Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (3)
$399.99
Guitar Center
4.0 (2)
$399.99
Reverb
4.0 (5)
$349.99 New
$348.56 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (7)
$399.99

Average Price: $368

Budget/Beginner

$499

$1300+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Recording King RPH-R1-TS Dirty 30's". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Step into the soulful world of blues and folk with the Recording King RPH-R1-TS Dirty 30's Resonator. This guitar is a harmonious blend of vintage charm and modern playability, crafted for the musician seeking a distinct voice. Its wood body, combined with a hand-spun European resonator cone, offers a raspy, metallic timbre reminiscent of the old-school Delta Blues era. The spruce top enhances the guitar's natural volume and dynamic response, making it an ideal companion for both intimate gigs and spirited jam sessions.

Designed with a slim 0-style body, this resonator guitar is not only visually striking but also incredibly portable. Whether you're fingerpicking intricate melodies or sliding through soulful riffs, the "Thin C" neck carve ensures effortless playability. The mahogany neck and ovangkol fingerboard add to the instrument's comfort, making it a joy to play for hours on end. Featuring dual F-holes and a pedestal soundwell, the Dirty 30's delivers a well-rounded tone that projects beautifully.

Perfect for musicians who appreciate a touch of nostalgia without compromising on quality, the Recording King Dirty 30's Resonator is a tribute to the timeless sounds of a bygone era. Whether you're a seasoned player or a budding enthusiast, this guitar promises to be a faithful partner on your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Hand-spun European resonator cone for vintage tone
  • Slim 0-style body for easy portability
  • Spruce top for enhanced volume and depth
  • Mahogany neck with a "Thin C" profile for comfortable playability
  • Ovangkol fingerboard
  • Pedestal soundwell with elevated soundpost design for better projection
  • Dual F-holes for balanced tone across all frequencies

Product specs

Brand Recording King
Model RPH-R1 Dirty 30's Single-0 Resonator
Finish Matte Tobacco Sunburst
Year 2010s
Categories Resonator Guitars
Active Preamp No
Body Shape 0
Color Family Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Ovangkol
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What kind of music is the Recording King RPH-R1-TS Dirty 30's resonator guitar best suited for?

The Recording King RPH-R1-TS Dirty 30's resonator guitar is ideal for blues, bluegrass, and folk music, offering a distinct, rich tone that complements slide playing and fingerpicking styles.

Does the Recording King RPH-R1-TS Dirty 30's resonator guitar have a pickup for amplification?

No, the Recording King RPH-R1-TS Dirty 30's resonator guitar does not come with a built-in pickup, making it purely acoustic.

How does the spruce top of the Recording King RPH-R1-TS affect its sound?

The spruce top of the Recording King RPH-R1-TS provides a bright, responsive tone with excellent projection, enhancing the guitar's resonance and clarity.

Is the Recording King RPH-R1-TS Dirty 30's resonator guitar suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Recording King RPH-R1-TS Dirty 30's is suitable for beginners, offering a comfortable 0 body shape and a straightforward, no-frills design that is easy to play.

What materials are used for the fretboard on the Recording King RPH-R1-TS Dirty 30's?

The fretboard of the Recording King RPH-R1-TS Dirty 30's is made from ovangkol, a durable wood known for its smooth feel and attractive appearance.

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Recording King Resonators - The BEST Resonator Guitars to Start Playing Delta Blues!

Video thumbnail for Recording King Resonators - The BEST Resonator Guitars to Start Playing Delta Blues! by Andertons Music Co

Recording King Resonators - The BEST Resonator Guitars to Start Playing Delta Blues!

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Reviews

PROS

  • Great full sound despite its small size

  • Smooth fretboard enhances playability

  • Highly portable, ideal for travel

  • Excellent build quality for the price

  • Strong recommendation from first-time resonator owners

CONS

  • Potential stringing challenges with under-stringing tailpiece

  • Strings may lay on the fretboard if not properly strung

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Recording King RPH-R1-TS Dirty 30's.

Build quality

  • Some guitars may have fret sprout due to shrinking neck material as the wood seasons, causing frets to stick out.

    Source
  • The fit and finish may be lacking, with particular attention needed on fret dressing quality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners note the guitar has a more "boxy" and "high-toned" sound compared to a Seagull Grand Parlour, which offers a warmer, mid-focused tone.

    Source
  • The Gretsch Jim Dandy is a comparable model and is suggested as an alternative for similar sound and price range.

    Source

User experience

  • The neck is described as comfortable, neither too wide nor too narrow, suitable for players with smaller hands.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Dirty 30's model includes a truss rod, allowing for neck adjustments to improve playability.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • This guitar is favored as a "couch guitar" for its unique punchy and tonally even sound, making it suitable for casual, at-home playing.

    Source
  • Best suited for old-time music players looking for a "cheap" loud boxy sound reminiscent of historical recordings.

    Source
  • Not particularly loud unamplified; recommended for use with one or two other unmic'd instruments, but might struggle against louder instruments like banjos or mandolins.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dale Watson uses Recording King RPH-R1-TS Dirty 30's

Dale Watson

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by Dale Watson, he is seen holding a Recording King RPH-R1-TS Dirty 30's resonator guitar. The image was posted on his official account, thedalewatson, showcasing new merchandise.

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