resonator guitars under $1000 -- what's a good choice?

tired fingers · #1 09-13-2020, 10:15 AM

I may not use the correct designation -- resonator to me means all the various types of acoustic guitars with a "pie plate" etc. I'm pretty much looking for wood body -- the all metal that I've tried are too heavy for me to enjoy playing for long.

If there's some threads already present, suggestions to their location are gratefully received. Thanks

mawmow · #2 09-13-2020, 10:48 AM

If you ever happen to see a Hot Rod, grab it !
Unfortunately there are not much on the market since they are not produced any longer.

BudHa · #3 09-13-2020, 01:06 PM

I bought a used Gold Tone Paul Beard PBR-D, in very good condition, from Guitar Center for $500. The PBR-D means Paul Beard Round neck Deluxe.

I have owned two National Resonphonics, a Gretch, and a metal body Gold Tone Paul Beard PRS. My opinion is the PBR-D is the best bang for the buck of wooden body round neck resonators under $1500.

SpruceTop · #4 09-13-2020, 01:32 PM

Having bought a bell-brass Republic Guitars Duolian, let me highlight this company's bang-for-the-buck guitar values and direct you to its wooden resonator offerings:

https://republicguitars.com/collections/woody

tired fingers · #5 09-13-2020, 02:40 PM

Thanks, folks. That sets me on the path. Be well

tired fingers · #6 09-13-2020, 02:46 PM

SpruceTop -- one question -- I'm not going to use the guitar much for slide (I know that's their primary purpose, but ...) More interested in having it play comfortably, standard play. Any opinion on adjustability of the action on the trigone woody. My guitar guy says the bridge break angle is often too flat to do much with them on the action. Thanks

SpruceTop · #7 09-13-2020, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tired fingers

SpruceTop -- one question -- I'm not going to use the guitar much for slide (I know that's their primary purpose, but ...) More interested in having it play comfortably, standard play. Any opinion on adjustability of the action on the trigone woody. My guitar guy says the bridge break angle is often too flat to do much with them on the action. Thanks

Although I have no experience with Republic Woody's, my Republic Duolian came set up very well. My guitar is set up to play a combination of slide and fingering as blues slide players play. I would send an email to Republic or peruse the website for FAQs and other information. My feeling is Republic will get you closer to a National model without buying a National for much more. Please keep us informed about what's happening on your end. Thanks!

BluesBelly · #8 09-13-2020, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BudHa

I bought a used Gold Tone Paul Beard PBR-D, in very good condition, from Guitar Center for $500. The PBR-D means Paul Beard Round neck Deluxe.

I have owned two National Resonphonics, a Gretch, and a metal body Gold Tone Paul Beard PRS. My opinion is the PBR-D is the best bang for the buck of wooden body round neck resonators under $1500.

Paul Beard Gold Tone has my vote also.
About 8 or 9 years ago I bought a Gold Tone PBR-CA round neck cutaway. All solid mahogany, no laminate. Bone nut and ebony fretboard. It’s been a great guitar and holds tune well. I use PBR strings. You should be able to find a used one for around $500. Check reverb.com
Go to beard guitars.com for more product info.

Blues.

L20A · #9 09-13-2020, 04:59 PM

I'm another fan of the Paul Beard Resonator Guitars.
However, if you can't find one in your price range Regal makes some that are very good for their price. You can hot rod it up with some additional National parts like the spider.
I see that Musician's Friend has a few Regal Resonators on sale right now.