Best Resonator Guitars 2025

Top-rated resonator guitars 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

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 Style O Replicon 14fret - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

National Reso-Phonic Style O Replicon 14fret

by National Reso-Phonic

Slide Guitar Country Americana

Key Feature:

• Cuts through acoustic ensembles

✓ PROS

• Perfect for slide guitar playing
• Distinctive metallic resonator tone

✗ CONS

• Requires different playing approach
• Can be heavy and uncomfortable

National Reso-Phonic Style O Replicon 14fretResonator GuitarReplica Mark Knopfler model (Dire Straits / The Notting...

⭐ 4.8/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 310463

$5,278

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 Style O 14 Fret LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

National Reso-Phonic Style O 14 Fret LH

by National Reso-Phonic

Bluegrass Blues Country

Key Feature:

• Unique visual and sonic character

✓ PROS

• Unique visual and sonic character
• Great volume and projection

✗ CONS

• Requires different playing approach
• Limited tonal versatility

National Reso-Phonic Style O 14 Fret LHResonator GuitarLeft-handed modelHandmade resonator: 24.1 cm...

⭐ 4.7/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 614466

$5,168

Buy at Thomann View Details

National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel Single Cone 12 Fret - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel Single Cone 12 Fret

by National Reso-Phonic

Americana Country Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Perfect for slide guitar playing

✓ PROS

• Great volume and projection
• Unique visual and sonic character

✗ CONS

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

National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel Single Cone 12 FretResonator GuitarType: Roundneck with slotted headstock and flat cut...

⭐ 4.7/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 519963

$3,738

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Beard Guitars Trailhead E-Model CE Tobacco

by Beard Guitars

Americana Blues Folk

Key Feature:

• Distinctive metallic resonator tone

✓ PROS

• Cuts through acoustic ensembles
• Unique visual and sonic character

✗ CONS

• Can be heavy and uncomfortable
• May not suit all musical styles

Beard Guitars Trailhead E-Model CE TobaccoResonator Guitar with PickupStyle: Round neckTop: Solid flamed mapleCone:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 605886

$5,719

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 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

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

Gretsch G9201 Honey Dipper - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Gretsch G9201 Honey Dipper

by Gretsch

Americana Blues Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Cuts through acoustic ensembles

✓ PROS

• Great volume and projection
• Cuts through acoustic ensembles

✗ CONS

• Requires different playing approach
• Very specialized sound

Gretsch G9201 Honey DipperResonator GuitarBody: BrassNeck: MahoganyRound neckFretboard: Katalox19 FretsScale: 635...

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 279662

$912

Buy at Thomann View Details

Royall HB12SC/SB HOBO - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Royall HB12SC/SB HOBO

by Royall

Folk Bluegrass Country

Key Feature:

• Cuts through acoustic ensembles

✓ PROS

• Distinctive metallic resonator tone
• Unique visual and sonic character

✗ CONS

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

Royall HB12SC/SB HOBOResonator GuitarStyle: Single Cone Biscuit BridgeBody: MahoganyResonator: Handmade 9.5"...

⭐ 4.9/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 595802

$923

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ortega RRG30E-WB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 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

Royall KOA12DS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 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

National Reso-Phonic Style O - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

National Reso-Phonic Style O

by National Reso-Phonic

Slide Guitar Americana Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Unique visual and sonic character

✓ PROS

• Cuts through acoustic ensembles
• Perfect for slide guitar playing

✗ CONS

• Requires different playing approach
• Can be heavy and uncomfortable

National Reso-Phonic Style OResonator GuitarNickel-plated brass bodyHandmade resonator 9.5" (24.1 cm)Slotted...

⭐ 4.6/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 260767

$4,948

Buy at Thomann View Details

Beard Guitars Jerry Douglas SN RedBeard - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.9/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Beard Guitars Jerry Douglas SN RedBeard

by Beard Guitars

Blues Slide Guitar Americana

Key Feature:

• Cuts through acoustic ensembles

✓ PROS

• Cuts through acoustic ensembles
• Perfect for slide guitar playing

✗ CONS

• Limited tonal versatility
• Can be heavy and uncomfortable

Beard Guitars Jerry Douglas SN RedBeardSquareneck Resonator Guitar with PickupJerry Douglas signature modelModern...

⭐ 4.9/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 421558

$5,498

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 2025

National Reso-Phonic Estralita Deluxe

National Reso-Phonic Style O Replicon 14fret

National Reso-Phonic M1 Tricone

National Reso-Phonic Style O 14 Fret LH

National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel Single Cone 12 Fret

Beard Guitars Trailhead E-Model CE Tobacco

National Reso-Phonic Style O 14 Fret

National Reso-Phonic NRP Rubbed Steel 12 Fret

National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel Single Cone 14 Fret

Gretsch G9201 Honey Dipper

Royall HB12SC/SB HOBO

Ortega RRG30E-WB

Royall KOA12DS

National Reso-Phonic Style O

Beard Guitars Jerry Douglas SN RedBeard

How to Choose the Best Resonator Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying resonator guitars?

How much should I spend on resonator guitars?

Are expensive resonator guitars worth the investment?

What are the best brands for resonator guitars?

Should I buy resonator guitars online or in-store?

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