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Best National Reso-Phonic Resonator Guitars 2025

Premium National Reso-Phonic 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
National Reso-Phonic Estralita Deluxe - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

National Reso-Phonic Estralita Deluxe

by National Reso-Phonic
Americana Blues Country
Key Feature:
• Perfect for slide guitar playing
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for slide guitar playing
  • • Distinctive metallic resonator tone
✗ CONS
  • • Very specialized sound
  • • Requires different playing approach

National Reso-Phonic Estralita DeluxeResonator GuitarLaminated grained maple topHandmade 9.5" (24.1 cm)...

⭐ 4.9/5 (54 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 261165
$4,728
Buy at Thomann View Details
National Reso-Phonic M1 Tricone - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

National Reso-Phonic M1 Tricone

by National Reso-Phonic
Folk Americana Bluegrass
Key Feature:
• Distinctive metallic resonator tone
✓ PROS
  • • Cuts through acoustic ensembles
  • • Perfect for slide guitar playing
✗ CONS
  • • Very specialized sound
  • • Can be heavy and uncomfortable

National Reso-Phonic M1 TriconeResonator GuitarTop: MahoganyBack and sides: MahoganyThree 6" (15.24 cm)...

⭐ 4.4/5 (2 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 273511
$4,948
Buy at Thomann View Details
National Reso-Phonic Style O Replicon 14fret - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

National Reso-Phonic Style O Replicon 14fret

by National Reso-Phonic
Slide Guitar Country Americana
Key Feature:
• Cuts through acoustic ensembles
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for slide guitar playing
  • • Distinctive metallic resonator tone
✗ CONS
  • • Requires different playing approach
  • • Can be heavy and uncomfortable

National Reso-Phonic Style O Replicon 14fretResonator GuitarReplica Mark Knopfler model (Dire Straits / The Notting...

⭐ 4.8/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 310463
$5,278
Buy at Thomann View Details
National Reso-Phonic Style O 14 Fret LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

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
National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel Single Cone 12 Fret - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

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
National Reso-Phonic Style O 14 Fret - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

National Reso-Phonic Style O 14 Fret

by National Reso-Phonic
Country Bluegrass Folk
Key Feature:
• Great volume and projection
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for slide guitar playing
  • • Unique visual and sonic character
✗ CONS
  • • Very specialized sound
  • • Limited tonal versatility

National Reso-Phonic Style O 14 FretResonator GuitarNickel-plated brass bodyHandmade resonator 9.5" (24.1...

⭐ 4.6/5 (21 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 260832
$4,948
Buy at Thomann View Details
National Reso-Phonic NRP Rubbed Steel 12 Fret - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

National Reso-Phonic NRP Rubbed Steel 12 Fret

by National Reso-Phonic
Blues Country Americana
Key Feature:
• Distinctive metallic resonator tone
✓ PROS
  • • Distinctive metallic resonator tone
  • • Great volume and projection
✗ CONS
  • • Can be heavy and uncomfortable
  • • Very specialized sound

National Reso-Phonic NRP RubbedResonator GuitarConstruction: RoundneckResonator: 9.5" Single ConeBack & sides:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 276776
$4,068
Buy at Thomann View Details
National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel Single Cone 14 Fret - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel Single Cone 14 Fret

by National Reso-Phonic
Blues Country Americana
Key Feature:
• Cuts through acoustic ensembles
✓ PROS
  • • Unique visual and sonic character
  • • Cuts through acoustic ensembles
✗ CONS
  • • Requires different playing approach
  • • Limited tonal versatility

National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel Single Cone 14 FretResonator GuitarType: Roundneck with solid headstock and rolled...

⭐ 4.9/5 (46 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 519976
$3,629
Buy at Thomann View Details
National Reso-Phonic Style O - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

National Reso-Phonic Style O

by National Reso-Phonic
Slide Guitar Americana Bluegrass
Key Feature:
• Unique visual and sonic character
✓ PROS
  • • Cuts through acoustic ensembles
  • • Perfect for slide guitar playing
✗ CONS
  • • Requires different playing approach
  • • Can be heavy and uncomfortable

National Reso-Phonic Style OResonator GuitarNickel-plated brass bodyHandmade resonator 9.5" (24.1 cm)Slotted...

⭐ 4.6/5 (12 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 260767
$4,948
Buy at Thomann View Details
National Reso-Phonic NRP Rubbed Steel 14 Fret - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

National Reso-Phonic NRP Rubbed Steel 14 Fret

by National Reso-Phonic
Bluegrass Americana Country
Key Feature:
• Great volume and projection
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for slide guitar playing
  • • Cuts through acoustic ensembles
✗ CONS
  • • Very specialized sound
  • • Requires different playing approach

National Reso-Phonic NRP Steel 14Resonator GuitarBuild: RoundneckResonator: 9.5" Single coneBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 427008
$4,289
Buy at Thomann View Details
National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel SingCone 14 Fr. LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel SingCone 14 Fr. LH

by National Reso-Phonic
Folk Blues Bluegrass
Key Feature:
• Perfect for slide guitar playing
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for slide guitar playing
  • • Great volume and projection
✗ CONS
  • • Can be heavy and uncomfortable
  • • Requires different playing approach

National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel SingCone 14 Fr. LHResonator GuitarLeft-handed modelStyle: Round neckCone: Single...

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 614399
$3,629
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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