1930's Recording King Archtop Electric Guitar by Regal - Sunburst (Original Pickup and HSC)

For sale is a rare 1930s Recording King archtop guitar made by Regal, featuring an uncommon factory-installed single coil pickup typically found on lap steels. This higher-end vintage model retains its original tuners and tailpiece but has been re-fretted along with receiving a replacement bone nut and rosewood bridge to keep it playing.

With a 16" lower bout, spruce top, and curly maple back, this archtop produces a sweet, full tone with balanced highs and a midrange growl. The original pickup reads at 2k ohms and, while not exceptionally loud, is still fully functional, providing a classic electric twang reminiscent of vintage recordings. The guitar is currently strung with 11-gauge flatwound strings, adding to the smooth, mellow tone.

Professionally set up with medium action, the chunky V-profile neck is comfortable for fingerpicking and offers ample room for complex chord voicings. Despite a crack repair on the upper shoulder, this guitar remains structurally sound and gig-ready. The original two-tone sunburst finish, tortoise pickguard, and chrome hardware are in great condition, preserving its vintage charm. This instrument truly shines as a wonderful studio tool, offering a unique and warm sound for recording sessions.

Year: 1930s

Brand: Regal

Model: Recording King

Case: Original Hard Shell Case

Weight: 6 lbs

Body

• Body Wood: Spruce top and curly maple back
• Back and Sides:
• Color: Sunburst
• Finish: Gloss
• Pickguard: Original Celluloid
• Body Style: Archtop

Neck

• Neck Wood: Mahogany
• Neck Joint: Set Neck
• Neck Profile: V-shape
• Finish: Gloss
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Nut Material: Bone
• Scale: 24.75"
• Frets: 19 
• Inlays: Mother of Pearl with Abalone
• Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 1.014"
• Neck Depth at 9th Fret: 1.194"
• Radius: 12"
• Action: 0.09" on bass and treble
• Strings: Flatwound 11-49

Electronics

• Pickups: Original Single-coil (vintage)
• Controls: Volume, Tone

Hardware

• Bridge/Tailpiece: Non-Original floating Rosewood bridge with original trapeze tailpiece
• Tuners: Original Closed back
• Knobs: Original