Best Resonator Guitars 2026

Top-rated resonator guitars 2026 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: January 21, 2026 • Next update: January 28, 2026

PRICE RANGES: Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Blues For Bluegrass For Country For Slide Guitar For Folk For Americana

BRANDS: Royall National Reso-Phonic Gretsch Harley Benton Beard Guitars

National Reso-Phonic Estralita Deluxe - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

National Reso-Phonic Estralita Deluxe

by National Reso-Phonic

Americana Blues Country

Key Feature:

• Perfect for slide guitar playing

✓ PROS

• Perfect for slide guitar playing
• Distinctive metallic resonator tone

✗ CONS

• Very specialized sound
• Requires different playing approach

National Reso-Phonic Estralita DeluxeResonator GuitarLaminated grained maple topHandmade 9.5" (24.1 cm)...

⭐ 4.9/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 261165

$4,728

Buy at Thomann View Details

National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel Single Cone 14 Fret - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel Single Cone 14 Fret

by National Reso-Phonic

Blues Country Americana

Key Feature:

• Cuts through acoustic ensembles

✓ PROS

• Unique visual and sonic character
• Cuts through acoustic ensembles

✗ CONS

• Requires different playing approach
• Limited tonal versatility

National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel Single Cone 14 FretResonator GuitarType: Roundneck with solid headstock and rolled...

⭐ 4.9/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 519976

$3,629

Buy at Thomann View Details

National Reso-Phonic Style O 14 Fret - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

National Reso-Phonic Style O 14 Fret

by National Reso-Phonic

Country Bluegrass Folk

Key Feature:

• Great volume and projection

✓ PROS

• Perfect for slide guitar playing
• Unique visual and sonic character

✗ CONS

• Very specialized sound
• Limited tonal versatility

National Reso-Phonic Style O 14 FretResonator GuitarNickel-plated brass bodyHandmade resonator 9.5" (24.1...

⭐ 4.6/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 260832

$4,948

Buy at Thomann View Details

National Reso-Phonic M1 Tricone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

National Reso-Phonic M1 Tricone

by National Reso-Phonic

Folk Americana Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Distinctive metallic resonator tone

✓ PROS

• Cuts through acoustic ensembles
• Perfect for slide guitar playing

✗ CONS

• Very specialized sound
• Can be heavy and uncomfortable

National Reso-Phonic M1 TriconeResonator GuitarTop: MahoganyBack and sides: MahoganyThree 6" (15.24 cm)...

⭐ 4.4/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 273511

$4,948

Buy at Thomann View Details

National Reso-Phonic NRP Rubbed Steel 14 Fret - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

National Reso-Phonic NRP Rubbed Steel 14 Fret

by National Reso-Phonic

Bluegrass Americana Country

Key Feature:

• Great volume and projection

✓ PROS

• Perfect for slide guitar playing
• Cuts through acoustic ensembles

✗ CONS

• Very specialized sound
• Requires different playing approach

National Reso-Phonic NRP Steel 14Resonator GuitarBuild: RoundneckResonator: 9.5" Single coneBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 427008

$4,289

Buy at Thomann View Details

Beard Guitars Trailhead E-Model SN Tobacco - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Beard Guitars Trailhead E-Model SN Tobacco

by Beard Guitars

Country Slide Guitar Americana

Key Feature:

• Unique visual and sonic character

✓ PROS

• Unique visual and sonic character
• Great volume and projection

✗ CONS

• Limited tonal versatility
• Can be heavy and uncomfortable

Beard Guitars Trailhead E-Model SN TobaccoSquareneck Resonator Guitar with PickupTop: Solid flamed mapleBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 605892

$5,719

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gold Tone PBS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Gold Tone PBS

by Gold Tone

Blues Slide Guitar Country

Key Feature:

• Unique visual and sonic character

✓ PROS

• Cuts through acoustic ensembles
• Great volume and projection

✗ CONS

• May not suit all musical styles
• Requires different playing approach

Gold Tone PBSSquare Neck Resonator GuitarPaul Beard Signature ModelOriginal Beard Cone and Spider Resonator -...

⭐ 4.5/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 423802

$1,539

Buy at Thomann View Details

Beard Guitars Road-O-Phonic TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Beard Guitars Road-O-Phonic TS

by Beard Guitars

Blues Country Folk

Key Feature:

• Unique visual and sonic character

✓ PROS

• Great volume and projection
• Cuts through acoustic ensembles

✗ CONS

• Requires different playing approach
• Can be heavy and uncomfortable

Beard Guitars Road-O-Phonic TSResonator Guitar with PickupDesign: Squareneck Solidbody Resonator with three pickups and...

