Resonator Guitars
57 instruments available
Shop Resonator Guitars 2026
National Reso-Phonic Style O 14 Fret LH
Resonator Guitars
Beard Guitars Road-O-Phonic TS
Resonator Guitars
Gretsch G9202 Honey Dipper BELL BRNZ
Resonator Guitars
Beard Guitars Trailhead E-Model SN Tobacco
Resonator Guitars
Royall KOA12SC Resonator Guitar
Resonator Guitars
Royall KOA12DS
Resonator Guitars
Royall DLT12SC/DSB DELTA
Resonator Guitars
Royall HB12SC/SB HOBO
Resonator Guitars
Royall HB12/SB Hobo
Resonator Guitars
Royall KOA12US Resonator Guitar
Resonator Guitars
Harley Benton Custom Line N-150CE Natural
Resonator Guitars
Harley Benton Delta Blues Resonator
Resonator Guitars
Royall BB14C/FL Bantam Blazer
Resonator Guitars
Ortega RRG40CE-DBK-L
Resonator Guitars
Ortega RRG40CE-DBK
Resonator Guitars
Ortega RRG30E-WB
Resonator Guitars
Recording King RR-36-BK Black
Resonator Guitars
Fender PR-180E Resonator ACB
Resonator Guitars
Recording King RR-36S-VS Squarneck
Resonator Guitars
National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel Single Cone 12 Fret
Resonator Guitars
Royall DLT12/DSB Delta
Resonator Guitars
Royall CH12/BRS Chess 12
Resonator Guitars
Gretsch G9221 Bobtail Steel RN AE
Resonator Guitars
Gold Tone PBS
Resonator Guitars
Beard Guitars Jerry Douglas SN RedBeard
Resonator Guitars
Leewald Bluesy Fellow Duotone
Resonator Guitars
Dobro Hound Dog M-14
Resonator Guitars
Harley Benton Custom Line CLR-ResoElectric
Resonator Guitars
Gretsch G9240 Alligator Biscuit
Resonator Guitars
Gretsch G9220 Bobtail Roundneck
Resonator Guitars
Gretsch G9230 Bobtail Squareneck
Resonator Guitars
Gretsch G9201 Honey Dipper
Resonator Guitars
National Reso-Phonic M1 Tricone
Resonator Guitars
National Reso-Phonic Style O 14 Fret
Resonator Guitars
National Reso-Phonic Style O
Resonator Guitars
Dobro Hound Dog Round Neck
Resonator Guitars
Harley Benton Custom Line CLR-Chrome
Resonator Guitars
National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel SingCone 14 Fr. LH
Resonator Guitars
Royall TMP12SC/MB Tampa SC Bk
Resonator Guitars
Beard Guitars Trailhead E-Model CE Tobacco
Resonator Guitars
Beard Guitars Road-O-Phonic HSDS TS
Resonator Guitars
Royall TMP12/NI Tampa
Resonator Guitars
National Reso-Phonic Raw Steel Single Cone 14 Fret
Resonator Guitars
About Resonator Guitars
Resonator guitars, also known as resonator guitars or 'dobro' guitars, amplify sound using one or more metal cones, offering a distinctive metallic and often powerful tone. Primarily favored by bluegrass, blues, and country musicians, they provide exceptional volume without external amplification, a crucial feature in early acoustic ensembles. The unique construction and tone characteristics make them a vital tool for players seeking a vintage or highly articulate sound.
Resonator Guitars — Pros & Cons
PROS
- Exceptional acoustic volume without amplification
- Unique and distinctive metallic tonal character
- Durable construction capable of handling rough use
- Offers a vintage sound difficult to replicate electronically
- Relatively lightweight compared to some acoustic guitars
CONS
- Can be tonally limited compared to some acoustic guitars
- Resonance can be overly bright or harsh without proper technique
- Requires specific playing techniques to fully utilize its potential
- Higher-end models can be expensive
- Metal cones can be prone to dents or damage
Frequently Asked Questions About Resonator Guitars
Historically, 'National' referred to a specific brand and construction method, while 'Dobro' was a brand name that became synonymous with resonator guitars in general. Today, both terms are often used interchangeably.
Spiderweb refers to the intentional pattern of cracks that form on the metal cone during the manufacturing process; it's a sign of the cone's vibration and often considered desirable for its impact on tone.
Single-cone resonators offer a more focused tone, while tricone resonators (three cones) produce a richer, more complex, and often louder sound with a broader frequency response.
