Best Gretsch Resonator Guitars 2025

Premium Gretsch resonator guitars - legendary tone and craftsmanship

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

Gretsch G9201 Honey Dipper - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Gretsch G9201 Honey Dipper

by Gretsch

Americana Blues Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Cuts through acoustic ensembles

✓ PROS

• Great volume and projection
• Cuts through acoustic ensembles

✗ CONS

• Requires different playing approach
• Very specialized sound

Gretsch G9201 Honey DipperResonator GuitarBody: BrassNeck: MahoganyRound neckFretboard: Katalox19 FretsScale: 635...

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 279662

$912

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch G9230 Bobt Squareneck Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Gretsch G9230 Bobt Squareneck Bundle

by Gretsch

Folk Blues Country

Key Feature:

• Distinctive metallic resonator tone

✓ PROS

• Great volume and projection
• Unique visual and sonic character

✗ CONS

• Requires different playing approach
• Limited tonal versatility

Gretsch G9230 Bobt Squareneck Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Gretsch G9230 Bobtail Squareneck*Resonator...

⭐ 4.5/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 321295

$1,003

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch G9230 Bobtail Squareneck - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Gretsch G9230 Bobtail Squareneck

by Gretsch

Country Bluegrass Folk

Key Feature:

• Perfect for slide guitar playing

✓ PROS

• Distinctive metallic resonator tone
• Cuts through acoustic ensembles

✗ CONS

• Very specialized sound
• May not suit all musical styles

Gretsch G9230 Bobtail SquareneckResonator GuitarMahogany bodyMahogany neckSquareneckKatalox fretboardScale 635...

⭐ 4.7/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 279667

$846

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch G9240 Alligator Biscuit - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Gretsch G9240 Alligator Biscuit

by Gretsch

Americana Country Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Perfect for slide guitar playing

✓ PROS

• Cuts through acoustic ensembles
• Distinctive metallic resonator tone

✗ CONS

• Requires different playing approach
• Limited tonal versatility

Gretsch G9240 Alligator BiscuitResonator GuitarRoots CollectionBody: Mahoganylaminated 427184Neck: Mahogany 427184Neck...

⭐ 4.4/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 304143

$626

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch G9220 Bobtail Roundneck - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Gretsch G9220 Bobtail Roundneck

by Gretsch

Folk Americana Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Great volume and projection

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Very specialized sound
• Requires different playing approach

Gretsch G9220 Bobtail RoundneckResonator GuitarBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyNeck profile: RoundneckFretboard: Katalox19...

⭐ 4.4/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 279668

$846

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch G9201 Honey Dipper Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Gretsch G9201 Honey Dipper Bundle

by Gretsch

Slide Guitar Bluegrass Folk

Key Feature:

• Unique visual and sonic character

✓ PROS

• Distinctive metallic resonator tone
• Great volume and projection

✗ CONS

• Limited tonal versatility
• Very specialized sound

Gretsch G9201 Honey Dipper Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Gretsch G9201 Honey Dipper*Resonator Guitar*Body:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 318247

$1,065

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

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

Gretsch G9240 Alligator Biscuit Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Gretsch G9240 Alligator Biscuit Bundle

by Gretsch

Folk Slide Guitar Americana

Key Feature:

• Cuts through acoustic ensembles

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Very specialized sound
• Can be heavy and uncomfortable

Gretsch G9240 Alligator Biscuit Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Gretsch G9240 Alligator Biscuit*Resonator Guitar*Roots...

⭐ 4.5/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 318246

$781

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 Gretsch Resonator Guitars 2025

Gretsch G9201 Honey Dipper

Gretsch G9230 Bobt Squareneck Bundle

Gretsch G9230 Bobtail Squareneck

Gretsch G9240 Alligator Biscuit

Gretsch G9220 Bobtail Roundneck

Gretsch G9201 Honey Dipper Bundle

Gretsch G9202 Honey Dipper BELL BRNZ

Gretsch G9221 Bobtail Steel RN AE

Gretsch G9240 Alligator Biscuit Bundle

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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