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10 Best Resonator Guitars 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Recording King 6 String Resonator Guitar, Right, Distressed Vintage Green (RM-997-VG)

The Recording King RM-997-VG 6 String Resonator Guitar is designed to capture the classic sound many players seek in resonator guitars. Its all-bell brass body and handspun resonator cone contribute to a rich, resonant tone that is perfect for blues, bluegrass, or folk music enthusiasts. The distressed vintage green finish adds a unique aesthetic that appeals to many players looking for both sound and style.

One of the standout features is its scale length of 25 inches, which provides a comfortable playing experience, especially for those new to resonator guitars. The Grover open gear tuners ensure precise tuning, enhancing playability. The use of phosphor bronze strings adds to the warm tone, making it suitable for both strumming and fingerpicking.

This model lacks a pickup system, which might limit its use in live settings where amplification is necessary. Players looking for versatility in performance might find this limiting. Additionally, the weight of 11.2 pounds could be cumbersome for some, especially during extended playing sessions. For those who appreciate handcrafted quality, the Recording King RM-997-VG stands out with its European craftsmanship and attention to detail.

#2

Gretsch G9200 Boxcar Round-Neck Mahogany Body Resonator 6-String Guitar with Padauk Fingerboard (Natural Finish)

Rating
9.8
Body Material

Most important from
70 reviews

Body Material
The G-9200 has a warmer sound than its all-metal companions, no doubt due to the excellent wood used in its construction.

The Gretsch G9200 Boxcar Round-Neck Resonator Guitar stands out with its mahogany body and vintage semi-gloss mahogany neck, offering a classic and warm aesthetic. The laminated mahogany body material contributes to its durability and resonant sound. One of the key highlights is the Gretsch Ampli-Sonic diaphragm, a hand-spun resonator cone made from almost pure aluminum, which ensures a rich, loud tone, making it ideal for blues and bluegrass music.

The Padauk fingerboard adds to the visual appeal and smooth playing experience. The guitar features a natural finish, giving it a timeless look. With a scale length of 25 inches and a fixed bridge system, it offers stability in tuning and playability. The pickup system includes both piezoelectric and magnetic double coil pickups, providing versatile sound options for different playing styles and amplification needs.

On the downside, the action height is not specified, which might be a concern for players who prefer customized string height. The guitar is right-handed and comes with light gauge D'Addario strings, which are known for their quality but might require frequent changes depending on playing intensity. Weighing just 1 pound, it is lightweight and portable, though some might question its solid build quality due to the low weight. The Gretsch G9200 is well-suited for musicians looking for a quality resonator guitar with a traditional design and versatile sound capabilities.

Rating
9.8
Body Material

Most important from
70 reviews

Body Material
The G-9200 has a warmer sound than its all-metal companions, no doubt due to the excellent wood used in its construction.
#3

Regal RC-43 Metal Body Triolian Guitar - Antiqued Nickel-Plated Steel

Rating
9.7
Type of Resonator
Neck Type
Action Height

Most important from
5 reviews

Type of Resonator
The RC-43 Regal Resonator is a beautifully made instrument with a strong resonating sound delivered from its aluminum cone.
Neck Type
The fret work on mine was flawless, and the beefy neck is very comfortable to play.
Action Height
The action is pretty low, making it great for 'Spanish'-style bottleneck guitar but less ideal for lap-style playing.

The Regal RC-43 Metal Body Triolian Guitar stands out with its authentic steel body and antiqued nickel-plated finish, offering a rich vintage tone and appealing aesthetic. The 9.5-inch aluminum resonator with a biscuit bridge provides a warm, pleasing voice with excellent projection, making it suitable for both bottleneck and traditional playing styles.

The slim mahogany neck enhances playability, while the rock maple saddle and bone nut contribute to its sound quality and sustain. Additionally, the die-cast 15:1 tuners allow for fast and precise tuning, which is a handy feature for musicians.

However, the guitar is relatively heavy at 10 pounds, which might not be ideal for extended playing periods. Also, as a right-hand-only instrument, it excludes left-handed players. The fixed bridge system can limit some players who prefer adjustable options for action height. Despite these drawbacks, the Regal RC-43 is a good choice for those looking for a resonator guitar with a vintage feel and robust sound, particularly fitting for blues and slide guitar enthusiasts.

Rating
9.7
Type of Resonator
Neck Type
Action Height

Most important from
5 reviews

Type of Resonator
The RC-43 Regal Resonator is a beautifully made instrument with a strong resonating sound delivered from its aluminum cone.
Neck Type
The fret work on mine was flawless, and the beefy neck is very comfortable to play.
Action Height
The action is pretty low, making it great for 'Spanish'-style bottleneck guitar but less ideal for lap-style playing.

Buying Guide for the Best Resonator Guitars

Choosing the right resonator guitar can be a rewarding experience, especially if you understand the key specifications that define these unique instruments. Resonator guitars are known for their distinctive sound, which is produced by one or more metal cones (resonators) instead of the traditional wooden soundboard. They are popular in blues, bluegrass, and country music. To find the best resonator guitar for you, consider the following key specifications and how they align with your playing style and musical preferences.
Type of ResonatorResonator guitars come in three main types: biscuit, spider, and tricone. The type of resonator affects the sound and playability of the guitar. Biscuit resonators have a single cone and produce a bright, punchy sound, making them ideal for blues and slide guitar. Spider resonators have a single cone with a spider-like bridge, offering a warmer, mellower tone suitable for bluegrass and country. Tricone resonators have three smaller cones and provide a balanced, complex sound, making them versatile for various genres. Choose the type based on the sound you prefer and the style of music you play.
Body MaterialThe body material of a resonator guitar can significantly influence its tone and weight. Common materials include wood, metal, and a combination of both. Wooden bodies tend to produce a warmer, more traditional acoustic sound, while metal bodies offer a louder, brighter tone with more sustain. Some guitars feature a combination of wood and metal, providing a balance between warmth and brightness. Consider the type of sound you want and the weight you are comfortable with when choosing the body material.
Neck TypeResonator guitars can have either round necks or square necks. Round necks are similar to standard acoustic guitars and are played in the conventional manner, making them suitable for fingerstyle and strumming. Square necks are designed to be played on the lap with a slide, often used in bluegrass and Hawaiian music. Your playing style and preferred technique will determine which neck type is best for you.
Scale LengthThe scale length of a resonator guitar refers to the distance between the nut and the bridge. It affects the tension of the strings and the overall playability. Shorter scale lengths (around 24.75 inches) offer less string tension, making them easier to play and bend notes, which is great for blues and slide guitar. Longer scale lengths (around 25.5 inches) provide more tension, resulting in a brighter tone and better intonation, suitable for bluegrass and fingerpicking. Choose a scale length that matches your playing style and comfort level.
Action HeightAction height refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard. It affects the ease of play and the sound quality. Lower action makes it easier to press down the strings, which is ideal for fingerstyle and fast playing. Higher action is preferred for slide guitar, as it prevents the slide from hitting the frets and allows for a cleaner sound. Consider your playing style and whether you use a slide when deciding on the action height.
Pickup SystemSome resonator guitars come with built-in pickups, allowing you to amplify the sound for live performances or recording. There are different types of pickups, including piezo, magnetic, and microphone-based systems. Piezo pickups capture the vibration of the resonator cone, providing a natural acoustic sound. Magnetic pickups offer a more electric guitar-like tone, while microphone-based systems capture the true acoustic sound of the guitar. If you plan to perform or record, consider a guitar with a pickup system that suits your needs.

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