Overview

The Recording King RM-998-D is a premium metal-body resonator guitar from the top of the Recording King lineup, featuring a hand-engraved German silver body that offers exceptional tone and visual artistry at a fraction of the cost of a comparable American-made instrument. The German silver body with a hand-spun Quarterman cone and spider bridge assembly produces a brilliant, cutting tone with impressive sustain and dynamic range, responding sensitively to changes in picking intensity and technique. The Quarterman cone is a significant differentiator at this price point, delivering the kind of tonal complexity and volume that typically requires stepping up to instruments costing twice as much. The elaborate hand-engraved cover plate and body artwork showcase remarkable craftsmanship, giving the guitar a striking stage presence that draws eyes as readily as its tone draws ears. The bound ebony fingerboard with mother-of-pearl diamond inlays plays smoothly, and the bone nut and saddle contribute to clean, accurate intonation. The 12-fret neck design positions the bridge over the sweetest part of the cone for optimal tonal response, and the Grover Sta-Tite tuning machines keep the guitar in tune reliably. Build quality is excellent for the price, with careful assembly of the critical cone and bridge components. This resonator guitar is ideal for advanced players and working musicians who want professional-level resonator tone and stunning aesthetics without the price of a hand-built American instrument. The weight of the all-metal construction can be fatiguing during long standing performances.

Resonator Guitars

Premium metal-body resonator with hand-engraved German silver body and Quarterman cone, offering exceptional tone and visual artistry at a fraction of American-made prices.

Instrument Details

$1,299 Advanced
Brand Recording King
Type Resonator Guitar
Made In China
Year 2015
4.6 1 vote

AI Reviews

4.6 /5

The Recording King RM-998-D is a serious contender for players seeking pre-war aesthetic and tonal complexity without the five-figure vintage price tag. The standout feature is the German silver (nickel-silver) body, which offers a sophisticated harmonic profile that sits perfectly between the aggressive bite of steel and the mellow warmth of brass. It produces a brilliant, bell-like chime and a punchy, 'honky' midrange that cuts through a mix with authority.

The hand-spun European cone is the heart of this machine, delivering impressive projection and a sensitive dynamic range that rewards nuanced fingerstyle as much as aggressive slide work. The hand-engraving is surprisingly detailed for a production model, giving it a boutique, heirloom feel. However, be prepared for the weight; like all metal-body resonators, it's a heavy instrument that demands a sturdy strap.

While the playability is generally excellent, the factory setup can lean slightly high"perfect for slide, but hybrid players might want a minor adjustment at the nut. Compared to a National, you're getting roughly 90% of the tone and vibe for a fraction of the cost. It's an ideal choice for the professional bluesman or the serious enthusiast who demands authentic Delta grit and parlor-style elegance in a reliable, modern build.

Category Ratings

Resonator Guitars
4.6
Feb 15, 2026
AI-Generated Review Generated via Google API. This is an automated evaluation, not a consumer review. Learn more
Recording King RM-998-D Metal Body Resonator Screenshot

Added: Feb 14, 2026

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