AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Resonator Guitars for Blues 2026
The top pick is Gretsch G9240 Alligator Round-Neck Biscuit Cone Resonator 2-Color… ($634). Harley Benton Custom Line N-150CE Natural gives you the most for the money at $244. Gretsch G9221 Bobtail Steel Round-Neck Acoustic Electric Natural 2016 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.
-
Gretsch G9240 Alligator Round-Neck Biscuit Cone Resonator 2-Color…
G9240 Alligator Biscuit · Gretsch
32 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width44.5 mm (1.75")
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets19 frets
- BodyMahogany body
The Gretsch G9240 Alligator Biscuit is a fantastic entry point into the world of resonator guitars. It's built solid, with a warm, woody tone that's perfect for bluegrass, folk, and roots music. If you're looking for a unique and inspiring instrument that offers a lot of character for the price, this is a real winner.
Pros
- Mahogany body delivers warm, resonant tone with excellent sustain
- Katalox fretboard offers a smooth playing experience and unique look
- Biscuit bridge enhances clarity and responsiveness of the resonator cone
Cons
- Medium V neck profile isn't for everyone; might feel bulky to some
- Limited tonal versatility compared to a full-bodied acoustic or electric
83AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$634 now$634€569 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Gretsch G9201 Honey Dipper Round-Neck Acoustic Resonator Guitar
G9201 Honey Dipper · Gretsch
24 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets19 frets
The Honey Dipper is a fantastic resonator for bluegrass, folk, and roots music. Its bright, focused tone and comfortable neck make it a joy to play, and the brass body gives it a distinct character. It's an excellent choice for players wanting that classic resonator vibe without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Solid brass body delivers a uniquely bright, metallic tone.
- Katalox fretboard offers a smooth playing experience and great note definition.
- Round neck design facilitates comfortable chording and open tunings.
Cons
- Round neck limits versatility compared to square neck resonators for slide playing.
- Relatively heavy due to the brass body construction – can be tiring for extended playing.
74AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$980 now$980€879 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Gretsch G9220 Bobtail Round-Neck Acoustic Electric 2-Color Sunburst…
G9220 Bobtail Roundneck · Gretsch
27 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets19 frets
- BodyMahogany body
This Gretsch Bobtail is a seriously fun instrument, especially if you're digging that classic bluegrass vibe. The roundneck gives it a unique tone and the Fishman pickup is surprisingly good for stage. It’s a solid choice for players wanting a quality resonator without the premium price tag.
Pros
- The Fishman Nashville pickup delivers a surprisingly clean and articulate amplified tone.
- Mahogany body provides a warm, resonant foundation with a pleasing woody character.
- Katalox fretboard offers a smooth playing experience with excellent note definition.
Cons
- The shorter scale length limits low-end extension compared to standard guitars.
- Katalox can be a harder wood to maintain; occasional oiling is recommended.
72AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$857 now$857€769 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Gretsch G9221 Bobtail Steel Round-Neck Acoustic Electric Natural 2016
G9221 Bobtail Steel RN AE · Gretsch
11 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width44.5 mm (1.75")
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets19 frets
This Bobtail is a seriously capable resonator, nailing that vintage Gretsch vibe. The Ampli-Sonic cone and Fishman pickup combo gives you a powerful, focused amplified sound perfect for bluegrass, old-time, and roots music. It’s a premium-priced instrument, but the quality and tone make it a worthwhile investment for dedicated resonator players.
Pros
- Amplified tone is remarkably clear thanks to the Fishman Nashville pickup
- Katalox fretboard offers a smooth playing experience and beautiful aesthetics
- The medium-V neck profile is comfortable for a wide range of playing styles
Cons
- Steel body makes it noticeably heavier than a traditional acoustic guitar
- The shorter scale length might feel cramped for players used to longer scales
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,114 now$1,114€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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 ↗ -
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 ↗ -
Gretsch G9230 Bobtail Square-Neck Resonator
G9230 Bobtail Squareneck · Gretsch
16 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale635 mm (25")
This Gretsch Bobtail Squareneck is a seriously focused bluegrass machine. The mahogany body gives it a warm core, while the Ampli-Sonic cone cuts through a band like a knife. It's a great option for players wanting a traditional resonator sound and feel without the bulk of a full-size model.
Pros
- Mahogany body provides a warm, woody tonal foundation.
- Ampli-Sonic cone delivers focused, ringing bluegrass projection.
