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Best Resonator Guitars Under $800 2025

Affordable resonator guitars under $800 - 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
Gretsch G9240 Alligator Biscuit Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Gretsch G9240 Alligator Biscuit Bundle

by Gretsch
Folk Slide Guitar Americana
Key Feature:
• Cuts through acoustic ensembles
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for slide guitar playing
  • • Unique visual and sonic character
✗ CONS
  • • Very specialized sound
  • • Can be heavy and uncomfortable

Gretsch G9240 Alligator Biscuit Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Gretsch G9240 Alligator Biscuit*Resonator Guitar*Roots...

⭐ 4.5/5 (41 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 318246
$781
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton Custom Line CLR-ResoEl. w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Harley Benton Custom Line CLR-ResoEl. w/Bag

by Harley Benton
Country Blues Americana
Key Feature:
• Perfect for slide guitar playing
✓ PROS
  • • Unique visual and sonic character
  • • Distinctive metallic resonator tone
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit all musical styles
  • • Very specialized sound

Harley Benton Custom Line CLR-ResoEl. w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Custom Line...

⭐ 4.7/5 (25 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 542133
$725
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender PR-180E Resonator ACB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Fender PR-180E Resonator ACB

by Fender
Bluegrass Country Slide Guitar
Key Feature:
• Cuts through acoustic ensembles
✓ PROS
  • • Distinctive metallic resonator tone
  • • Unique visual and sonic character
✗ CONS
  • • Limited tonal versatility
  • • Very specialized sound

Fender PR-180E Resonator ACBResonator Guitar with PickupLaminated mahogany topArched laminated mahogany backMahogany...

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 537619
$593
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton Custom Line CLR-ResoElectric - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Harley Benton Custom Line CLR-ResoElectric

by Harley Benton
Country Folk Bluegrass
Key Feature:
• Great volume and projection
✓ PROS
  • • Great volume and projection
  • • Unique visual and sonic character
✗ CONS
  • • Can be heavy and uncomfortable
  • • Very specialized sound

Harley Benton Custom Line CLR-ResoElectricElectric Resonator GuitarChrome-plated steel bodySingle cone Ø 240 mm with a...

⭐ 4.6/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 338386
$714
Buy at Thomann View Details
Royall DLT12/DSB Delta - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Royall DLT12/DSB Delta

by Royall
Bluegrass Folk Slide Guitar
Key Feature:
• Cuts through acoustic ensembles
✓ PROS
  • • Distinctive metallic resonator tone
  • • Unique visual and sonic character
✗ CONS
  • • Requires different playing approach
  • • Very specialized sound

Royall DLT12/DSB DeltaResonator GuitarType of construction: Tri Cone T-Bridge DesignBody: MahoganyResonator: 3 Handmade...

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 516819
$769
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gretsch G9240 Alligator Biscuit - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Gretsch G9240 Alligator Biscuit

by Gretsch
Americana Country Bluegrass
Key Feature:
• Perfect for slide guitar playing
✓ PROS
  • • Cuts through acoustic ensembles
  • • Distinctive metallic resonator tone
✗ CONS
  • • Requires different playing approach
  • • Limited tonal versatility

Gretsch G9240 Alligator BiscuitResonator GuitarRoots CollectionBody: Mahoganylaminated 427184Neck: Mahogany 427184Neck...

⭐ 4.4/5 (46 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 304143
$626
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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