AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Resonator Guitars for Beginner 2026
The top pick is Harley Benton Custom Line N-150CE Natural ($244). Recording King RM-998-D Style-0 Chicken Feet Resonator Nickel-Plated… leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 46 models across 9 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets20 frets
- Neck profileU-shape neck
- BodySapele body
This Harley Benton N-150CE is a seriously impressive resonator for the money. The JM-02 cone and Rising P3004 pickup combo delivers a lively, bluesy tone that's great for bluegrass, folk, or just adding some twang to your playing. It’s a fantastic entry point into the resonator world, especially for players looking for a budget-friendly option with good build quality.
Pros
- Sapele body provides a warm, resonant tone with surprising projection.
- Rising P3004 mini-humbucker delivers a surprisingly articulate and punchy amplified voice.
- Purple Heart fingerboard offers a smooth, fast playing experience with a unique feel.
Cons
- ABS binding and inlays, while functional, lack the premium feel of wood.
- Okoume neck, while playable, may exhibit slight movement with humidity changes.
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$244 now$244€219 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale645 mm (25.39")
- Frets20 frets
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This guitar sounds like a classic 30s model but plays right out of the box. The spruce top and whitewood body give it a great balance for bluegrass. It's a solid choice for players who want a strong signal without extra knobs.
Pros
- Solid spruce top provides a bright attack for bluegrass cutting through mixes.
- Whitewood back and sides offer a warm, resonant body for acoustic resonance.
- Mini humbucker pickup delivers a strong, clear signal for amplified playing.
Cons
- Matte black finish may show scratches easily during transport.
- Lacks volume control knobs for adjusting output levels on stage.
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 30Aug 30$333 now$333€299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48.5 mm (1.91")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- BodySapele body
This Harley Benton Delta Blues Resonator is a fantastic entry point into the resonator world. The square neck setup makes it immediately playable for bluegrass and slide guitar styles, and the Sapele body delivers a surprisingly full and warm tone. It's a really solid instrument for players wanting authentic resonator character at a budget-friendly price.
Pros
- Sapele body provides a warm, resonant foundation for the resonator's voice.
- Square neck facilitates easy open-tuned playing for bluegrass and slide.
- Bone nut improves tuning stability and sustain compared to plastic alternatives.
Cons
- Square neck limits versatility; not ideal for standard tuning playing.
- Sapele can be a bit plain aesthetically; lacks figured grain options.
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$333 now$333€299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48.5 mm (1.91")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- BodySapele body
This Harley Benton Delta Blues Resonator is a fantastic entry point into the world of resonator guitars. The square neck makes it instantly playable for slide, and the Sapele body delivers a surprisingly rich and warm tone. It’s perfect for blues enthusiasts, folk players, or anyone wanting that authentic resonator vibe without spending a fortune.
Pros
- Sapele body provides a warm, resonant foundation for the resonator tone.
- Square neck setup ideal for open-tuned slide playing, authentic Delta blues style.
- Bone nut enhances sustain and tuning stability compared to plastic alternatives.
Cons
- Square neck limits standard fretted playing versatility; requires retuning for conventional use.
- Sapele can be prone to movement with humidity changes; requires diligent care.
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$345 now$345€309 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
This guitar sounds big and warm thanks to its mahogany body and parallelogram bracing. It plays well with a spider bridge but has no electronics or pickups. Great for players who want pure acoustic resonance in a vintage style.
Pros
- Solid mahogany body for warm, thick tone
- Parallelogram bracing adds structural strength
- Spider bridge design ensures solid resonance
Cons
- Heavy instrument due to full mahogany body
- No built-in electronic pickups or controls
48AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 30Aug 30$389 now$389€349 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Frets19 frets
The Ortega RRG30E-WB is a solid resonator, built for bluegrass players who want a vintage vibe without the premium price tag. The mahogany body gives it a pleasing warmth, and that Lipstick pickup surprises with its clarity. It’s a great option for someone looking for a dedicated resonator with a comfortable neck and a distinct, old-school character.