- Katalox fretboard offers a smooth, fast playing experience.
Cons
- The shorter scale length limits versatility outside of bluegrass.
- Mahogany construction can be somewhat prone to feedback at higher volumes.
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$891 now$891€799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width46 mm (1.81")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets12 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This Royall KOA12SC is a seriously impressive resonator. The all-koa build and Tricone design combine for a truly authentic and powerful bluegrass voice. It's a premium-priced instrument, but the quality and tone make it a fantastic choice for dedicated resonator players.
Pros
- Hawaiian koa top delivers a rich, warm, and resonant tone characteristic of premium resonators.
- Tricone design with three cones provides a powerful, complex, and shimmering projection.
- Wilkinson vintage-style tuners ensure rock-solid tuning stability, crucial for bluegrass and beyond.
Cons
- Koa construction makes it noticeably heavier than standard resonator models.
- The 46mm nut width might feel slightly wider for players accustomed to narrower necks.
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,114 now$1,114€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width46 mm (1.81")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets19 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The Royall Delta is a seriously impressive resonator – those handmade cones really sing. It's built like a tank, feels great in the hands, and delivers that authentic, driving bluegrass tone. If you're a dedicated resonator player or looking to add a unique voice to your arsenal, this is a fantastic option.
Pros
- Handmade cones deliver exceptional, complex resonator tone.
- Mahogany body provides warmth and projection, surprisingly balanced.
- Lipstick pickup captures a gritty, vintage-voiced character.
Cons
- The 648mm scale might feel long for players accustomed to shorter scales.
- Tri-cone resonators can be sensitive to playing style, requiring adjustment.
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$991 now$991€889 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 46 resonator guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
National Reso-Phonic Style O 14 Fret LHNational Reso-Phonic · 2 finishes60Stable$5,015€4,498$5,015€4,498Check ↗
- 12
Royall HB12/SB HoboRoyall · 2 finishes57Stable$835€749$835€749Check ↗
- 13
Royall TMP12/NI TampaRoyall · 2 finishes57Stable$1,058€949$1,058€949Check ↗
- 14
Beard Guitars Road-O-Phonic TSBeard Guitars · 2 finishes57Stable$5,016€4,499$5,016€4,499Check ↗
- 15
Recording King RM-994E-AC CutawayRecording King · 2 finishes55↓ 2.0%$1,092€979$1,092€979Check ↗
- 16
Royall BB14C/FL Bantam BlazerRoyall54Stable$835€749$835€749Check ↗
- 17
Recording King RM-999E-RNRecording King · 2 finishes54Stable$1,002€899$1,002€899Check ↗
- 18
Recording King RR-36S-VS SquareneckRecording King · 2 finishes51Stable$440€395$440€395Check ↗
- 19
Recording King RR-41E-VS ResonatorRattlesnakeRecording King51Stable$590€529$590€529Check ↗
- 20
National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel SingCone 14 Fr. LHNational Reso-Phonic51Stable$3,789€3,398$3,789€3,398Check ↗
- 21
National Reso-Phonic NRP Rubbed Steel 12 FretNational Reso-Phonic51Stable$4,459€3,999$4,459€3,999Check ↗
- 22
National Reso-Phonic Estralita DeluxeNational Reso-Phonic51Stable$4,792€4,298$4,792€4,298Check ↗
- 23
National Reso-Phonic Style ONational Reso-Phonic51Stable$5,238€4,698$5,238€4,698Check ↗
- 24
National Reso-Phonic Style O Replicon 14fretNational Reso-Phonic51Stable$5,461€4,898$5,461€4,898Check ↗
- 25
National Reso-Phonic Style O DeluxeNational Reso-Phonic51Stable$5,573€4,998$5,573€4,998Check ↗
- 26
Beard Guitars Trailhead E-Model CE TobaccoBeard Guitars · 2 finishes51Stable$5,573€4,998$5,573€4,998Check ↗
- 27
Recording King RM-995E-BNRecording King49↓ 1.2%$990€888$990€888Check ↗
- 28
Ortega RRG50CE-SSBOrtega48Stable$869€779$869€779Check ↗
- 29
Royall PB12/ANI Pony BoyRoyall48Stable$891€799$891€799Check ↗
- 30
Royall CH12/BRS Chess 12Royall48Stable$947€849$947€849Check ↗
- 31
Recording King RM-960E-ASRecording King48Stable$1,002€899$1,002€899Check ↗
- 32
Recording King RM-996SE-PN SandblastedRecording King48Stable$1,002€899$1,002€899Check ↗
- 33
Royall WE14NI West EndRoyall48Stable$1,225€1,099$1,225€1,099Check ↗
- 34
