[gfirob]

The three types of resonators (wood body spider bridge, metal body biscuit bridge single cone, metal body tricone) are very different and cheap vs expensive also adds a major quality consideration.

My personal experience is that I owned a brass bodied Amistar tricone for some years, but it was too heavy and too bright. I sold it and bought a 1932 brass bodied National Style O 12 fret, which is lighter and has more fundamental notes, with less overtones (which I prefer). I play standing up, fingerpicking with metal picks.

But this is just my opinion. The body styles are so different you really need to try to find a way to play each kind. I don't like steel bodies but many do. Wood bodied Dobros can have a wonderful sound, but I find wood bodied biscuit cone dull compared to metal bodied single cone guitars. Brass bodies have always had the best sound to my ears.

Good luck with your search.