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The Recording King Swamp Dog Metal Body Resonatorplay button

The Recording King Swamp Dog Metal Body Resonator

Recording King

collapse expand iconDescription

Recording King is proud to introduce the RM-997-VG Metal Body Resonator, Style-0. This resonator guitar delivers the raspy tone and visual appeal of a vintage instrument with the comfortable playability of a modern guitar. Featuring a hand-spun 9.5" cone and bell brass body, the RM-997-VG projects with a lo-fi voice that cuts through the mix. An aged green patina finish, complete with authentic-looking oxidation splotches, gives the impression this resonator has spent years on a porch in the bayou.

Hand-spun Cone and Brass Body Provide Classic Resonator Tone

At the heart of the RM-997-VG's tone is its hand-spun 9.5" cone, which provides volume and projection mass-produced cones can't match. The bell brass body, a traditional resonator material, yields a metallic tone with a roughness around the edges. Together, the cone and brass body give the RM-997-VG a sound that evokes images of porch jams and dustbowl ballads from a bygone era.

Vintage-Inspired Patina Finish

The RM-997-VG's aged green patina finish is oxidized to recreate the look of a resonator that has endured years of exposure to heat and humidity. Unique splotches and spots across the body lend an authenticity to the vintage esthetic. The patina finish means no two RM-997-VG resonators are exactly alike.

Modern Playability

While the RM-997-VG may look like an antique, it plays like a modern instrument. Its mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard are shaped for comfort, with a C-profile and 12" radius. Nickel tuners with an 18:1 gear ratio provide smooth and reliable tuning. A bone nut and ebony saddle round out the high-quality hardware.

Premium Build and Components

From the oxidized finish to the hand-spun cone to the bell brass body, the RM-997-VG is built with care and premium components. Recording King has been crafting resonator guitars for decades and the RM-997-VG showcases their dedication to quality and vintage-inspired design.

Recording King RM-997-VG Swamp Dog Metal Body Resonator Style-0 Distressed Vintage Green
Recording King RM-997-VG Swamp Dog Metal Body Resonator Style-0 Distressed Vintage Green
Recording King RM-997-VG Swamp Dog Metal Body Resonator Style-0 Distressed Vintage Green

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collapse expand iconReviews

4.67

12 Reviews

92%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Motivation Unlocked
Motivation Unlocked

Most Liked Positive Review

5

Sounds as Good as It Looks

I spent a lot of time attempting to research this model and find out more about before buying it. Being such a new model, their wasn't much information. I had a Regal years ago and gave up on resonator guitar because I could not get the sound I wanted. I have stayed away from resonators since then because I assumed it was my inability to play one properly. After taking a chance on this Recording King I am happy to say I was wrong. I love the sounds this beauty puts out, and it plays great. Despite being made in China, Recording King produces quality instruments that are inspected and setup in the USA. Even if you decide you don't like the sound of this resonator guitar (sound great to me though!) you can hotrod it out with an aftermarket cone and have a stunning looking and sounding guitar.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

Probably wouldn't buy it again

This was my first metal body resonator, have a Gretsch wood body res that I really like that has a great tone and action, and wanted a metal bodied one for the more aggressive twang, which the Swamp Dog definitely has! I'm modifying mine-stripped off the green patina in favor of the natural bell brass, upgrading the tuners, cone and bridge, and in the process found that the "revabond" fingerboard kinda sucked out of the box. It's painted/treated with a black dye of some sort to look like ebony-which very quickly and easily ends up on your fingers-not cool! Maybe they skipped a step at the factory to seal it better, but I'm not the only one to have that issue. I've sanded whatever it was off the board and have no problem with the way it looks/feels now, but I don't think I'd buy it again-or any other guitar with a revabond anything on it. Before you say "you get what you pay for", I didn't expect it to be on the same level as a National-and for me it's definitely a keeper, at the same time this is not a bottom of the barrel resonator, and we shouldn't have to look like we've just been fingerprinted after playing it.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Practicing7
  2. Concerts3
  3. Back-Up1
  4. Busking1
Cons
  1. Keep hand cleaner handy1
  2. string size and brand not provided1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced7
  2. Novice3
Pros
  1. Good Tone12
  2. Well Built / Quality7
  3. Consistent5
  4. Long Life3

Reviewed by 12 customers

  • Highly Recommended Reso!

    5

    submitted2 months ago

    byBigby

    fromKaty, TX

    I'm really impressed by the Swamp Dog. Great for slide guitar, as well as fingerpicking. I can't seem to put it down and has created a new burst of creativity after 40 years playing acoustic guitar. Highly Recommended!

  • Motivation Unlocked

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted2 months ago

    byTim

    fromBeaver, West Virginia

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    The raw antique sound paints a picture as unique as the swamp itself. The swampy delta is channeled through each of the 6 strings aiding in the creation of weeping willow blooms with a dash of the alligator grumble vibrating the blues straight out of the 1930s. I would purchase this everything again and again.

  • I would buy this product again

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted6 months ago

    byDave

    fromMacungie PA

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Sounds great / tone awesome / have trouble putting it down

  • This guitar is amazing

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byLuke

    fromConcord CA

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I love the way this guitar plays and feels, but I'm not that into the way it looks. I would have preferred a steel look, but the steel guitar of the same model did not feel the same. I have been told that recording king guitars can vary from Guitar to guitar even in the same model.

  • Probably wouldn't buy it again

    3

    submitted3 years ago

    byWill

    fromChicago

    This was my first metal body resonator, have a Gretsch wood body res that I really like that has a great tone and action, and wanted a metal bodied one for the more aggressive twang, which the Swamp Dog definitely has! I'm modifying mine-stripped off the green patina in favor of the natural bell brass, upgrading the tuners, cone and bridge, and in the process found that the "revabond" fingerboard kinda sucked out of the box. It's painted/treated with a black dye of some sort to look like ebony-which very quickly and easily ends up on your fingers-not cool! Maybe they skipped a step at the factory to seal it better, but I'm not the only one to have that issue. I've sanded whatever it was off the board and have no problem with the way it looks/feels now, but I don't think I'd buy it again-or any other guitar with a revabond anything on it. Before you say "you get what you pay for", I didn't expect it to be on the same level as a National-and for me it's definitely a keeper, at the same time this is not a bottom of the barrel resonator, and we shouldn't have to look like we've just been fingerprinted after playing it.

  • I would buy this guitar again

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted3 years ago

    byBrian

    fromEast Aurora, NY

    Played for over 30 years, but never had a resonator. Very cool tone.

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Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byRichard

    fromCA

    Is the Recording King RM-997-VG Swamp Dog Metal Body Resonator Style-0 guitar have a steel body or a brass body? Also, can I have it sent to my local Guitar Center to play before I buy?

    Is the Recording King RM-997-VG Swamp Dog Metal Body Resonator Style-0 guitar have a steel body or a brass body? Also, can I have it sent to my local Guitar Center to play before I buy?

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    This has a steel body

  • submitted5 years ago

    asked byEddie

    fromGallatin, Tennessee 37066

    Square Neck?

    Square Neck?

    Open Reply - Beau
    This guitar has a rounded neck.

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byJared

    fromIA

    Can you tell me what the dimensions of this guitar are so that I can find a case that will fit properly?

    Can you tell me what the dimensions of this guitar are so that I can find a case that will fit properly?

    Open Reply - Beau
    48" X 20" X 8.5". This guitar should be compatible with the Recording King 250 Series 000 Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag