6 BEST Resonator Guitars under $799 ★ Acoustic Tuesday 155

Do you want to get into resonator guitars, but are not sure where to start? In this video, I'll show you the 6 best resonator guitars to start with, why they're worth the money, and the 3-step system you should use to buy your next resonator.
Every resonator guitar on this list is under $799, very accessible to new resonator players, and well worth the money. But to help you narrow it down, we'll also talk about the three qualities to look for in any resonator guitar.
I want to make a special shoutout to Mike Dowling, who is an incredible resonator player that I'm featuring in this episode! Be sure to check out his work and support him if you enjoy his music! Special thanks are also due to @Normans Rare Guitars!
00:00 - Introduction to Resonators
2:06 - 6 Resonator Guitars Under $799 pt. 1
7:05 - 6 Resonator Guitars Under $799 pt. 2
13:53 - 3 Tips for Buying Your First Resonator Guitar
19:05 - Comments, Guitarsenals, and Mail Bag!
30:30 - EPIC Guitar Gratitude
34:07 - Mike Dowling Feature
40:24 - Next Week on Acoustic Tuesday
If there's a resonator guitar that you like under $799, be sure to leave a comment below so other guitar geeks can find it!
★ Request your invite to Tony's Acoustic Challenge today: tonypolecastro.com
★ All show notes and links: acousticlife.tv/at155/
★ Get the show: tonypolecastro.com/get-acoust...

[@lindabaer4086]

Tony P reviewed: 1-Republic Highway 61 (small body with cutaway, metal or wood); 2-Gretch Honeydipper, (metal body, biscuit cone); 3-Gretch Bobtail Deluxe-(spider cone with wood body); 4-Recording King Dirty 30s-Single O-(Wood body, biscuit cone); 5-Gretch Boxcar Squareneck-lap; 6-Republic Tritone (wood or metal body) Outstanding Presentation! Thank you, Tony, for all of this helpful information!!!!

[@Noorah101]

Thank you for listing them here. Very helpful. I'll be looking into 2 of these to compare. 😃

[@BreadLightPray_EWFMgtr]

thanks ❕ i wish i could see a comparison with the Recording King RR-36-VS , RR-50-VS , the the RK Silver bell biscuit Tri-cone ; there are only a few videos on YT for these RK , but to me they sound awfully damn güdd ❕🐊 🐸🍀 😛

[@brada1997]

Thank you so much for the summary!

[@davidhale536]

Tony. First off,great show. I always learn something new every week. This week's show caused an epiphany and I must say you are a true genius. After looking at several of your low budget comparisons on different instruments I see what you are getting at. Meaning you can have tone, playability and workmanship in your arsenal for less than the price of one high level guitar. Point is. You can still have a lot of fun and not break the bank. Kudos and hats off to you. True genius.

[@matthewzaiasmozaic7727]

This was probably the most informative and pleasant video I have watched in a long time. You have a great speaking delivery and your information is very detailed. The playing demos are fantastic. Thanks for doing this video as I am embarking on my very first resonator guitar.

[@sweetnsourchick1761]

Thanks, Tony for doing the last 2 shows on the resonator guitar. You have just made the decision on what my next guitar purchase will be. Congrats on your upcoming 3 year anniversary and congratulations on the expectancy of a new member of the family. Cheers! 👏

[@ellisagutierrez9574]

I was so glad for Michael Lemmo when I first saw this on Norm’s KZbin channel. He deserves it! I love listening to him play!!

[@janrandles8683]

I was just looking at the Gretsch! Love this show. Thanks Tony.

[@picksalot1]

Excellent, informative video. Exactly what I was looking for. Your explanation of the differences in the three types of guitars was particularly helpful. I've always wanted a resonator guitar, and this gets me closer to purchasing one. Thanks!

[@juhanleemet]

these days of Covid-19 it is harder to get a guitar in one's hands before purchase; I was wondering about metals used for resonators, esp. nickel plated brass vs steel body? the Gretsch Honey Dipper (nickel plated brass?) has a nice sound; I would expect the steel body would be "sharper" (as in more cutting?)? what about adding pickups for recording or stage?

[@Baci302]

I love those Republic Highway 61 models. But I fell in love with that second Gretsch, the Bobtail Deluxe. Wow, what a sound.

[@garylapolla3896]

I am wondering what was the tipping issu with going with the Gretchen, please

[@richietownsend6737]

I learned a ton watching this video. Thanks much for giving me lots to think about in my search for a resonator guitar. Peace!

[@michelle-psl4441]

Such a really cool guitar gratitude video! Thanks for sharing.

[@terrytuttle3001]

Thank you. Your advice is exactly what I needed. So helpful. Cheers.

[@richietownsend6737]

Love the clips of the great Charlie Parr at the beginning and later. He lives here in Duluth, Minnesota and is one of hardest working musicians and truly good souls you’ll ever meet, and hearing him play is always pure joy.

[@BrennanCarney]

Wow, bullsh*t that I had to scroll down this far in the comments to find his name and it wasn't listed in the credits

[@2write2sing2dance]

Wow Susan! What a blessing ☺️ loved this episode!

[@penfold7800]

The Republic tricone wood bodied resonator is the one that impressed me. Really nice. I have a cheap Chinese wood body resonator that cost me £180 new. It's not any way as nice as any of these, but it isn't bad either. I did have to replace and lower the bridge. The neck is quite shallow too, which is what I wanted. The internal cone is like a speaker (biscuit tin) cone but it does also have a cast aluminium 'spider' frame over the top of it. I think it's okay as an entry-level, and it does what I bought it for: gives me amplified sounding tone and volume without the need of an amp.x

[@jamesmorrison2063]

Now I'm more confident shopping for a resonator. Thanks for your recommendations and the show!

[@jamesmorrison2063]

@Aaron Gray I got a Gold Tone Paul Beard round neck. It's a new challenge.

[@uptopmikep7065]

I’m loving the Regal RC-51 tri-cone metal body. Beautiful instrument and really nice build quality.

[@rexhenderson5793]

just found your site--love it!--coincidentally considering buying my first resonator--so... timing is everything--thanks for the really great info--no further research necessary--going searching fully armed!!

[@voluntaryismistheanswer]

Thank you for helping me figure out what I wanted, my order was just placed with Republic. It's like a dream, I am glad to have it to pass on to the musicians in my family (I got the bronze!)

[@daveyjoweaver5183]

A FINE show as always Tony and Kind Thanks! I'm buying a resonator guitar and this show has helped. Of course there's nothing like playing a number of them first. Your reviews are much appreciated as well as all those fellow Geeks who contribute to the show. Love, Light., Peace and Music to You, your Family, Little Tony of course who will surely have a guitar shaped rattle and All The Wonderful Guitar Geeks! Let us Unite Strongly! The world needs Guitar Music more. Than ever! DaveyJO in Pa.

[@bigprostatablues]

Thank you very much, Tony!! I'm from Spain and it's difficult here to know about resonators. Your videos are great! Love.

[@slychnidos]

Very informative mate, well done 👏!

[@Noorah101]

I'm looking to buy one, so this video was super helpful, thank you!

[@davidfowler8088]

I was in guitar center, there was a Recording King reso, and the wood Gretch, I played them both, but when I strummed the Gretch, every other guitar in the room "woke up." I found a used one for 350 and I'm happy as a clam. Thanks for opening up the option. DF

[@dvrsweet1]

VERY helpful! Many thanks.

[@mikec6947]

Wow, LOVE that guitar-shaped patio. Maybe I'll cave and build that patio off the deck that my wife's been asking for.😃

[@Rightk777]

A couple more and maybe u can add a fence 👍

[@terrylstarks]

Tony when I think of Resonator I always think of square neck metal spider cone or tricone. Thanks great show as usual!!!!!

[@BizarrePudding]

I'm over the moon that you profiled Mike Dowling, he is such a sublime player...Blues, ragtime, gypsy, you name it Mike Dowling plays it with precision and feel...Mike is the reason I bought my National M-2, a guitar I will be buried with...(I just couldn't afford the El Trovador so I got the closest thing I could...) Mike was indeed involved in getting National to reissue the El Trovador and did help with the design of the cutaway model...He was also the impetus behind the National Hotplate, the single easiest way to amplify a single cone resonator that I'm aware of...I have one on my M-2 and installed it myself, it's that easy to do... Mike Dowling, nothing short of a national/National treasure!!

[@Gx5379]

THANK YOU for this video!!!

[@howardquinn5911]

Tx very much! I’m going up to Elderly in Lansing this summer. Plan to sit in a room with as many of these as I can. I’ll walk out with one!

[@ernestblanchard4408]

thanks for your time love your show

[@Euli63]

Thanks for gettin´ through the jungle of fine resonator guitars that didn´t bust my bank. The Republic Tri-cones seem to be what I´m looking for ...but momentary hard to find here in Germany. Anyway: Thanks for this great episode, I´ve enjoyed it very much!

[@lewolf2884]

Bought the Gretsch Bobtail Deluxe, the matte finished resonator vice the chrome-like finish, and it is WONDERFUL! Thank-you for your recommendations!

[@kjgas6945]

Great show Tony thank you

[@valeriegleason4858]

Gretch bobtail is my fav. Love how it sounds! It is earthy!

[@dontcallmyname7779]

I was considering buying resonator guitar and came across your videos on this topic. Waiting for my first resonator guitar to be shipped next week. You've earned yourself a new subscriber. Great content.

[@andthoseotherguys]

Which did you go for?

[@dontcallmyname7779]

@@andthoseotherguys This bad boy. The best sounding instrument I ever had. www.gear4music.pl/pl/Gitara-i-instrumenty-basowe/Round-Neck-Resonator-Guitar-Sunburst-Wood-Body-by-Gear4music/2JIJ?origin=product-ads&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsqmEBhDiARIsANV8H3bTQWOPTLjO6c1jmC9LaQI-nlGE9sEaX_8gnUiqaHc4hoUfl2YSx2kaAkDiEALw_wcB

[@kellyswoodyard]

I was given a Jackson resonator, wood body, after a good mate of mine, bought a new one, much more up market. I love this Jackson, the sound, the sustain, the neck, the weight, everything about it suits me. Like an old pair of sneakers, fits very comfortably.

[@sandienochs6132]

I love my gretsch honey dipper. It sounds great, even in Portugal. Good luck.

[@lynneleary3054]

Dear Tony, I can't believe it has been 3 years. I thought about how much I enjoy watching Acoustic Tuesday and upon reflection I realized a greater appreciation of the acoustic guitar and its' inate power to evoke expression and fulfillment in our lives as fellow guitar geeks and Acoustic Tuesday show been "instrumental" in the maturation of " geekiness"(sp?) by expanding my guitar knowledge historically, musically and influencially etc..Thank you Tony for sharing your passion and knowledge of the acoustic guitar and for the encouragement to live our best acoustic lives in unity as guitar geeks unite! Now my question is what is Noah up to? I really enjoyed the banter between you durung the show and not that the show has in anyway diminished but I miss the schtick(sp?) that you both shared and was curious about his wellbeing and new endevour. HappyAnniversary-sincerely BrianLeary

[@songsfromcarly]

No adverts and straight into what I want to hear about...... I've just walked into heaven 😇👍 cheers for the info

[@AmstrdRealty]

THIS GUY HAS A GREAT ATTITUDE -- MANY THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MarshallAmpMan]

Love your show!!!

[@frankmormon2503]

Susan! You’re wonderful !

[@jacksharmonoquinn572]

I've been thinking of leaning toward this type of guitar, I have a slightly handicapped left hand, figured it would be easier to learn this, than another guitar, budget, yet I'll look for more budget. . Thanks for the ideas and insight.

[@hambone2740]

You tune one to an open tuning like open G or open D and play that way where chords aren't as complex or don't need to be, and/or play with a slide. You would be able to do some amazing things man. Give it a try if you haven't yet.

[@chrismeyer482]

Got a metal body Tricone Resonator from Icarus Guitars, UK. Same fabrication location in China like the Republic ones. Great and clear tone! Really love it!

[@howardquinn5911]

Thanks very much! I will travel to Lansing in about a month and hope to try as many of these as possible. I want to walk away with one😊

[@kennethpogue718]

Thank you. Been looking at getting a resonator

[@uptopmikep7065]

I recently tried two of the Gretsch guitars and they are great. Now I'm really interested in checking out the Republic metal tri-cone. Thanks again Tone!

[@voluntaryismistheanswer]

That's the one that got me 🙂

[@patrickunderwood5662]

Glad you like the Honey Dipper, because that’s the one I chose despite knowing nothing about resonators. I played it in my TAC beginner video. Badly of course! But wow, I’d love one of those Republics. Or maybe two of them. Or three.

[@jimdunlop1957]

I never had a resonator but wanted one since my college days in the mid 70’s.. I finally bought myself one for my 63rd birthday. I found a Washburn R360 ( spalted maple) for under $500. The action wasn’t what I’d hoped for (way too high) but the tone is just what I wanted. I took it apart, carefully beveled the bottom edge of the biscuit to allow it to sit almost 1/8” deeper into the cone... problem solved! Enjoying it a lot now Thanks for your show

[@trashpandaexpress6136]

thanks for the info. gonna give in, im finally financially in place can afford my hobby again and always wanted to get a resonator.

[@JD-pw1ww]

Great video 🔥🔥🔥

[@haroldyeager6124]

Everyone should try out a resonator guitar. It brings a lot to your playing. I picked up a Gretsch Historic Series a few years ago and I love it. It’s definitely a keeper. Plus it’s just a beautiful guitar.

[@charlieschmidt642]

A great squareneck is Recording King RR60-vs at $699 new. I got mine used for $250. I put a fishman Nashville pickup in it and I play it out all the time.

[@darylporter4290]

I have the HWY61. I saw Johnny Winter play one and had to have it. I love it!

[@frankmormon2503]

I was/an incredibly lucky, I found Matt Eich of Mule Resophonic guitars when he was a brand new maker... I own #72 steelie goodness in a single cone

[@LesPaulVOS]

Matt has gotten expensive. Be nice if he offered wood and brass body. Love to play one.

[@AndyCal1]

Great review, I'm a Long time guitar -layer picking up on the lap steel (peavey powerslide just acquired). Im getting it but as I play mostly acoustically I have been considering getting a resonator and found this video.. so thanks for that. since I just spent some money, I'm going budget and considering a Gretsch G9210 Boxcar Square-Neck Resonator - Mahogany

[@dougwuitschick5760]

Loved your video,very informative,thank you!by the way I see your a hockey fan,my sisters stepson is Jeremy Swayman

[@charliebrown3830]

I own the Republic 61 and Republic Tricone, both metal. Great Guitars! I gig with these every week. (pre pandemic)

[@terrypack7537]

Thanks for the info

[@robbram140]

I can vouch for the Republic Tricone. I have it in a squareneck. It's everything as you described. Love it.

[@voluntaryismistheanswer]

There's one on eBay now for about 800 something

[@eddypeterson6710]

WOW ... Such a beautiful. video , learned a lot in a very short time . My heart sank hearing and seeing The Gretsch Metal body...and I know my wallet won't mind . Im out the door runnin to get mine .Thanks Tony !!! you are The Man .

[@peterskandera5648]

Awesome Video. Love your playing on the second instrument. Could you please share your thought on optimum string action for 70% fretting and 30% slide work with a light plexiglass slide? Also, what pick-up do you find best for those instruments? Kind regards. peter

[@robertcarpenterii2904]

This was really helpful. One thing that I’m always curious about on resonator guitars is the upper fret access. I use open tunings and play round neck because I like to fret behind the slide and I like to play with the slide and fret notes, but many resonators have the neck joint at the 12th fret. With most resonators you can slide up to the 12th without issue, but the 15th fret can be really difficult to hit and play in tune.

