Best Resonator Guitars for Blues 2025

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

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 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

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

⭐ 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

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

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

⭐ 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

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

Ortega RRG40CE-DBK-L - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Royall CH12/BRS Chess 12 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

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 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

Royall KOA12DS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 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

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

#11

⭐ 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 Jerry Douglas SN RedBeard - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 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

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 Custom Line CLR-ResoElectric - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 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

Royall KOA12SC Resonator Guitar - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 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

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 Blues 2025

National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel Single Cone 12 Fret

Harley Benton Custom Line CLR-ResoEl. w/Bag

National Reso-Phonic Style O 14 Fret LH

Beard Guitars Road-O-Phonic TS

Royall BB14C/FL Bantam Blazer

Ortega RRG40CE-DBK-L

Royall CH12/BRS Chess 12

Gold Tone PBS

Royall HB12/SB Hobo

Royall KOA12DS

Harley Benton Delta Blues Resonator w/Bag

Beard Guitars Jerry Douglas SN RedBeard

Ortega RRG30E-WB

Harley Benton Custom Line CLR-ResoElectric

Royall KOA12SC Resonator Guitar

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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