Pros
- Mahogany body provides a warm, woody tone ideal for bluegrass and folk.
- Lipstick single coil pickup delivers a surprisingly articulate and punchy amplified sound.
- Slotted headstock and 43mm nut width cater specifically to bluegrass playing styles.
Cons
- Distressed finish might not appeal to players seeking a pristine aesthetic.
- Mahogany construction can be slightly heavier than instruments with different woods.
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$458 now$458€411 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Recording King RM-998-D Style-0 Chicken Feet Resonator Nickel-Plated…
RM-998-D · Recording King
7 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale632 mm (24.88")
- Frets19 frets
This guitar has a classic round neck and a bright aluminium cone that cuts through a band. The nickel-plated brass body sounds solid and warm with mahogany. It is a great choice for bluegrass players who want a traditional tone without extra electronics.
Pros
- Solid nickel-plated bell brass body feels heavy and durable.
- Aluminium cone offers a bright, cutting bluegrass tone.
- Mahogany neck provides a warm, responsive playing feel.
Cons
- Rosewood fretboard can be slippery when wet.
- No pickup system is mentioned in the specs.
61AudioFu
Index↓ 1.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$619 · Aug 17$612 now$612€549 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets20 frets
This Ortega RRG40CE-DBK is a solid, well-built resonator that nails that classic Americana vibe. The mahogany body gives it a really warm, focused tone, and the Lipstick pickup adds a cool, slightly gritty edge. It's a fantastic option for bluegrass players or anyone wanting a unique resonator voice without a premium-priced tag.
Pros
- Mahogany construction delivers warm, woody tones ideal for bluegrass.
- Lipstick pickup provides a surprisingly articulate and bluesy voice.
- Slotted headstock and 2-way truss rod offer reliable tuning stability.
Cons
- Mahogany body can be somewhat dense, contributing to a heavier instrument.
- Passive Lipstick pickup lacks the high-output versatility of active systems.
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$493 now$493€442 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale628 mm (24.72")
- Frets19 frets
The Ortega RRG40CE-DBK-L is a seriously cool left-handed resonator. It’s got a great, old-school vibe with that distressed finish and slotted headstock. This is a fantastic, budget-friendly option for bluegrass players, folk musicians, or anyone wanting that distinctive resonator sound and surprisingly good amplified tone.
Pros
- Mahogany top delivers warm, woody tones ideal for bluegrass and folk.
- Lipstick pickup provides a surprisingly articulate and punchy amplified sound.
- Slotted headstock adds a touch of vintage aesthetic and tuning stability.
Cons
- Distressed finish may not appeal to players seeking a pristine aesthetic.
- 43mm nut width can feel cramped for players accustomed to wider necks.
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$495 now$495€444 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width44.5 mm (1.75")
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets19 frets
- BodyMahogany body
This guitar uses a solid mahogany body and spruce top for a warm bluegrass sound. The hand-spun cone and single Fishman pickup give it a classic, direct tone. It is a straightforward instrument that suits players who want a reliable, traditional resonator without extra electronics.
Pros
- Solid mahogany body provides a warm, rich acoustic foundation for bluegrass.
Cons
- Heavy instrument may be difficult for smaller players to carry around.
- Standard pickup lacks advanced blending or EQ controls for tone shaping.
