Best Resonator Guitars for Advanced 2026

Perfect resonator guitars for advanced - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: February 11, 2026 • Next update: February 18, 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

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

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

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

Royall KOA12DS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Royall HB12SC/SB HOBO - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Royall KOA12SC Resonator Guitar - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Royall KOA12SC Resonator Guitar

by Royall

Americana Folk Slide Guitar

Key Feature:

• Great volume and projection

✓ PROS

• Great volume and projection
• Perfect for slide guitar playing

✗ CONS

• May not suit all musical styles
• Limited tonal versatility

Royall KOA12SC Resonator GuitarElectric Resonator GuitarStyle: Tricone-T-Bridge with cutawayCone specifications: three...

⭐ 4.8/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 599001

$1,099

Buy at Thomann View Details

Royall DLT12SC/DSB DELTA - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Royall DLT12SC/DSB DELTA

by Royall

Bluegrass Slide Guitar Folk

Key Feature:

• Distinctive metallic resonator tone

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Can be heavy and uncomfortable
• Very specialized sound

Royall DLT12SC/DSB DELTAResonator Guitar with PickupStyle: Tri Cone T-BridgeBody: MahoganyResonator: 3 Handmade 6"...

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 595803

$978

Buy at Thomann View Details

Royall BB14C/FL Bantam Blazer - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Royall BB14C/FL Bantam Blazer

by Royall

Folk Slide Guitar Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Great volume and projection

✓ PROS

• Unique visual and sonic character
• Great volume and projection

✗ CONS

• Very specialized sound
• May not suit all musical styles

Royall BB14C/FL Bantam BlazerSingle Cone Resonator GuitarBiscuit Bridge DesignBody: Flamed mapleNeck: MahoganyNeck...

⭐ 4.6/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 561869

$824

Buy at Thomann View Details

Beard Guitars Jerry Douglas SN RedBeard - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

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

#10

⭐ 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

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

#11

⭐ 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 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.4/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Ortega RRG40CE-DBK

by Ortega

Folk Slide Guitar Country

Key Feature:

• Perfect for slide guitar playing

✓ PROS

• Distinctive metallic resonator tone
• Unique visual and sonic character

✗ CONS

• Very specialized sound
• Limited tonal versatility

Ortega RRG40CE-DBKResonator Guitar with PickupAmericana SeriesTop: MahoganyBack and sides: MahoganyResonator:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 557085

$486

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

Harley Benton Delta Blues Resonator w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton Delta Blues Resonator w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Slide Guitar Blues Americana

Key Feature:

• Perfect for slide guitar playing

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Delta Blues Resonator w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Delta Blues Resonator*Resonator...

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 574513

$351

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#15

⭐ 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

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 for Advanced 2026

Harley Benton Custom Line CLR-ResoElectric

Recording King RR-36S-VS Squarneck

Leewald Bluesy Fellow Duotone

Royall KOA12DS

Royall HB12SC/SB HOBO

Royall KOA12SC Resonator Guitar

Royall DLT12SC/DSB DELTA

Royall BB14C/FL Bantam Blazer

Beard Guitars Jerry Douglas SN RedBeard

National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel Single Cone 12 Fret

Harley Benton Custom Line CLR-ResoEl. w/Bag

Ortega RRG40CE-DBK

Ortega RRG30E-WB

Harley Benton Delta Blues Resonator w/Bag

Beard Guitars Trailhead E-Model SN Tobacco

How to Choose the Best Resonator Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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