The Road Ahead for Recording King
The acquisition of Recording King and The Loar by St. Louis Music is more than a simple brand transfer—it’s the beginning of a complete transformation. Chris Mele’s proven track record with Alvarez shows how a struggling brand can be rebuilt into a respected name through better quality control, design refinement, and consistent manufacturing.
For players, this means the promise of instruments that are not only competitive on paper but also in real-world playability and tone. With attention to details like thinner tops, improved finishes, and carefully executed setups, evolving into one of the best values in the acoustic instrument market.
Moreover, this new era will extend beyond guitars. Mandolins and banjos, are also expected to see the same improvements while staying true to their traditional roots. By blending innovation with heritage, St. Louis Music is setting the stage for a revival that will benefit beginners, hobbyists, and professional players alike.
The excitement around this acquisition isn’t just industry talk—it’s a sign that quality, tradition, and affordability can coexist, and that Recording King’s future may be brighter than ever.
A Brief History of Recording King
Starting in the 1930s as a house brand for Montgomery Ward, producing quality, affordable instruments. Over the years, the brand became especially known for banjos, mandolins, and accessible acoustic guitars that appealed to traditional players.
Later, they came under the umbrella of Music Link, alongside The Loar mandolins, Guardian cases, and Johnson. Under Music Link’s ownership, Recording King earned a reputation for “spec-heavy” instruments that delivered impressive value. Their Dirty 30s guitars and Johnson banjos became shop favorites at The Acoustic Shoppe, filling an important market need.
However, as the market evolved, they faced quality control issues. While their specs often outperformed competitors, their guitars lacked refinement—thicker finishes, overly heavy tops, and inconsistent playability. Still, the brand’s loyal following never wavered, proving its reputation “far surpassed its quality.”
Alvarez Guitars: A Brand Revitalized
While Recording King struggled, another brand—Alvarez Guitars—underwent a transformation. Now part of St. Louis Music, Alvarez experienced a revival under the leadership of Chris Mele, COO and Executive Vice President of St. Louis Music.
Mele identified manufacturing and design issues and addressed them with a focus on refinement, tone, and playability. By improving finishes, tightening quality control, and enhancing their setups, Alvarez evolved from a value brand into a serious competitor for players seeking quality instruments without boutique-level pricing.
Today, Alvarez offers a diverse lineup, including the highly respected Alvarez Yairi guitars—handcrafted in Japan and celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship.
The Acquisition
In a surprising twist, St. Louis Music acquired Recording King and The Loar, rescuing them from what many feared was their demise. The previous challenges, including the devastating 145% Chinese tariffs, had left Music Link unable to ship products or resolve mounting financial issues.
With St. Louis Music stepping in, there’s renewed hope. Chris Mele is expected to apply the same successful strategy he used to revitalize Alvarez. According to The Acoustic Shoppe, this move is “exactly what Recording King needs.”
Mele’s early involvement already shows promise:
He inspected existing inventory, finding none of the guitars met his quality standards.
He acknowledged the brand’s spec advantages but emphasized the need for “finishing details” and “refinement.”
He committed to consulting with traditional retailers and players, especially for banjos and mandolins, to preserve their heritage while improving quality.
This new direction isn’t just about guitars—banjos and mandolins will benefit too. With existing partnerships for traditional instruments remaining intact, they could soon deliver the quality players always hoped for while maintaining competitive pricing.
What This Means for Players
For players, this acquisition is more than just corporate news—it’s a game-changer. this Change is expected to close the gap between value instruments and high-end competitors, especially in the banjo and mandolin market.
The improvements could include:
Better playability and consistency across all instruments.
Refined finishes and lighter tops for enhanced tone.
Maintained affordability, following the Alvarez model of “better instruments at the same price point.”
Potential expansion into premium “elite" models to fill the gap between import instruments and U.S.-built offerings.
For The Acoustic Shoppe and other retailers, this means a revitalized lineup that combines traditional design with modern quality control, making them more appealing to bluegrass, folk, and acoustic players.
Featured Product: Alvarez Yairi Guitars
One of the best examples of St. Louis Music’s attention to quality is the Alvarez Yairi line. Built in Japan, these guitars showcase the craftsmanship and refinement Chris Mele brought to Alvarez.
With Alvarez there is history, where players can expect their instruments to experience the same dramatic transformation—where every detail, from the finish to the setup, meets professional standards.
FAQs
Q: Is Recording King going out of business?
A: No. they have been acquired by St. Louis Music, the same company behind Alvarez, and is expected to be improved and relaunched.
Q: Will prices for Recording King instruments increase?
A: Not significantly. Like Alvarez, Recording King is expected to keep its current price points while introducing better quality and possibly a premium line.
Q: What about Recording King banjos and mandolins?
A: Chris Mele has committed to preserving their traditional character while refining their quality, promising a major improvement for these instruments.
Conclusion
The future is brighter than ever. Under St. Louis Music and Chris Mele’s leadership, Recording King is poised for the same transformation that elevated Alvarez into a respected, high-quality brand.
The acquisition is enough potential for expanded artist collaborations under St. Louis Music’s leadership. Alvarez has a strong track record of partnering with respected musicians to develop signature instruments that truly reflect the needs of working players. By applying this approach, the newly revitalized brand family could see exclusive models designed in collaboration with top banjo, mandolin, and guitar artists. These partnerships not only inspire confidence in the instruments but also create exciting options for players who want professional-level specifications without the boutique price tag, further strengthening the brand’s position in the acoustic market.
For players, this means more value, better craftsmanship, and an exciting new chapter for these beloved instrument lines.
Explore the future of Recording King and Alvarez Yairi today at The Acoustic Shoppe and see firsthand why this acquisition is such great news for the acoustic community.