National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel Single Cone 12 FretNational Reso-Phonic48Stable$3,789€3,398$3,789€3,398Check ↗
- 35
National Reso-Phonic NRP Rubbed Steel 14 FretNational Reso-Phonic48Stable$4,459€3,999$4,459€3,999Check ↗
- 36
Beard Guitars E-Model SN ASBBeard Guitars48Stable$5,573€4,998$5,573€4,998Check ↗
- 37
National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel Single Cone 14 FretNational Reso-Phonic46↑ 3.0%$3,790€3,399$3,790€3,399Check ↗
- 38
Harley Benton Delta Blues ResonatorHarley Benton45Stable$333€299$333€299Check ↗
- 39
Harley Benton Delta Blues Resonator w/BagHarley Benton45Stable$345€309$345€309Check ↗
- 40
Ortega RRG30E-WBOrtega45Stable$458€411$458€411Check ↗
- 41
Ortega RRG40CE-DBKOrtega45Stable$493€442$493€442Check ↗
- 42
Ortega RRG40CE-DBK-LOrtega45Stable$495€444$495€444Check ↗
- 43
Ortega RRG60EOrtega45Stable$991€889$991€889Check ↗
- 44
Dobro Hound Dog Round NeckDobro37Stable$489€439$489€439Check ↗
- 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
Tone
Blues resonators need that characteristic 'growl' - a focused midrange with a touch of rasp, not just a sparkly, clean tone. Think about the difference between a vintage National and a modern Dobro; the Nationals generally have more of that sought-after grit. We're looking for something that cuts through a mix without getting muddy.
Scale Length
Shorter scale lengths (typically 24.9" or less) are common on resonator guitars and often lend themselves to easier bending and a warmer, more immediate feel, crucial for blues slide playing. Longer scales offer a bit more clarity and sustain, but can be a bit harder to wrangle with a slide.
Body Type (Biscuit vs. Cone vs. Spider Bridge)
Biscuit bridges tend to be more resonant and have a more raw, open tone. Cone bridges often offer a tighter, more focused sound. Spider bridges are a compromise, but can be very versatile. Your choice here will drastically affect the instrument's voice.
Bracing
Modern bracing patterns are generally stiffer than vintage designs. Stiffer bracing provides more projection and headroom, which is vital when playing with a full band. However, it can sometimes reduce the overall resonance and 'liveliness' of the instrument.
Playability (Neck Profile & Action)
A comfortable neck is non-negotiable. Blues playing demands fluidity, and a thick, unwieldy neck will just get in the way. Action needs to be low enough for easy bending, but not so low that you get fret buzz - a tricky balance.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking to inject some grit and soul into your blues playing with a resonator? Smart move. They're not just for bluegrass anymore - a good reso can deliver that raw, throaty voice you need, whether you're chasing Son House's ghost or laying down a slide lick in a smoky bar. But not all resonators are created equal; let's find the right one for your blues needs.
Don't get lured in by the price tag alone. Cheaper resonators often cut corners on bracing and hardware, resulting in a weaker, less resonant sound. A solid wood body (even if it's mahogany) is preferable to laminate for better tone and sustain.
Spending a bit more for a decent pickup system is also a smart move if you plan on recording or playing through an amp.
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
What's the difference between a National and a Dobro resonator?
National resonators typically have a more raw, vintage tone due to their construction and bracing. Dobros are often known for their brighter, more focused sound, though there's a lot of overlap nowadays.
Should I get a single-cone or a tricone resonator for blues?
Single-cones are generally easier to manage and offer a more direct tone. Tricones can sound amazing, but they're more complex and require more careful setup. For a beginner, a single-cone is the safer bet.
What kind of strings should I use?
Heavier gauge strings (.012-.056 or even heavier) will give you more drive and sustain, which is great for blues. Experiment to find what feels comfortable and gives you the right amount of tension for slide playing.
Are resonator guitars loud enough to play live?
Absolutely! A resonator's natural volume is impressive, but a good pickup system is still essential for cutting through a band. Consider an acoustic pickup or a magnetic soundhole pickup.
Can I use a resonator for other genres?
Definitely. While we're focusing on blues, resonators are surprisingly versatile. With the right amp settings, you can get some surprisingly funky tones. Don't be afraid to experiment!