⭐ 4.6/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 613575

$4,949

Buy at Thomann View Details

National Reso-Phonic NRP Rubbed Steel 12 Fret - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

National Reso-Phonic NRP Rubbed Steel 12 Fret

by National Reso-Phonic

Blues Country Americana

Key Feature:

• Distinctive metallic resonator tone

✓ PROS

• Distinctive metallic resonator tone
• Great volume and projection

✗ CONS

• Can be heavy and uncomfortable
• Very specialized sound

National Reso-Phonic NRP RubbedResonator GuitarConstruction: RoundneckResonator: 9.5" Single ConeBack & sides:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 276776

$4,068

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Custom Line CLR-ResoEl. w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Harley Benton Custom Line CLR-ResoEl. w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Country Blues Americana

Key Feature:

• Perfect for slide guitar playing

✓ PROS

• Unique visual and sonic character
• Distinctive metallic resonator tone

✗ CONS

• May not suit all musical styles
• Very specialized sound

Harley Benton Custom Line CLR-ResoEl. w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Custom Line...

⭐ 4.7/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 542133

$725

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ortega RRG40CE-DBK-L - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.5/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Ortega RRG40CE-DBK-L

by Ortega

Blues Country Americana

Key Feature:

• Great volume and projection

✓ PROS

• Distinctive metallic resonator tone
• Cuts through acoustic ensembles

✗ CONS

• Can be heavy and uncomfortable
• Requires different playing approach

Ortega RRG40CE-DBK-LResonator Guitar with PickupLefthand / left-handed modelAmericana SeriesTop: MahoganyBack and...

⭐ 4.5/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 557086

$465

Buy at Thomann View Details

Royall KOA12DS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Royall KOA12DS

by Royall

Bluegrass Blues Slide Guitar

Key Feature:

• Distinctive metallic resonator tone

✓ PROS

• Unique visual and sonic character
• Great volume and projection

✗ CONS

• Limited tonal versatility
• Can be heavy and uncomfortable

Royall KOA12DSResonator GuitarType: Tricone-T-Bridge with cutawayTop: Hawaiian koaBack and sides: Hawaiian...

⭐ 4.5/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 595806

$1,253

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ortega RRG30E-WB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Ortega RRG30E-WB

by Ortega

Country Folk Blues

Key Feature:

• Perfect for slide guitar playing

✓ PROS

• Cuts through acoustic ensembles
• Distinctive metallic resonator tone

✗ CONS

• Can be heavy and uncomfortable
• Requires different playing approach

Ortega RRG30E-WBResonator Guitar with PickupTop: MahoganyBack and sides: MahoganyResonator: AluminiumSlotted...

⭐ 4.9/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 557063

$452

Buy at Thomann View Details

Recording King RR-36-BK Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Recording King RR-36-BK Black

by Recording King

Country Blues Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Unique visual and sonic character

✓ PROS

• Distinctive metallic resonator tone
• Cuts through acoustic ensembles

✗ CONS

• Very specialized sound
• Requires different playing approach

Recording King RR-36-BK BlackRoundneck Resonator GuitarTop: MahoganyResonator: SpiderConeBack and sides: MahoganyNeck:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 553825

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Recording King RR-36S-VS Squarneck - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 5.0/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Recording King RR-36S-VS Squarneck

by Recording King

Slide Guitar Country Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Distinctive metallic resonator tone

✓ PROS

• Unique visual and sonic character
• Distinctive metallic resonator tone

✗ CONS

• Can be heavy and uncomfortable
• Requires different playing approach

Recording King RR-36S-VS SquarneckResonator GuitarDesign: SquareneckTop: mahoganyBody: mahoganyFretboard: padaukSaddle:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 534346

$435

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Resonator Guitars

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced resonator guitars typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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TOP

Best Resonator Guitars 2026

National Reso-Phonic Estralita Deluxe

National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel Single Cone 14 Fret

National Reso-Phonic Style O 14 Fret

National Reso-Phonic M1 Tricone

National Reso-Phonic NRP Rubbed Steel 14 Fret

Beard Guitars Trailhead E-Model SN Tobacco

Gold Tone PBS

Beard Guitars Road-O-Phonic TS

National Reso-Phonic NRP Rubbed Steel 12 Fret

Harley Benton Custom Line CLR-ResoEl. w/Bag

Ortega RRG40CE-DBK-L

Royall KOA12DS

Ortega RRG30E-WB

Recording King RR-36-BK Black

Recording King RR-36S-VS Squarneck

How to Choose the Best Resonator Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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