Resonator Guitars?

[Corbic]

Hey everyone, I have a few questions for you about resonator guitars. I've decided that I like the sound of a Dobro/Resonator acoustic more than I like the sound of a regular acoustic, and would like to buy one as my next guitar purchase in the future. But, I have no clue about any of them. Basicly, all I know is Rory Gallagher used a Duolian resonator on "As the Crow Flies," and I really like that sound.

What are the differences between Spider resonators, Duolians, and Triolians? Is it better to have a resonator made of all metal or wood with a metal cone? If I can't find an acoustic-electric one, how hard is it to put in a pickup for it? Finally, what are some good and inexpensive brands to look into? My price range for this is 500 dollars and below. Thanks!

-Corbic

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Resonator Guitars?

In my experience, the best for the cheapest is Johnson. Johnson acoustics are generally junk, but not the resonators, which are made by another company.

They're better than the Fenders, Deans, and Regals, and are in your price range, especially when you buy a used on on Ebay.

There's two kinds of necks on resonators....regular guitar necks, and square necks. Square necks are only for using on your lap. The one with a regular neck is the one you want.

The true resonator sound is nickel plated bell brass, so buy a metal one. The cheaper wood ones just sound like an acoustic with a hubcab screwed onto it, IMO.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-JOHNSON-JM9...ryZ33027QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/Johnson-Resopho...ryZ33027QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Resonator Guitars?

I have a newer National Delphi and a 1930 or 31 National Style O.

The best are the ones made by National and the new model that is a reproduction of the Duolian is now called the Delphi. It has a steel body and mahogany neck. I own one and play it all the time. The original Triolians tended to have maple necks, I think, as did the Style O's.

National does make a Style O that is a reproduction of the original 30's National Style O (the one pictured on the cover of Dire Straits Brothers In Arms) and it's made of brass with nickel or chrome plating...but it doesn't sound as good as the steel bodied Delphi, IMO.

Gearjoneser mentions bell brass...the original Style O from 1930 was made of a material called German Silver. My old 1930 Style O is made from that material and it's a type of brass that really rings beautifully. But that material is not available any longer and so National now uses regular brass and that doesn't sound as good as steel, IMO.

In any case, you can find used newer model National Delphis on Ebay for $1000 and up. I'd get one of those if you can. You won't lose money on it if you decide to sell it someday.

I don't buy Chinese products if I can help it and so I can't recommend the Johnson stuff...they're second rate compared to the Nationals anyway.

Lew

 

[doveman]

Re: Resonator Guitars?

A cheap one you might consider is the Epiphone bisquit. I almost bought one ... last year ... but they sold it before I did. About $300 I think ... it's a round neck without any on-board pickups. In that price range, this one looked pretty decent.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Resonator Guitars?

Isn't there a resonator out there with a P90? I think it's pretty expensive but I bet that would have some serious, lo-fi raunchy goodness.

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: Resonator Guitars?

I love resonators! That is 100% going to be my next guitar purchase. I'm currently renting an Epiphone metal-body biscuit reso - it's not bad at all. A new nut and maybe a new cone would turn it into a really great instrument. I've played others of the same model that weren't nearly as good though, so it's obviously hit and miss with them. It's made in Korea.

The absolute best reso I have played that was under $1000 was a Paul Beard Gold Tone. The body and neck are made in Korea, then they're given a real Paul Beard cone and a set up in the USA. They are absolutely top notch instruments. Tone and feel is right up there with the big boys.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Resonator Guitars?

Isn't there a resonator out there with a P90? I think it's pretty expensive but I bet that would have some serious, lo-fi raunchy goodness.

The National Resolectric. Had one. Lo-Fi and Raunchy kinda describes it. I didn't find it usable and sold it. Lew

 

[Karmadog777]

Re: Resonator Guitars?

I saw a guy named Eric Sardinas open for Steve Vai , he played electric resonaters exclusivly ...man , he is a awesome hillbillie heavy metal player
LOL actually some of the best raunchy blues rock sounds I have ever heard

 

[Corbic]

Re: Resonator Guitars?

Thanks for the advice all! The Johnson's look really nice, I also noticed thats the type that you (Gearjoneser) have, and are just a tad over my price range, but I think after saving awhile I could manage.

Sadly, the Nationals and things like that are quite above my price range. I wouldn't be able to save up for one of those with all the GAS for other guitars I have :nono: .

After searching on Evilbay for some of these, I realized one thing however: since there are never any resonators in music stores around here, I've never been able to play one. While thinking that thought, I happened upon this guitar: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...akeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:us .

First of all, yes I do realize that is probably one of the most bottom of the barrel type of guitars I could find, but would it be good for me to buy a cheap cheap one like this to see if I like the sound/feel of a resonator guitar? In that case I wouldn't be saving up for a long time in case I don't like what I buy, and I'm not using a large amount of my own money if I do not like it. If I really like it, then I can save for the actual Johnson resonator that I'd ideally want in the future. Buying a cheap one like this for now would also allow me to stop borrowing all my friend's acoustic guitars to play at home. It plays out well in my head, but I was wondering what you guys thought of it.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Resonator Guitars?

Wait, and watch the Ebay auctions for Johnsons. Every once in awhile one will pop up for $350 - $400.

I used to play quite a few gigs with Eric Sardinas, and loved watching his sets.
I'm not sure how subdued his gigs are nowadays, but in clubs he's utterly amazing to watch. He wears that hat with the snakehead hatband, no shirt, leather pants and boots. His roadie lights a rug on fire with lighter fluid, and he stands in the middle of it. Sometimes, he'll play with a full beer bottle with his thumb in it, then he'll hit high notes and let the beer fly out of the bottle. He's nuts. He'll jump on the bar and run around! Great slide player!
I love his tattoos. Across his back in Old English script it says TRADITION.

 

[Karmadog777]

Re: Resonator Guitars?

Corbic , if you are wanting a entry level resonator I would consider this line http://www.musiciansfriend.com/navigation?q=rogue+resonator
before anyone hacks up their lungs over the name Rogue....I bought a brand new 5 string rogue bass last year for 99 bucks from MF and I love the neck and the sound...I just got it for recording some thumping bumping sounds when Im putting down song ideas and its great for that..everyone who sees and hears it cant believe I got it for so cheap.

 

[J Moose]

Re: Resonator Guitars?

but would it be good for me to buy a cheap cheap one like this to see if I like the sound/feel of a resonator guitar? In that case I wouldn't be saving up for a long time in case I don't like what I buy, and I'm not using a large amount of my own money if I do not like it. If I really like it, then I can save for the actual Johnson resonator that I'd ideally want in the future. Buying a cheap one like this for now would also allow me to stop borrowing all my friend's acoustic guitars to play at home. It plays out well in my head, but I was wondering what you guys thought of it.

Playing a dobro isn't like a "normal" acoustic guitar. Takes way more effort to get notes out... much harder to get into & play well, get good tone from. VERY little sustain too... get into 'em and it'll change your whole approach to playing...

Resonators & acoustics are two wholly different things in my world...