Prototype Gibson built Recording King guitar for sale on UK ebay

**bananafist** · 01-23-2026, 01:56 PM

This guitar, which the owner bought from That Rhythym Man and imported to the UK is now for sale at a v. good price. No affiliation.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/267549902022

TRM may wish to comment.

**garybaldy** · 01-23-2026, 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by bananafist

This guitar, which the owner bought from That Rhythym Man and imported to the UK is now for sale at a v. good price. No affiliation.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/267549902022

TRM may wish to comment.

I already have this in my watched list.
How would it compare to a Cromwell?

**ThatRhythmMan** · 01-23-2026, 04:34 PM

Originally Posted by garybaldy

I already have this in my watched list.
How would it compare to a Cromwell?

The Recording King has a carved Adirondack spruce top whereas a Cromwell likely has Sitka. Most Cromwells will have pressed tops as well. IIRC the top end Cromwells are the only carved ones. That’s the case with most of the other branded Gibsons. This RK also has a deeper body and the not typical for a Recording King factory truss rod.

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**garybaldy** · 01-23-2026, 05:04 PM

Originally Posted by ThatRhythmMan

The Recording King has a carved Adirondack spruce top whereas a Cromwell likely has Sitka. Most Cromwells will have pressed tops as well. IIRC the top end Cromwells are the only carved ones. That’s the case with most of the other branded Gibsons. This RK also has a deeper body and the not typical for a Recording King factory truss rod.

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Thanks. Some years ago I stupidly passed on a Cromwell with a monkey on a stick going for £400 because I didn't really know what it was then. The owner had bought it in the 50s in London. The receipt was in the case.
There's one for sale near me going for £1200. Dropped from £1600.

**bananafist** · 01-24-2026, 07:00 AM

I used to have a 1930s Recording King M4 some while back, older type, no truss rod, but straight neck and good action. Sadly a decision to thin the herd meant we parted. Around that time I also played a couple of Cromwells for sale, and to the best of my recollection neither could approach the M4 for sound, playing feel and looks. I love the fan/clamshell inlays.
I was very interested in the ebay one, but age related neck, back and hand arthritis dictates I take it no further.

Somebody will get a nice guitar.