Best Resonator Guitars Under $5,000 2025

Affordable resonator guitars under $5,000 - 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

National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel SingCone 14 Fr. LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

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

National Reso-Phonic NRP Rubbed Steel 14 Fret - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

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 M1 Tricone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

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

Beard Guitars Road-O-Phonic TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Beard Guitars Road-O-Phonic TS

by Beard Guitars

Blues Country Folk

Key Feature:

• Unique visual and sonic character

✓ PROS

• Great volume and projection
• Cuts through acoustic ensembles

✗ CONS

• Requires different playing approach
• Can be heavy and uncomfortable

Beard Guitars Road-O-Phonic TSResonator Guitar with PickupDesign: Squareneck Solidbody Resonator with three pickups and...

⭐ 4.6/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 613575

$4,949

Buy at Thomann View Details

National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel Single Cone 14 Fret - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

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 Raw Steel Single Cone 12 Fret - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

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 NRP Rubbed Steel 12 Fret - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

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 Style O - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

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 Style O 14 Fret - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

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 Estralita Deluxe - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

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

Leewald Bluesy Fellow Duotone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Leewald Bluesy Fellow Duotone

by Leewald

Folk Bluegrass Country

Key Feature:

• Great volume and projection

✓ PROS

• Great volume and projection
• Unique visual and sonic character

✗ CONS

• Very specialized sound
• Requires different playing approach

Leewald Bluesy Fellow DuotoneResonator GuitarBody shape: 0Laminated wood bodyResonator: 241 mm / 9.5" single...

⭐ 4.9/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 373952

$2,749

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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Best Resonator Guitars Under $5,000 2025

National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel SingCone 14 Fr. LH

National Reso-Phonic NRP Rubbed Steel 14 Fret

National Reso-Phonic M1 Tricone

Beard Guitars Road-O-Phonic TS

National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel Single Cone 14 Fret

National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel Single Cone 12 Fret

National Reso-Phonic NRP Rubbed Steel 12 Fret

National Reso-Phonic Style O

National Reso-Phonic Style O 14 Fret

National Reso-Phonic Estralita Deluxe

Leewald Bluesy Fellow Duotone

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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