Best Resonator Guitars for Bluegrass 2026

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

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 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 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

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

⭐ 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

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

Royall DLT12/DSB Delta - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Royall DLT12/DSB Delta

by Royall

Bluegrass Folk Slide Guitar

Key Feature:

• Cuts through acoustic ensembles

✓ PROS

• Distinctive metallic resonator tone
• Unique visual and sonic character

✗ CONS

• Requires different playing approach
• Very specialized sound

Royall DLT12/DSB DeltaResonator GuitarType of construction: Tri Cone T-Bridge DesignBody: MahoganyResonator: 3 Handmade...

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 516819

$769

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 w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Royall HB12/SB Hobo - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Royall HB12/SB Hobo

by Royall

Bluegrass Folk Blues

Key Feature:

• Unique visual and sonic character

✓ PROS

• Perfect for slide guitar playing
• Great volume and projection

✗ CONS

• Limited tonal versatility
• Can be heavy and uncomfortable

Royall HB12/SB HoboResonator GuitarBody: MahoganySingle cone resonatorHandmade 9.5" aluminium coneBiscuit bridge...

⭐ 4.4/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 578469

$824

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ortega RRG30E-WB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

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

Leewald Bluesy Fellow Duotone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 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 BB14C/FL Bantam Blazer - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 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

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 RRG40CE-DBK-L - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 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

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

#14

⭐ 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

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

#15

⭐ 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

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 Bluegrass 2026

National Reso-Phonic Style O 14 Fret LH

Recording King RR-36-BK Black

Gold Tone PBS

Royall DLT12/DSB Delta

Harley Benton Custom Line CLR-ResoElectric

Harley Benton Delta Blues Resonator w/Bag

Royall HB12/SB Hobo

Ortega RRG30E-WB

National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel Single Cone 12 Fret

Leewald Bluesy Fellow Duotone

Royall BB14C/FL Bantam Blazer

Ortega RRG40CE-DBK

Ortega RRG40CE-DBK-L

Beard Guitars Road-O-Phonic TS

Harley Benton Custom Line CLR-ResoEl. w/Bag

How to Choose the Best Resonator Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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