All 46 resonator guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Dobro Hound Dog Round NeckDobro37Stable$489€439$489€439Check ↗
- 12
Gretsch G9240 Alligator Round-Neck Biscuit Cone Resonator 2-Color…G9240 Alligator Biscuit · Gretsch · 2 finishes83Stable$634€569$634€569Check ↗
- 13
Gretsch G9201 Honey Dipper Round-Neck Acoustic Resonator GuitarG9201 Honey Dipper · Gretsch · 2 finishes74Stable$980€879$980€879Check ↗
- 14
Gretsch G9220 Bobtail Round-Neck Acoustic Electric 2-Color Sunburst…G9220 Bobtail Roundneck · Gretsch72Stable$857€769$857€769Check ↗
- 15
Gretsch G9221 Bobtail Steel Round-Neck Acoustic Electric Natural 2016G9221 Bobtail Steel RN AE · Gretsch63Stable$1,114€999$1,114€999Check ↗
- 16
Gretsch G9230 Bobtail Square-Neck ResonatorG9230 Bobtail Squareneck · Gretsch61Stable$891€799$891€799Check ↗
- 17
Royall KOA12SC Resonator GuitarRoyall · 3 finishes61Stable$1,114€999$1,114€999Check ↗
- 18
Royall DLT12SC/DSB DELTARoyall · 2 finishes60Stable$991€889$991€889Check ↗
- 19
National Reso-Phonic Style O 14 Fret LHNational Reso-Phonic · 2 finishes60Stable$5,015€4,498$5,015€4,498Check ↗
- 20
Royall HB12/SB HoboRoyall · 2 finishes57Stable$835€749$835€749Check ↗
- 21
Royall TMP12/NI TampaRoyall · 2 finishes57Stable$1,058€949$1,058€949Check ↗
- 22
Beard Guitars Road-O-Phonic TSBeard Guitars · 2 finishes57Stable$5,016€4,499$5,016€4,499Check ↗
- 23
Recording King RM-994E-AC CutawayRecording King · 2 finishes55↓ 2.0%$1,092€979$1,092€979Check ↗
- 24
Royall BB14C/FL Bantam BlazerRoyall54Stable$835€749$835€749Check ↗
- 25
Recording King RM-999E-RNRecording King · 2 finishes54Stable$1,002€899$1,002€899Check ↗
- 26
National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel SingCone 14 Fr. LHNational Reso-Phonic51Stable$3,789€3,398$3,789€3,398Check ↗
- 27
National Reso-Phonic NRP Rubbed Steel 12 FretNational Reso-Phonic51Stable$4,459€3,999$4,459€3,999Check ↗
- 28
National Reso-Phonic Estralita DeluxeNational Reso-Phonic51Stable$4,792€4,298$4,792€4,298Check ↗
- 29
National Reso-Phonic Style ONational Reso-Phonic51Stable$5,238€4,698$5,238€4,698Check ↗
- 30
National Reso-Phonic Style O Replicon 14fretNational Reso-Phonic51Stable$5,461€4,898$5,461€4,898Check ↗
- 31
National Reso-Phonic Style O DeluxeNational Reso-Phonic51Stable$5,573€4,998$5,573€4,998Check ↗
- 32
Beard Guitars Trailhead E-Model CE TobaccoBeard Guitars · 2 finishes51Stable$5,573€4,998$5,573€4,998Check ↗
- 33
Recording King RM-995E-BNRecording King49↓ 1.2%$990€888$990€888Check ↗
- 34
Ortega RRG50CE-SSBOrtega48Stable$869€779$869€779Check ↗
- 35
Royall PB12/ANI Pony BoyRoyall48Stable$891€799$891€799Check ↗
- 36
Royall CH12/BRS Chess 12Royall48Stable$947€849$947€849Check ↗
- 37
Recording King RM-960E-ASRecording King48Stable$1,002€899$1,002€899Check ↗
- 38
Recording King RM-996SE-PN SandblastedRecording King48Stable$1,002€899$1,002€899Check ↗
- 39
Royall WE14NI West EndRoyall48Stable$1,225€1,099$1,225€1,099Check ↗
- 40
National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel Single Cone 12 FretNational Reso-Phonic48Stable$3,789€3,398$3,789€3,398Check ↗
- 41
National Reso-Phonic NRP Rubbed Steel 14 FretNational Reso-Phonic48Stable$4,459€3,999$4,459€3,999Check ↗
- 42
Beard Guitars E-Model SN ASBBeard Guitars48Stable$5,573€4,998$5,573€4,998Check ↗
- 43
National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel Single Cone 14 FretNational Reso-Phonic46↑ 3.0%$3,790€3,399$3,790€3,399Check ↗
- 44
Ortega RRG60EOrtega45Stable$991€889$991€889Check ↗
- 45
Dobro Hound Dog M-14Dobro37Stable$869€779$869€779Check ↗
- 46
Gold Tone PBSGold Tone35Stable$1,560€1,399$1,560€1,399Check ↗
Resonator Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 63 models we track, not a sample.
