What Is A Resonator Guitar? Resonator guitars are a distinct class of instruments. It produces a hauntingly amazing metallic sound that was first introduced in the United States in the 1920s, giving acoustic guitars in blue and country genre a more meaningful and a strong presence on stage. Back in the days, there were no electric guitars or amplifiers, and the brass section tends to overpower and kill the sound of the guitar.
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Resonators replaced the sound-hole and soundboard present in acoustic guitars with metals that resembled a speaker of an upside-down gramophone. The sound it produced offered sustainable power and a very distinct tone and sound.
Here’s a rundown of the top resonator guitars in the market to help you choose the one that is right for you.
Epiphone Dobro Hound Dog Round Neck Resonator Guitar
Dobro Hound Dog resonator guitar is the most iconic resonator guitar out there. This product is one of a kind mainly because the design aesthetic hasn’t been changed since it first came out in the 1920s.
This guitar is the best sounding resonator within its mid-range price of about 449 USD. Having said that, since this particular guitar stuck to its roots, it produces very warm, bright, and clear tones, and the low-ends were kept tight. It comes with a fan-pattern cover plate that has nickel plating, which tends to resonate with a bell sound and an overall projection.
Gretsch G9220 Bobtail Round-Neck Acoustic-Electric Resonator Guitar
It is a type of resonator guitar that can be played either as an acoustic or as an electric. Its overall structure is made of mahogany with rosewood fingerboard. The design of its neck works well in terms of comfortability.
This guitar features Gretsch, one of a kind Ampli-Sonic spider cone and bridge. It was designed to reveal a more authentic tone and feeling. The sound it creates gives such a great dynamic and crisp. The price starts at 599 USD perfect bargain if you have the best of both worlds.
Dean Thinbody Cutaway Resonator
From the name itself, this thin body Dean resonator comes with very stylish craftsmanship and a well-performed round neck resonator with a substantial versatility.
The single-cutaway body is made of brass-plated iron that gives this guitar a vintage steampunk style. The mahogany material is the right choice of accent for its neck and very handy in terms of playability. Together with its classic biscuit resonator cone and bridge, it is loaded with two pickups, piezo and lipstick. It can be controlled by individual volume and blend controllers. It cost 899 USD, a little higher-end but surely worth all the money.
Conclusion
To summarize, comparing this musical instrument to an acoustic guitar, classical guitars, and even electric guitars, it can be a bit overwhelming and it is on a difficult level. However, familiarity and practice make it easier to play.
Whether you are a squareneck spider player or a beginner biscuit round neck enthusiast, this guide will help you to a start and give you a bit of inspiration and knowledge. When you settled for a shortlist of resonators, make sure to compare them to one another and ask guidance to experts or even your fellow musicians before settling on something that will last for the next decade to come.
