making, this instrument is a testament to Recording King's dedication to quality and tradition. Built from all-solid tonewoods, it features a solid Adirondack spruce top paired with solid East Indian rosewood for the back and sides. This combination yields an acoustic tone that's both authoritative and versatile, making it an ideal partner for both strummers and fingerstylists.

The guitar's 000 body shape is designed for a balanced tonal output, ensuring that each note resonates with clarity and richness. The neck is carved from a single piece of mahogany into a "Thin V" profile, offering a comfortable and hand-filling experience whether you're playing intricate fingerstyle or bold strumming patterns. Adding to its allure, the guitar is adorned with striking abalone fingerboard inlays and purfling, making it not just a delight to the ears but also to the eyes.

Key Features:

  • All-solid tonewoods: Adirondack spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides
  • 000 body shape for a balanced and powerful tone
  • 1-piece mahogany neck with a "Thin V" profile for comfortable playing
  • Rosewood fingerboard enhances resonance
  • Bone nut and saddle for superior vibration transfer
  • Elegant abalone inlays and purfling for added visual appeal

Product specs

String Type Steel
Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape 000
Back & Sides Wood Solid East Indian Rosewood
Top Wood AAA Solid Adirondack Spruce
Body Bracing X-bracing
Binding Ivoroid
Neck Wood 1-piece Mahogany
Neck Shape Thin V
Radius 16"
Fingerboard Material Ebony
Fingerboard Inlay Abalone Snowflakes
Number of Frets 20
Scale Length 24.9"
Nut Width 1.75"
Nut/Saddle Material Bone/Bone
Bridge Material Ebony
Tuning Machines Open Gear, Butterbean Buttons, 18:1
Strings D'Addario, .012-.053
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the back and sides of the Recording King RO-342?

The back and sides of the Recording King RO-342 are made from solid East Indian Rosewood, which is known for its rich, warm tonal qualities and excellent projection.

How does the Adirondack Spruce top affect the sound of the Recording King RO-342?

The AAA Solid Adirondack Spruce top provides a powerful, dynamic range with a bright, clear tone, making it ideal for both fingerstyle and strumming.

What is the neck profile of the Recording King RO-342, and how does it affect playability?

The Recording King RO-342 features a thin V neck profile, offering comfortable playability that suits both flatpicking and fingerstyle techniques.

Is the Recording King RO-342 suitable for fingerstyle guitar playing?

Yes, the Recording King RO-342's 000 body shape, combined with its Adirondack Spruce top and East Indian Rosewood back and sides, makes it well-suited for fingerstyle playing.

What kind of tuning machines does the Recording King RO-342 use?

The Recording King RO-342 is equipped with open gear tuning machines featuring butterbean buttons and an 18:1 gear ratio, providing precise tuning stability.

Does the Recording King RO-342 come with a case or gig bag?

No, the Recording King RO-342 is sold separately from a case or gig bag, so you'll need to purchase one to protect your guitar during transport.

Reviews

PROS

  • AAA Adirondack spruce top and rosewood back offer a stunning look

  • Produces a big sound for its compact size

  • Comfortable V-shape neck ideal for fingerstyle players

  • Short-scale enhances expressive string-feel

  • Excellent intonation and note clarity

  • Superior tone and sustain for an affordable price

  • Elaborate jewel accents without tone compromise

  • Ready for stage use with K&K Mini's

  • Impressive workmanship and bracing quality

  • 1.75" bone nut enhances playability

CONS

  • Heavily applied gloss finish may not appeal to all tastes

  • Does not include a case

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Recording King RO-342 Tonewood Reserve Elite 000.

Build quality

  • Some users mention that the Recording King guitars may suffer from inconsistent quality control, with issues like sub-par fretwork and structural problems emerging in some models.

    Source
  • The thick poly finish on the RO-328 can feel plasticy and contribute to a muted tone, compared to more resonant finishes on similar guitars.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Recording King is noted for offering good value, but Eastman is often seen as superior in terms of build and sound quality, being closer to high-end brands like Martin.

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  • Eastman guitars are described as having a more modern and bright sound compared to the traditional sound of Martins, making them appealing for different musical preferences.

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  • The fit and finish of Recording King's Tone Wood Reserve Series is compared to Gibson's level, suggesting decent quality, but not quite reaching Martin's standards.

    Source
  • The RO-328's tone is less lively compared to Eastman E1OM and Martin 000-RSGT, despite having superior construction materials like solid rosewood and Adirondack spruce.

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User experience

  • One owner praised the Recording King RO-318 for its sturdy build and sound quality, noting it as a satisfying complement to their Martin OM-21.

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  • Some owners report that Eastman guitars maintain a balanced sound, but may lack the deep bass associated with Martin models, which could affect genre suitability.

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  • Some players find the V neck on the RO-328 more comfortable for arthritic wrists after an adjustment period, enhancing playability.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Owners note the need for setups due to inconsistent factory quality; low action setups are preferred by some for better playability.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Recording King RO-328 is perceived as a budget-friendly option that closely mimics vintage Martin sounds, suitable for players seeking that tonal profile without premium costs.

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