Vintage 1939 Recording King Jumbo Acoustic Flat Top Guitar Regal - All Original - No Cracks!
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Here is a rare and highly desirable Recording King Jumbo flat top acoustic guitar dating to approximately 1939–1940. We've had a few of these come through the shop over the years, and this is certainly one of the cleaner examples we've seen. These guitars are known for their huge, booming sound, and this one has the kind of classic woody tone that makes these early Recording King jumbos so appealing to vintage acoustic guitar collectors and players.
One of the standout features of this particular guitar is the special double-X bracing design, which contributes to the distinctive construction and powerful voice these guitars are known for.
The guitar appears to be essentially 100% original aside from the replacement nut, and there has been no refinishing whatsoever. Structurally, this is an exceptionally clean example with no cracks, which is particularly noteworthy for this model. There is some evidence that the guitar had an old neck reset at some point in its life, visible as some remaining glue residue around the neck joint. It appears to have been done a long time ago and is part of the guitar's history.
Cosmetically, this guitar is in surprisingly nice condition overall. It has clearly been well cared for over the decades, and the original sunburst finish presents beautifully with some marks on the back as shown. The frets are also in wonderful shape with very little wear, giving the next owner plenty of playing life.
As with many early Recording King jumbos, the action is not particularly low. It measures just over 1/8" on the bass side and 7/64" on the treble side at the 12th fret. The guitar is certainly playable as it sits, but we'd describe the action as closer to needing another neck reset than not, particularly if you're looking for modern low-action acoustic guitar setup. The original bridge is quite tall, which gives some additional room for future setup work.
The neck is a wonderfully chunky V shape, measuring 0.98" at the first fret and 1.21" at the 9th fret. It starts out with a very pronounced V and becomes more rounded as you move up the neck. It's a substantial neck with a great vintage feel and is one of the things that really makes this guitar such a pleasure to hold.
This Recording King comes with a chipboard case that is nothing fancy, but it provides basic protection for the instrument.
The Details- Condition: Very Good Plus Vintage
- Originality: Essentially 100% Original Aside From Replacement Nut
- Finish: Original Sunburst
- Bracing: Special Double-X Bracing
- Notes: No structural cracks; no refinishing; evidence of an old neck reset; original tuners with original gasket covers; very clean overall example
This guitar really sounds excellent and has the big, booming, woody voice that makes these early Recording King jumbos so desirable. There's a wonderful depth and character to the tone, with the kind of old-school acoustic response that is difficult to duplicate in a modern instrument.
The neck has a strong V profile that gradually becomes more rounded up the neck, and at nearly an inch thick at the first fret, it has a wonderfully substantial vintage feel. The frets show very little wear and have plenty of life remaining.
The action is on the higher side, measuring just over 1/8" bass side and 7/64" treble side at the 12th fret. It is quite acceptable for a vintage guitar of this type, but prospective buyers should understand that it is not set up with modern low action and is getting closer to another neck reset than not. The tall bridge does provide some useful adjustment room.
Specifications- Brand: Recording King
- Model: Jumbo
- Year: Circa 1939–1940
- Type: Flat Top Acoustic Guitar
- Finish: Original Sunburst
- Bracing: Double-X
- Nut: Replacement
- Tuners: Original with Gasket Covers
- Neck Shape: Strong V, becoming more rounded up the neck
- Neck Depth: 0.98" (1st Fret) / 1.21" (9th Fret)
- Action: Just over 1/8" Bass Side / 7/64" Treble Side at 12th Fret
- Bridge: Original, Very Tall
- Frets: Excellent condition with very little wear
- Structural Condition: No Cracks
- Finish: No Refinishing
- Case: Chipboard Case
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Thanks from KC Vintage Guitars!
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| Listed | a month ago |
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| Condition | Excellent (Used) Excellent items are almost entirely free from blemishes and other visual defects and have been played or used with the utmost care.Learn more |
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