Best Resonator Guitars Under $1,000 2025

Affordable resonator guitars under $1,000 - great value without compromising quality

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

Royall HB12SC/SB HOBO - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Royall HB12SC/SB HOBO

by Royall

Folk Bluegrass Country

Key Feature:

• Cuts through acoustic ensembles

✓ PROS

• Distinctive metallic resonator tone
• Unique visual and sonic character

✗ CONS

• Requires different playing approach
• May not suit all musical styles

Royall HB12SC/SB HOBOResonator GuitarStyle: Single Cone Biscuit BridgeBody: MahoganyResonator: Handmade 9.5"...

⭐ 4.9/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 595802

$923

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

Royall PB12/ANI Pony Boy - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Royall PB12/ANI Pony Boy

by Royall

Slide Guitar Blues Americana

Key Feature:

• Distinctive metallic resonator tone

✓ PROS

• Unique visual and sonic character
• Distinctive metallic resonator tone

✗ CONS

• Requires different playing approach
• Can be heavy and uncomfortable

Royall PB12/ANI Pony BoySingle Cone Resonator GuitarBiscuit Bridge DesignBody: SteelNeck: MahoganyFretboard: Technical...

⭐ 5.0/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 529667

$879

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

Royall CH12/BRS Chess 12 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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 HB12/SB Hobo - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

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

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

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

Dobro Hound Dog M-14 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Dobro Hound Dog M-14

by Dobro

Slide Guitar Bluegrass Americana

Key Feature:

• Great volume and projection

✓ PROS

• Perfect for slide guitar playing
• Great volume and projection

✗ CONS

• Limited tonal versatility
• Very specialized sound

Dobro Hound Dog M-14Resonator-/Dobro GuitarBody: Bell brassnickel-platedResonator Spun ConeNeck: Mahogany (Swietenia...

⭐ 4.7/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 356215

$831

Buy at Thomann View Details

Royall BB14C/FL Bantam Blazer - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 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

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 Under $1,000 2025

Royall HB12SC/SB HOBO

Gretsch G9201 Honey Dipper

Royall PB12/ANI Pony Boy

Gretsch G9230 Bobtail Squareneck

Royall CH12/BRS Chess 12

Royall HB12/SB Hobo

Gretsch G9202 Honey Dipper BELL BRNZ

Royall DLT12SC/DSB DELTA

Gretsch G9220 Bobtail Roundneck

Dobro Hound Dog M-14

Royall BB14C/FL Bantam Blazer

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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