Mid price resonators

[littlebobby]

I have a dobro F60 spider bridge and I’m looking to change it for a metal body biscuit cone. Can’t afford a national or a prestige brand. Looking at around £1k sterling. Maybe a touch more. Always prefer used. Any suggestions on good quality at that price point. Republic aren’t available in the U.K. Michael Messer has a good rep but not ever had my hands on one.

[jansch]

Hi Bobby,

There isn't a great selection of budget resonators in the UK now. I recommend the MM resonators. I had an MM Blues, that I sold because it was too heavy for my hernia! Otherwise it was a great guitar.

I still have the Blues 28 wooden body resonator which is fine.

The advantage of the MM resonators over the Recording King and Gretsch resonators is the quality control. They are designed by MM, set up by Dave King, the UK NRP tech, then checked by MM. before being delivered.

If you join the forum https://michaelmesser.proboards.com/
you could ask if you can try one of the members' guitars .The members are obliging.

Regards,

Phil

[littlebobby]

Originally Posted by jansch

Hi Bobby,

There isn't a great selection of budget resonators in the UK now. I recommend the MM resonators. I had an MM Blues, that I sold because it was too heavy for my hernia! Otherwise it was a great guitar.

I still have the Blues 28 wooden body resonator which is fine.

The advantage of the MM resonators over the Recording King and Gretsch resonators is the quality control. They are designed by MM, set up by Dave King, the UK NRP tech, then checked by MM. before being delivered.

If you join the forum https://michaelmesser.proboards.com/
you could ask if you can try one of the members' guitars .The members are obliging.

Regards,

Phil

Hey Phil. Thanks brother. Really useful to know. I am veering towards the MM guitars but always nervy if you’ve not laid hands on one. I will need to sell my dobro first though. Incidentally, if you haven’t come across him already, check out Delta Resonators by John Alderson in Hinckley. Incredible guitars. He fixed a headstock break on my dobro and did something to the cone that made it sweeter than when I bought it.

[blue]

If I were in the UK I'd definitely go MM. Just go to his forum and look at his responsiveness, willingness to help people with other brands, and his general attitude.

You know how you will be treated if you need anything.

[SpruceTop]

Originally Posted by littlebobby

I have a dobro F60 spider bridge and I’m looking to change it for a metal body biscuit cone. Can’t afford a national or a prestige brand. Looking at around £1k sterling. Maybe a touch more. Always prefer used. Any suggestions on good quality at that price point. Republic aren’t available in the U.K. Michael Messer has a good rep but not ever had my hands on one.

Republic Guitars can be shipped to the UK. These are likely as close to a National resonator as you can get for a quarter of the price. I recently bought a Republic Duolian in tarnished nickel finish and I'm completely satisfied with my purchase. Republic Guitars

My Republic Duolian Review

[Br1ck]

I'm very happy with my Gold Tone Beard model squareneck. I know they make round necks too. Solid wood and sent to Beard for the resonator.

[ohiopicker]

Another satisfied Republic owner. I have the maple Minolian parlor. It’s a good instrument and they stand behind it, with good customer service.