Help needed - Newbie would like to purchase first resonator guitar

[jrbarilla]

Hi

Not exactly a newbie - I have been playing guitar for a number of years - but am currently getting into Mississipi Delta blues and would like to purchase my first resonator guitar.

Now, i am not looking for only a lap player as I would like to play this conventionaly with a slide on my pinky. Could someone recommend a nice starter say in the $500-$600 range that would suit my purposes? I am not at all familiar with resonators but have given myself a limited education and know that there are basically three types. I would also consider the smaller builders outside the conventional Dobro / National names - I am not hung up on namebrand. Quality for the money is my goal.

What type is best for my purpose? Already having owned a number of higher end acoustics I dont want to be frustrated by shabby construction/playability issues - so "best bank for the buck" is my goal.

Help me avoid a lot of unnecessary mistakes.

Also, any advice would be welcomed in this pursuit.

Thanks,

James

[brian a.]

James,

Look at the Goldtone line at Beard Guitars. Well within your price range, well made and different models to choose from.

Good luck,
Brian

[petemac]

The "Regals" are quite a nice guitar, and I would think well within that price range. ('course, I only know Aussie dollars !)

[yammieplaya]

Last week I heard a guy play an Orpheum.
It sounded pretty good to me.

[Blueridgebound]

http://www.republicguitars.com/

[theo]

GT's are a good bet.

Check out the search button at ResoNation...

http://www.reso-nation.org/

[strongdad]

I second the Republic resonators. I bought a miniolian to learn on a few months ago and it palys and sounds great. I sold it recently because the parlor size is too small for me and I just got a new style O. Awesome guitars.

[Sollophonic]

We in the UK have the equivalent of Republic guitars in the range of Busker resonators. www.buskerguitars.co.uk

This is mine, a Michael Messer Blues. Its a great guitar

[theo]

Hey James !

If you haven't yet checked out Paul Beards site, now is a good a time !

Looks like they have a few Gold Tone seconds for sale, Square and Round necks, even one made of Solid Mahogany.

A good value.

www.beardguitars.com