[@JustVinnyBlues]

Biscuit Cone Resonators come in two variations basically: A Duolian, which has 14 frets to the body; and a Triolian, which has 12 frets to the body. Republic makes both of this, as well as 12 and 14 fret cutaways. The 12 fret has a different tone because the bridge is in a sweet spot. Republic also has vintage specs, including a 1 13/16 inch nut width. Nut width is also an important factor to think about in selecting one of these. I think the wider neck is better for slide and open tunings myself. You will find some of these have more modern necks.

[@rabbisandra]

I have two Recording King Resonators: The Professional and the Rattlesnake. Love them both

[@arctichare8185]

How are the strings oriented through the tailpiece of yours? Are the string ball ends outside or inside the chrome tailpiece?

[@voluntaryismistheanswer]

I almost picked those!

[@seanheath5349]

Loving this one Tony! Oh and Dallas Stars for the Stanley Cup ;)

[@krushinghead246]

Lol

[@NuttinbutdaBlues]

Ok, I pulled the trigger on a Royall mahogany tricone. They set it up just the way I like it. It included a really nice case and a leather strap for $599. They also went over the entire guitar, made sure the frets were all smooth and the intonation was spot on. I can’t say the same about the Republics I have. Best deal out there for the money.

[@danbgt]

I have both a round neck and a square neck Gretsch Boxcar guitar. I picked both of them up used and have less than 600 bucks in them combined. They were in new condition. I am a hobby guitar player and just wanted to mess with resonators. These guitars are great fun and sound really good to my amateur ear. The round neck Gretsch Boxcar should be on this list.

[@chrisnash8411]

Great Post ! I've had several Republic guitars ... My favorites were the Tigerskin Maple Minolian ( Great Travel Guitar ) and the Republic 9101 2013 Natural ( They don't make this model anymore / a Telecaster body with a pickup ). The highway 61 was great I opted for the Lace Humbucker pickup ( Factory Installed ). My favorite of all of my resonators was a 1934 National Trojan with a B and G Bender and a Dowling Hot plate ).

[@bilparker6830]

1) Republic Tricone Wood ! Great sound to my ears! 2) Recording King 3) Gretsch Bobtail Deluxe. Thank you for the review!

[@lindasmith6668]

Yes, the boxcar is my favorite and I will being saving to by on.

[@ckieffer67]

Great show, my first time ever watching and really enjoyed the information, i recently purchased a Resonator/dobro from Rogue, and got it for under $300, I'm a newbie at the slide and didn't want to spend a ton of $$ for something that may find a dusty corner or a pawn shop. hopefully I get good enough to spend that extra $$ on one of these that you posted, Thanks

[@bentoncushing8693]

Thanks Toni good stuff..

[@edwardsparks7493]

This is a great look! I am looking into the Recording King RM-998-R Metal Body Resonator, Style-0 Nickel-Plated. I really want one that has a 14 fret neck and this one fills the bill!

[@user-fd5pz5kk3e]

Loved seeing MN legend Charlie Parr in the beginning!!

[@ellisagutierrez9574]

Cool! I have a Zager Zad80CE too and a klos guitar too! 🙂

[@MrSmiley1964]

I was looking at the Gretsch Honey dripper when I found your Video. She's still in the running, but those Republic Guitars Hwy 61 are very tempting. It all depends on which one I can get my hands on, and right now it looks like the Gretsch.

[@glenndavis7805]

has a great sound.gritty

[@joycethomas8868]

I bought a new Gold Tone PBS, Paul Beard Signature ( square neck, Bluegrass style ) about 9 years ago and have not felt I needed anything else yet. Cost was $829. I’ve been giging out with it for the last 5 years and it serves me well. I could use an internal pickup though. Cheers

[@billjenkins5693]

Thank you!

