RECORDING KING RAJ-126 (2012) All-Solid, Slope Shoulder Dreadnought

Description: RECORDING KING RAJ-126 (2012), All-Solid, AJ/J-45, Slope Shoulder Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar: All-solid, Sitka Spruce/African Mahogany, see full specs below This full throttle, excellent guitar, the RAJ-126, combines features of the classic Gibson Advanced Jumbo and J-45 models. The guitar has the familiar slope shoulder Dreadnought body, while taking the tone wood combination Sitka/Mahogany from the J-45 and the longer 25.4” scale length from the Advanced Jumbo. That longer scale adds up to an enhanced tone, a wider dynamic range with increased volume, more punch in the mids and more drive in the bottom end while still keeping the widely admired slope dread tight bass. You have to play it to really get the sense of how good this guitar is, but here’s what one enthusiast said on the launch of the model in 2012 when Greg Rich showed it to him (Rich designed this model and others for RK after a stint directing GIbson’s Custom Shop. Rich also had designed for Blue Ridge after his time at Gibson). “Wow! This is the RK that Gibson Jumbo, SJ and J-45 lovers have been waiting for - think of an Advanced Jumbo in mahogany. Were I still playing and touring, I would be endorsing this bad boy.” Mike Halloran, The Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum. Play is natural and not fussy, with a smooth and quick neck. It’s a highly musical instrument invested with a terrific feel and ease. It can stand easily with other dreads and has a beautiful and compelling singing voice as well as a clean definition when playing rhythm (see video links below). The volume available also helps to bring out quieter finger style play. Condition is Very Good. The guitar has two nicks at the top of the headstock on the back and the usual small noise of an instrument that’s been played, but there’s nothing unusual or structurally problematic. The build quality is excellent and intact. Everything functions properly. The low action is at 2mm at the 12th fret, low E and the saddle retains height for future action adjustment. There are some small finish cracks by the bridge, but master luthier Jerry Adair (father of Bluegrass singer and mandolinist Tina Adair) checked them out with a UV light and assured me they’re only finish cracks – they do not penetrate the wood. The case is nicked here and there and missing a few patches of Tolex. All of the latches swivel and engage though one is missing a spring and sometimes slips loose, but the others hold the case closed without problem. Cosmetically, there were a number of stickers on the case that I removed and you can see the ghosts of where some were placed. I looked long and hard to find this guitar after seeing the videos referenced below. That they are scarce is an understatement. The model almost never appears on the market and then they go quickly. The instrument was Tonerite treated for a full week and sporadically after that. The Tonerite system provides a vibrational processing that helps align and so reinforce the musical resonant characteristics of the guitar. Much as regular playing makes a fine instrument sound better, so does Tonerite. Regular use keeps guitars “warmed up.” I treat all of my acoustic guitars with Tonerite, finding that they respond to the treatment with greater harmonic depth while their dynamic range is also improved. The results of treatment can be dramatic, especially on a guitar that has never had treatment and has not been played that frequently, or one that’s been laid aside for a time, or in storage. Am revamping my collection and sad to see this one go, but I now have a 1996 small run Gibson prototype, which is covering much of the same territory of the RK, and I do play the Gibson more, so the RK joy has to be spread elsewhere. _____________ See these videos from GaragebandBeyond, in which Lewin Barringer plays/reviews an RAJ-126 and then the same guitar is discussed 5 years later in another video. “So, so freaking good, I can’t even tell you!… would I buy this guitar instead of a brand new J-45? Yes, I would, and that is saying a lot… this is a high end guitar on all aspects, except the price.” Lewin Barringer, youtube: GaragebandandBeyond https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hKuCuBAkrE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1YpUfOqmok _____________ SPECS Model: RAJ-126-SNBody Shape: Slope Shoulder DreadnoughtTop Material: Solid AA Grade Sitka SpruceBack Material: Solid African MahoganySide Material: Solid African MahoganyTop Bracing Pattern: X-BracingTop Braces: Scalloped Sitka SpruceNeck Material: MahoganyNeck Profile: Thin CNeck Joint: DovetailFretboard Material: RosewoodScale Length: 25.4"# of Frets Clear: 14# of Frets Total: 20Nut Material: BoneNut Width: 1-11/16"Headstock Overlay: BlackHeadstock Inlay: Recording King Script in Mother of PearlTuning Machines: Golden AgeBody Binding: IvoryRosette: 5-PlyTop Purfling: 3-PlyFretboard Inlays: Pearl DotsFretboard Binding: IvoryBridge Material: RosewoodBridge Shape: StraightSaddle: Bone, CompensatedBridge Pins: Plastic, Ivory Color with Black DotEnd Pin: Endpin jack from previous owner, no electronicsPickguard: BlackFinish: GlossElectronics: NoneColor Options: SunburstCase: Recording King Deluxe Case

Price: 795 USD

Location: Baltimore, Maryland

End Time: 2024-12-27T20:09:32.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD