Best Resonator Guitars 2025

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

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 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 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 SingCone 14 Fr. LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel SingCone 14 Fr. LH

by National Reso-Phonic

Folk Blues Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Perfect for slide guitar playing

✓ PROS

• Perfect for slide guitar playing
• Great volume and projection

✗ CONS

• Can be heavy and uncomfortable
• Requires different playing approach

National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel SingCone 14 Fr. LHResonator GuitarLeft-handed modelStyle: Round neckCone: Single...

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 614399

$3,629

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 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

Harley Benton Custom Line CLR-ResoElectric - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Custom Line CLR-ResoElectric

by Harley Benton

Country Folk Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Great volume and projection

✓ PROS

• Great volume and projection
• Unique visual and sonic character

✗ CONS

• Can be heavy and uncomfortable
• Very specialized sound

Harley Benton Custom Line CLR-ResoElectricElectric Resonator GuitarChrome-plated steel bodySingle cone Ø 240 mm with a...

⭐ 4.6/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 338386

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Delta Blues Resonator - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton Delta Blues Resonator

by Harley Benton

Country Americana Slide Guitar

Key Feature:

• Perfect for slide guitar playing

✓ PROS

• Unique visual and sonic character
• Distinctive metallic resonator tone

✗ CONS

• May not suit all musical styles
• Limited tonal versatility

Harley Benton Delta Blues ResonatorResonator GuitarBluegrass SeriesStyle: 0M-12 with square neckResonator: 265 mm cone...

⭐ 4.5/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 561900

$329

Buy at Thomann View Details

Beard Guitars E-Model SN ASB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Beard Guitars E-Model SN ASB

by Beard Guitars

Folk Slide Guitar Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Great volume and projection

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Limited tonal versatility
• May not suit all musical styles

Beard Guitars E-Model SN ASBSquareneck Resonator Guitar with PickupModern open body designCone: SpiderBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 421350

$5,498

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 - 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

Leewald Bluesy Fellow Duotone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Leewald Bluesy Fellow Duotone

by Leewald

Folk Bluegrass Country

Key Feature:

• Great volume and projection

✓ PROS

• Great volume and projection
• Unique visual and sonic character

✗ CONS

• Very specialized sound
• Requires different playing approach

Leewald Bluesy Fellow DuotoneResonator GuitarBody shape: 0Laminated wood bodyResonator: 241 mm / 9.5" single...

⭐ 4.9/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 373952

$2,749

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch G9230 Bobt Squareneck Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.5/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Gretsch G9230 Bobt Squareneck Bundle

by Gretsch

Folk Blues Country

Key Feature:

• Distinctive metallic resonator tone

✓ PROS

• Great volume and projection
• Unique visual and sonic character

✗ CONS

• Requires different playing approach
• Limited tonal versatility

Gretsch G9230 Bobt Squareneck Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Gretsch G9230 Bobtail Squareneck*Resonator...

⭐ 4.5/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 321295

$1,003

Buy at Thomann View Details

National Reso-Phonic Style O - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 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

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

#12

⭐ 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

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

#13

⭐ 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

Royall CH12/BRS Chess 12 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Royall CH12/BRS Chess 12

by Royall

Folk Country Slide Guitar

Key Feature:

• Unique visual and sonic character

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Very specialized sound
• Requires different playing approach

Royall CH12/BRS Chess 12Resonator GuitarType: Tri Cone T-Bridge DesignBody: MahoganyResonator: 3 Handmade 6"...

⭐ 4.8/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 516816

$934

Buy at Thomann View Details

Royall HB12SC/SB HOBO - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 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

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.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best Resonator Guitars 2025

National Reso-Phonic NRP Rubbed Steel 12 Fret

National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel SingCone 14 Fr. LH

Recording King RR-36S-VS Squarneck

Harley Benton Custom Line CLR-ResoElectric

Harley Benton Delta Blues Resonator

Beard Guitars E-Model SN ASB

National Reso-Phonic M1 Tricone

National Reso-Phonic Style O 14 Fret

Leewald Bluesy Fellow Duotone

Gretsch G9230 Bobt Squareneck Bundle

National Reso-Phonic Style O

National Reso-Phonic NRP Rubbed Steel 14 Fret

National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel Single Cone 12 Fret

Royall CH12/BRS Chess 12

Royall HB12SC/SB HOBO

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?

Related Best Lists

Best ST Style Guitars

Best Humbucker Pickups

Best Distortion Pedals

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies