Best Resonator Guitars for Folk 2026

Perfect resonator guitars for folk - 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

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

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

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

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

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

Ortega RRG40CE-DBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

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 KOA12US Resonator Guitar - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Royall KOA12US Resonator Guitar

by Royall

Slide Guitar Folk Americana

Key Feature:

• Cuts through acoustic ensembles

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Can be heavy and uncomfortable
• Limited tonal versatility

Royall KOA12US Resonator GuitarResonator GuitarBody: Koa with cutawayResonator type: Tricone T-bridgeCone...

⭐ 4.5/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 578461

$1,099

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

Gretsch G9202 Honey Dipper BELL BRNZ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Gretsch G9202 Honey Dipper BELL BRNZ

by Gretsch

Bluegrass Country Slide Guitar

Key Feature:

• Distinctive metallic resonator tone

✓ PROS

• Cuts through acoustic ensembles
• Perfect for slide guitar playing

✗ CONS

• Very specialized sound
• May not suit all musical styles

Gretsch G9202 Honey Dipper BELL BRNZResonator GuitarBody: Bell brassNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: PadaukAged pearloid dot...

⭐ 4.8/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 609332

$938

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch G9221 Bobtail Steel RN AE - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.4/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Gretsch G9221 Bobtail Steel RN AE

by Gretsch

Bluegrass Americana Blues

Key Feature:

• Perfect for slide guitar playing

✓ PROS

• Great volume and projection
• Distinctive metallic resonator tone

✗ CONS

• Limited tonal versatility
• Requires different playing approach

Gretsch G9221 Bobtail Steel Round-NeckResonator GuitarGretsch Roots CollectionGretsch Ampli-Sonic Spider Resonator...

⭐ 4.4/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 427184

$1,099

Buy at Thomann View Details

Royall HB12/SB Hobo - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 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 CH12/BRS Chess 12 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 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

Royall BB14C/FL Bantam Blazer - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 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 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 Folk 2026

Recording King RR-36S-VS Squarneck

National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel Single Cone 12 Fret

Recording King RR-36-BK Black

Beard Guitars Jerry Douglas SN RedBeard

Royall DLT12SC/DSB DELTA

Ortega RRG40CE-DBK

Beard Guitars Road-O-Phonic TS

Royall KOA12US Resonator Guitar

Harley Benton Custom Line CLR-ResoElectric

Gretsch G9202 Honey Dipper BELL BRNZ

Gretsch G9221 Bobtail Steel RN AE

Royall HB12/SB Hobo

Royall CH12/BRS Chess 12

Royall BB14C/FL Bantam Blazer

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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