Best Resonator Guitars for Intermediate 2026

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

Last updated: February 11, 2026 • Next update: February 18, 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-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

Gretsch G9202 Honey Dipper BELL BRNZ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Leewald Bluesy Fellow Duotone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

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

Gretsch G9221 Bobtail Steel RN AE - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

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

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

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 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

Ortega RRG40CE-DBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 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 Trailhead E-Model SN Tobacco - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 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

Royall HB12/SB Hobo - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 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 DLT12/DSB Delta - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 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

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

#15

⭐ 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

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 Intermediate 2026

National Reso-Phonic Style O 14 Fret LH

Recording King RR-36S-VS Squarneck

Gretsch G9202 Honey Dipper BELL BRNZ

Leewald Bluesy Fellow Duotone

Ortega RRG40CE-DBK-L

Gretsch G9221 Bobtail Steel RN AE

Recording King RR-36-BK Black

Harley Benton Custom Line CLR-ResoEl. w/Bag

Beard Guitars Jerry Douglas SN RedBeard

Royall KOA12DS

Ortega RRG40CE-DBK

Beard Guitars Trailhead E-Model SN Tobacco

Royall HB12/SB Hobo

Royall DLT12/DSB Delta

Beard Guitars Road-O-Phonic TS

How to Choose the Best Resonator Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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