Median $991 — half of all resonator guitars here cost less.
median of 53 models · 43 mm (1.69")–48 mm (1.89")
median of 61 models · 628 mm (24.72")–648 mm (25.51")
median of 43 models · 19–20
most common · 5 models
How to choose the best resonator guitars
Playability (Action & Neck Profile)
Resonators often have higher action than standard acoustics, which can be tough on beginner fingers. A comfortable neck profile - not too thick, not too thin - is crucial. Look for something with a manageable action that you can reasonably press down without excessive buzzing.
Body Size & Construction (Spoke Bracing)
Smaller bodies (like parlor or travel sizes) are generally easier to handle, especially when you're starting out. Spoke bracing - the internal supports - significantly impacts sustain and resonance; cheaper resonators often skimp here, leading to a weaker, more brittle tone.
Tone (Cone Material & Design)
The cone is where the magic happens. Brass cones are common and offer a bright, cutting tone, good for bluegrass. Aluminum cones tend to be warmer and more mellow. As a beginner, brass is often a good starting point, but don't expect a vintage-level richness - that comes with better materials and craftsmanship.
Tuning Stability
Resonators, especially cheaper ones, can be finicky when it comes to staying in tune. The bridge is a key area to check - a poorly fitted bridge will lead to constant retuning headaches. A good setup (which you'll likely need regardless) can help, but a poorly constructed instrument will fight you every step of the way.
Pickup Voicing (If Electric)
Many resonators have built-in pickups for amplification. Beginner-friendly models often have simple, functional pickups. Don't expect studio-grade recording quality; the goal is to cut through a band rehearsal or small gig, not to replace your high-end amp's clean channel.
Buying guide
So, you're thinking about a resonator? Awesome choice - they're just plain cool and offer a unique vibe you won't get from a standard acoustic. But jumping into resonators can be a bit overwhelming, especially as a beginner. This isn't about shredding bluegrass; it's about finding a resonator that's playable, sounds decent, and won't make you want to throw it across the room after an hour of struggling. Let's break down what to look for.
Don't chase the 'vintage' tone right away - that's a rabbit hole. Focus on playability first. A resonator that's hard to play will discourage you faster than a slightly less-than-perfect tone.
Be prepared to spend some money on a professional setup; it's almost mandatory to get a resonator playing comfortably. And remember, a lot of cheaper resonators will have a noticeable 'ice-picky' high-end - it's a trade-off for the resonator effect, but can be fatiguing.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 63 resonator guitars from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are all resonators loud?
They're louder than standard acoustics, absolutely, but the volume depends on the cone material and construction. Don't expect it to rival a full-blown electric amp without amplification.
Do I need a special amp for a resonator pickup?
Not necessarily. Most standard acoustic amps or even a practice amp will work fine. Just be mindful of the pickup's voicing - it might benefit from some EQ tweaking to tame the high end.
What's the difference between a biscuit bridge and a spider bridge?
Biscuit bridges are common on cheaper resonators; they're simpler and less expensive. Spider bridges generally offer more sustain and a slightly warmer tone, but are more complex to adjust.
Can I tune a resonator like a regular guitar?
Yes, absolutely! Standard tuning (EADGBE) works perfectly fine. Experimenting with alternate tunings is part of the fun, just be mindful of the cone's resonance and how it affects the tone.
I'm on a tight budget - what's the best resonator I can get?
Look for entry-level models from brands like Recording King or Fender. They offer decent playability and tone for the price, but be prepared for some compromises and definitely factor in the cost of a setup.
