Best Resonator Guitars Under $500 2025

Affordable resonator guitars under $500 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

Harley Benton Custom Line CLR-Chrome - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Harley Benton Custom Line CLR-Chrome

Country Slide Guitar Bluegrass
Key Feature:
• Distinctive metallic resonator tone
✓ PROS
  • • Unique visual and sonic character
  • • Cuts through acoustic ensembles
✗ CONS
  • • Can be heavy and uncomfortable
  • • Very specialized sound

Harley Benton Custom Line CLR-ChromeResonator GuitarBluegrass seriesNickel-plated iron bodySingle cone: Ø 240 mm with...

4.6/5 (42 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Recording King RR-36S-VS Squarneck - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Recording King RR-36S-VS Squarneck

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
Ortega RRG40CE-DBK-L - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Ortega RRG40CE-DBK-L

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
Harley Benton Delta Blues Resonator - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Harley Benton Delta Blues Resonator

Country Americana Slide Guitar
Key Feature:
• Perfect for slide guitar playing
✓ PROS
  • • Unique visual and sonic character
  • • Distinctive metallic resonator tone
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit all musical styles
  • • Limited tonal versatility

Harley Benton Delta Blues ResonatorResonator GuitarBluegrass SeriesStyle: 0M-12 with square neckResonator: 265 mm cone...

4.5/5 (45 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Dobro Hound Dog Round Neck - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Dobro Hound Dog Round Neck

Blues Americana Bluegrass
Key Feature:
• Great volume and projection
✓ PROS
  • • Distinctive metallic resonator tone
  • • Perfect for slide guitar playing
✗ CONS
  • • Limited tonal versatility
  • • Very specialized sound

Dobro Hound Dog Round NeckResonator guitarDesign: Round NeckMaple body10 1/2" spider resonatorMaple neckRosewood...

4.9/5 (19 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Ortega RRG40CE-DBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Ortega RRG40CE-DBK

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
Recording King RR-36-BK Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Recording King RR-36-BK Black

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
Harley Benton Delta Blues Resonator w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Harley Benton Delta Blues Resonator w/Bag

Slide Guitar Blues Americana
Key Feature:
• Perfect for slide guitar playing
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for slide guitar playing
  • • Unique visual and sonic character
✗ CONS
  • • Can be heavy and uncomfortable
  • • May not suit all musical styles

Harley Benton Delta Blues Resonator w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Delta Blues Resonator*Resonator...

4.5/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Ortega RRG30E-WB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Ortega RRG30E-WB

Country Folk Blues
Key Feature:
• Perfect for slide guitar playing
✓ PROS
  • • Cuts through acoustic ensembles
  • • Distinctive metallic resonator tone
✗ CONS
  • • Can be heavy and uncomfortable
  • • Requires different playing approach

Ortega RRG30E-WBResonator Guitar with PickupTop: MahoganyBack and sides: MahoganyResonator: AluminiumSlotted...

4.9/5 (50 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10

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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