AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Recording King Resonator Guitars 2026
The top pick is Recording King RPH-R2-E-MBK Dirty 30´s Minnie ($333). Recording King RM-994E-AC Cutaway leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 9 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
Top 9
Full detail for the 9 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- 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 ↗ -
- Nut width46 mm (1.81")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar uses bright aluminium cones inside a brass body for that classic bluegrass ring. The mahogany neck is sturdy and easy to play, though it has only one pickup and no extra electronics. It suits players who want a traditional, open sound without modern tweaks.
Pros
- Handcrafted brass tricone body for bright tone
- Aluminium biscuit cones for crisp high-end response
- Solid mahogany neck with comfortable width
Cons
- Lacks dual pickups for modern tone shaping
- No built-in preamp or effects loop
55AudioFu
Index↓ 2.0%since Aug 30 · lowest so far$1,114 · Aug 30$1,092 now$1,092€979 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width46 mm (1.81")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar has a thick brass body and bright aluminum cones that cut through a band. The rosewood fingerboard feels nice under your fingers. It works well for bluegrass but is heavy and lacks extra controls.
Pros
- Solid brass body feels heavy and durable in hand.
- European spun aluminum cones deliver bright, cutting resonance.
- Rosewood fingerboard offers smooth playability for long sessions.
Cons
- Heaviness may strain shoulders for players with smaller frames.
- Only volume and tone knobs limit on-the-fly adjustments.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 30Aug 30$1,002 now$1,002€899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- BodyMahogany body
The RR-36S-VS is a serious contender for bluegrass and old-time players seeking an authentic resonator tone. The squareneck design and mahogany body combine for a warm, resonant voice, and the build quality feels solid for the price point. It’s a fantastic entry into the resonator world without a huge investment.
Pros
- Mahogany body delivers warm, woody tones ideal for bluegrass and old-time.
- Sand cast spider bridge enhances resonance and vintage character.
- Padauk fretboard offers a smooth, fast playing experience, surprisingly responsive.
Cons
- Squarneck limits versatility; primarily suited for open G tuning.
- Mahogany construction can be prone to feedback at higher volumes.
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$440 now$440€395 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width44.5 mm (1.75")
- Scale635 mm (25")
- Frets19 frets
- BodyMahogany body
This guitar uses a solid mahogany body and spruce top for a warm bluegrass sound. The hand-spun cone and single Fishman pickup give it a classic, direct tone. It is a straightforward instrument that suits players who want a reliable, traditional resonator without extra electronics.
Pros
- Solid mahogany body provides a warm, rich acoustic foundation for bluegrass.
Cons
- Heavy instrument may be difficult for smaller players to carry around.
- Standard pickup lacks advanced blending or EQ controls for tone shaping.
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- Nut width46 mm (1.81")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar uses a heavy brass body with a European aluminum cone for a punchy sound. The mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard make it easy to play. It is great for solo bluegrass but lacks extra features like built-in pickups.
Pros
- European spun aluminum tricone for strong voice
- Mahogany neck with satin finish feel
- Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
Cons
- Heavy brass body adds significant weight
- Only volume and tone controls available
49AudioFu
Index↓ 1.2%since Aug 30 · lowest so far$1,002 · Aug 30$990 now$990€888 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width46 mm (1.81")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar has a nice brass body and a solid aluminum cone that sounds traditional. It plays well with a smooth mahogany neck and bone nut. It is great for players who want a simple, clean tone without extra switches.
Pros
- Solid brass body provides a warm, traditional tone.
- European spun aluminum cone delivers consistent response.
- Single coil pickup offers clean, direct sound.
Cons
- Lacks a master volume control for amplification.
- No pickup selector switch for tone variation.
48AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 30Aug 30$1,002 now$1,002€899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width46 mm (1.81")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This guitar uses a bright, spun aluminum cone in a brass body for a classic bluegrass sound. The mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard play nice together. It suits players who want a clean, single-coil tone without extra bells and whistles.
Pros
- European spun aluminum biscuit cone for bright tone
- Mahogany neck with satin finish feels smooth
- Solid brass body construction adds resonance
Cons
- Limited to just volume and tone controls
- Single coil pickup lacks output options
48AudioFu
IndexStablesince Aug 30$1,002 · Aug 30$1,002 now$1,002€899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Resonator Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 63 models we track, not a sample.
Median $990 — 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 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 14 resonator guitars from the Thomann catalogue (of 63 in the category). 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 should I look for when buying resonator guitars?
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.
How much should I spend on resonator guitars?
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.
Are expensive resonator guitars worth the investment?
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.
What are the best brands for resonator guitars?
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.
Should I buy resonator guitars online or in-store?
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.