[@SonicLandscape-eq7pl]

I love my regal spider cone resonator . I bought it used for $96 back around 2000. It came hotrodded with a Barcus Barry humbucker. This machine came with an adjustable tension spring that let's me sound more like a guitar when it's a 1/8 turn tighter , and more like a squonky metal body when it was 1/8 turn looser. Regal used to be carried by Musicians Friend , but I bought mine at the east coast music mall in Danbury ct.

[@shimmyfix9315]

great show. new sub. mahalo!

[@imahoggergal]

Think the Republic Tricone Wood is for me. Thanks for the demos.

[@stringthing593]

It’s worth pointing out that if you want a square neck wooden bodied resonator there are two different style chambers.The closed style giving the early dobro sound and the open style the modern sound.

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

I have been a fan of Mike Dowling for many, many years. My favorite song he plays is "Rosalie". I actually bought the sheet music after watching him on the documentary called "resonate". 🐰🇺🇸🎸🎵🤝✌️

[@NuttinbutdaBlues]

I had the good fortune to play one of Mike’s El Trovadors after a House concert he did get a few years ago. Easiest playing guitar I’ve ever played. The way he’s got it set up is amazing. He plays 12s and it’s super low, but no buzz. I’ve got a bunch of Nationals, a couple Republics, a Gretsch Alligator and a Paul Beard Gold Tone, but that El Trovador… Have you checked out Royall Resonators? Looks like they might be built in the same Chinese factory as the Republics, with a similar price point, but they’ve got some different models that look really intriguing.

[@Brembelia]

I have a brass Republic Hwy61 parlor reso (small female hands here,) and I love that chimey metal sound. I guess that makes me a metal head, ha ha. Thanks for a great show, Tony. Also, hot sauce? Sounds like it should be a song. ;)

[@brwhyon]

I've a Republic biscuit steel body with antique nickel finish, booming sound and a beast to play. Charlie would love it, next time I see him I'll have him give it a go. 12 Mile Studio.

[@lonjuan9737]

Thank you Tony.

[@jeffreycase285]

Love to hear a whole album of jon rauhouse playing like he did on this it was a hauntingly beautiful melody

[@tleek]

I love Charlie Parr. I just went and watched him a few weeks ago and it’s making me want a resonator big time.

[@stevedowler2366]

Mmmmm ... the wood body Republic tri-cone jumped the line and is now my fave.

[@jmscnny]

I've got a Honey Dipper. It is effing awesome. You can't go wrong.

[@Steve-dv4hy]

That's really funny. Getting in to Charlie Parr this last week is the reason I'm shopping for a resonator

[@lawrencetimer1024]

I have the Gretsch Boxcar square and it is a GREAT one!

[@charlieschmidt642]

By the way, I’m a Blues fan. I love it when we play the Hawks!

[@kenz5469]

You can take any roundneck and play it lapstyle if you get the nut converter to raise and level the strings. They retail for about $15 and easily installed in minutes

[@Frostbite65803cp]

I had a johnson jr 400 resonator guitar and I am new to the music world but it seems to sound really good, I am not sure if this is even an option for someone that really knows about this but like I said it seems really nice, everyone that touches it wants it so far lol

[@sesa1076]

The brass Republic Highway 61 is my dream resonator. I want one of those more than a National.

[@sesa1076]

Unfortunately the regular price for me Is almost as unattainable as a national.

[@dfrasu]

I have a republic resonator it happens to be the bronze color. I’ve had it for about 10 years. I’ve change the Cone the bridge the tuning pegs the nut and so on. I can never get it to stay in tune. I have quite a few guitars so I think what the problem is is two light of strings. As far as quality of sound goes it is pretty amazing. Just a note, the body was great. The neck and the bracing look like somebody did it while they were on crack. Took a long time to straighten it out.

[@raymondreid4987]

The Gretsch resonator is the one I'll get thanks for helping me decide. I'm guessing that the answer to the question was 1929

[@cnoel190]

Best $450 purchase to date, my Republic Highway 61 UFO cover 12-to-the-body. My 'Reso' to live, if you will! Now, what about that 'slide' episode TP? Glass, brass or bone for tone. Love to know your take.