Resonators

[spook]

Does anyone have much experience with these? I've been promising myself one for years.

Am looking at something in the 500 euro bracket, which seems like it's gonna be either Gretsch or Recording King.

Unless anyone has any other suggestions?

[HH1978]

If it’s your first reso, be aware of the difference between the two bridge styles, spyder or biscuit and choose the one that suits your tastes/needs. They sound REALLY different.

I prefer the biscuit myself. Great for blues.

As for suggestions, Johnson has made some really decent affordable models. But Gretsch or Recording king should be great.

[øøøøøøø]

Inexpensive resonators are tough.

Hell, even expensive resonators are tough. The cone(s) are the tricky part.

Too thick, and it sounds like a tin can. A proper vintage National sounds beautiful; not overly metallic.

It would be handy for me to have a resonator guitar. I'd really like to. But I haven't found one I can afford that I really like. I recently played an amazing '35 Duolian but asking price was nearing $4k, and I just couldnt justify it.

[windmill]

Have a look at the Regal brand.

It depends on what you think a resonator should sound like.

The uneveness of the sound and the metallic nature of it is what I think they should sound like. Uncouth is a word that comes to mind.

Played a small Epiphone biscuit model once, It captured the ''boxy" sound perfectly.

YMMV

[spook]

My old man bought me a Gretch as a belated, surprise thirtieth birthday gift. I'm in shock!
http://www.gretschguitars.com/gear/coll ... eftain-red

[sears]

I have a friend in Raleigh, NC who goes by http://www.resodude.com/ and makes some pretty cool ones.