Resonator Acoustics: what should I look for?

[ratherdashing]

I was thinking it might be cool to get a resonator acoustic to add to my arsenal. I would like to be able to use it for slide and fingerpicking. I want something that's of a decent quality, but I can't spend lots of money on it either.

I know some of you (Lew, for instance) have a few reso acoustics, and I'd like some input as to what I should be looking for in a good one. Should I go with a wood body, or all metal? What are the different types of resonators (biscuit, tricone, etc.), and what are they best for? What's the best way to amplify a resonator ... can you use a piezo pickup like in a standard acoustic, or does it have to be miked?

Also, does anyone have any experience with the Korean-made Regals? Their prices seem too good to be true.

Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Resonator Acoustics: what should I look for?

I've owned a few. I loved my National Estralita and that was a wood body guitar. But after obtaining my National Delphi (steel body) I stopped playing my Estralita and eventually sold it. The Delphi is so much louder and has the classic National tone.

I also have a real 1929 Style O. Mine's made of German Silver which is a type of brass that sounds amazing. The new National Style O is made of regular brass and IMO not the equal in tone to German Silver "Brass". Steel actually sounds better than the brass National uses now and those guitars cost less.

For example, I like the tone of the National steel bodied "Polychrome" Tricone guitars alot more than thier fancy chrome plated brass Polychrome Tricone. And the steel bodied Tricone cost alot less.

Same is true of the new brass bodied National Style O compared to the less expensive steel bodied National Delphi: the Delphi costs alot less and sounds better. Deeper and more resonant.

So: I'd recommend a used steel bodied National Delphi model. I see them used for about $1000.

I don't know much about the Chinese made Johnson guitars. I stay away from Chinese made products as much as possible the same way I wouldn't buy products made by Nazi Germany if I was around in the 30's.

Lew

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Resonator Acoustics: what should I look for?

Whatever you do, buy a chromed bell brass, not a wood one. The best resonator you can buy at a reasonable price is Johnson. Johnson acoustics suck, but their resonators are made by a different subcontractor and the quality is really good. I have one with a rosevine engraved top and back. They go for around $650 and are way better than Fender, Regal, Washburn etc.

Click on my gearpage to see it. It plays and sounds great!

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: Resonator Acoustics: what should I look for?

Thanks guys! That Johnson looks great GJ!

I will be picking up my Atomic this week and I'll check out some resonators while I'm there.

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: Resonator Acoustics: what should I look for?

I did have another question: what is the difference between a biscuit resonator, a spider resonator, and a tricone resonator? Also, are there other types?