Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
4.5 (2)
$349.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$349.99
Amazon
2.7 (5)
$299.99
Reverb
$225.00 1 available Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (30)
$349.99
Thomann
3.3 (9)
$165.00 $164.00 $1.00 · All time low

Average Price: $290

Standard/Professional

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Recording King ROS-9-TS Dirty 30s Series". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Embrace the charm of bygone eras with the Recording King ROS-9-TS Dirty 30s Series acoustic guitar. This instrument blends the classic vibes of vintage acoustics with cutting-edge craftsmanship, ensuring both style and substance for today's discerning players. The solid Sitka spruce top is paired with whitewood back and sides, delivering a warm, balanced tone that resonates beautifully. Its unique Cross Lap X bracing not only boosts the guitar's volume but also enhances its frequency response, ensuring every note rings true.

The ROS-9-TS is not just about sound; it's crafted for playability, featuring a thin "C" mahogany neck that makes chord changes and intricate fingerwork effortless. The ovangkol fingerboard is smooth and responsive, perfect for both beginners and seasoned musicians. With a bone nut and saddle, this guitar provides superior sustain and a premium feel that sets it apart.

Visually, the ROS-9-TS stands out with its large ivory dot fret markers and the signature RK Whitley pickguard, capturing the essence of the Dirty 30s series with a modern twist. Whether you're strumming in your room or performing on stage, this guitar promises to be a reliable companion on your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka spruce top for superior sound quality
  • Whitewood back and sides for a warm, balanced tone
  • Cross Lap X bracing for enhanced volume and frequency response
  • Thin "C" mahogany neck and ovangkol fingerboard for effortless playability
  • Bone nut and saddle for improved sustain
  • Iconic vintage look with large ivory dot fret markers and RK Whitley pickguard

Product specs

String Type Steel
Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape Dirty 30s Series 9 000
Back & Sides Wood Whitewood
Top Wood Solid Sitka Spruce
Top Finish Satin
Body Bracing Cross Lap X-bracing
Binding Ivory
Neck Wood Mahogany
Neck Shape Thin C
Radius 16"
Fingerboard Inlay Large Ivory Dots
Number of Frets 20, Medium, Nickel-Silver
Scale Length 25.4"
Nut Width 1.6875"
Nut/Saddle Material Bone/Compensated Bone
Bridge Material Ovangkol
Tuning Machines Nickel with Ivory Buttons
Strings D'Addario EJ16 Light, .012-.053
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What type of music genres is the Recording King ROS-9-TS Dirty 30s Series 9 000 Acoustic Guitar best suited for?

The Recording King ROS-9-TS is versatile, making it well-suited for genres like folk, blues, and country, thanks to its solid Sitka spruce top which provides a clear, bright tone.

How does the thin C neck shape of the Recording King ROS-9-TS affect playability?

The thin C neck shape offers a comfortable grip, making it easier for players to navigate the fretboard quickly, which is ideal for fingerpicking styles and fast chord changes.

Does the Recording King ROS-9-TS Dirty 30s Series 9 000 Acoustic Guitar come with a case or gig bag?

No, the Recording King ROS-9-TS does not come with a case or gig bag; these must be purchased separately.

What is the tonal impact of the whitewood back and sides on the Recording King ROS-9-TS?

The whitewood back and sides contribute to a balanced tone, offering good projection and warmth, which complements the bright, clear sound of the solid Sitka spruce top.

Is the Recording King ROS-9-TS suitable for beginners?

Yes, with its comfortable neck profile and versatile sound, the Recording King ROS-9-TS is suitable for beginners looking for an affordable, quality acoustic guitar to start their musical journey.

Franklin Guitar and Repair

Franklin Guitar and Repair

Recording King ROS-9 Dirty Thirties Series 9 000 Acoustic Guitar

Video thumbnail for Recording King ROS-9 Dirty Thirties Series 9 000 Acoustic Guitar by Franklin Guitar and Repair

Recording King ROS-9 Dirty Thirties Series 9 000 Acoustic Guitar

Franklin Guitar and Repair

Franklin Guitar and Repair

Video thumbnail for Recording King Dirty 30s Series 9 Acoustic Guitar Demo by Sweetwater

Recording King Dirty 30s Series 9 Acoustic Guitar Demo

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique raunchy, mid-heavy tone ideal for Delta Blues

  • Sounds impressive when played with a slide

  • Pickup option available for amplified play

  • Affordable option for beginner players or classrooms

  • Good for players who don't mind minor imperfections

CONS

  • Issues with fretboard leveling and crowning

  • High E string slot issues; nut may need replacement

  • Some units have sharp fret edges

  • Frets wear quickly and may require frequent maintenance

  • Inconsistent tuner inset can affect appearance or alignment

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Recording King ROS-9-TS Dirty 30s Series.

Build quality

  • The fret sprout issue is noted, where frets protrude due to neck material shrinkage as the wood seasons.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The guitar is compared to a Seagull Grand Parlour for having a warmer, mid-focused sound preferred by some over the boxy, high-toned sound of the Dirty 30s with a floating bridge.

    Source
  • Recording King guitars are described as hit-and-miss, with Dirty 30s models generally impressing users compared to other RK models.

    Source

User experience

  • Users mention the Dirty 30s Series has a punchy, unique, and tonally even sound when used as a casual "couch guitar."

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The guitar's truss rod is adjustable, and users recommend Lizard Skin cleaner to avoid fingerprint issues on the finish.

    Source

3.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
ambysdeadinside

decent guitar for the money

I got one without the pickguard & with a pickup. The 2nd fret of the high e buzzes like nuts and the frets both wore in very quickly (not in the usual way, like the strings starting "denting", for lack of a better term, the frets after like a month) and came sharp, but the thing sounds amazing both plugged in & unplugged. Not amazing as in a really nice, crispy tone. Amazing in a raunchy, very mid heavy, dirty south tone. Plugged in it sounds even more so. And playing with a slide in open tunings sound amazing on it. Like real delta bluesy. I recommend if you like slide playing and/or dont mind the buzzes and minor other problems.

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