How To Choose a Resonator Guitar

How to choose a resonator guitar.
Lots of information here so you can compare sounds and choose which resonator you’d like to play.
Many models; National Guitar, Dobro Guitar, Beltona Resonator, Michael Messer, Fine Resophonic, Mule, Gretsch Resonator etc.
Learn about 14 fret vs 12 fret? Metal body, steel body, brass body, wood body, German silver body? Tricone vs Single Cone?
Big resonator information playlist here: • Resonator Guitar Infor...
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Thanks for looking!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Help by clicking the description above; 🎯Put something in the tip jar. 🎯Subscribe to the mailing list. 🎯Find us on other social media. Thanks all! ❤️❤️❤️

[@cowboy9ist]

You're very good at simplifying and getting right to the point.And for us listeners you're very articulate and understandable.Oh ,did I mention you get right to the point you don't waste any time.That's very important to people today they don't like you beating around the bush,just get to the point and you do that.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

I’d hate to waste peoples time. Jesus, imagine being locked down in a pandemic with no video making experience and sharing a lifetime of experience and tens of thousands worth of equipment for free. What an absolute shit bag. Then imagine being such a weapons grade cunt that you personally got inside someones head and made them start typing and actually wasting their own time typing out passive aggressive dog shit that is a massive waste of their time. Only a true bastard would make that happen. Luckily I’m not like that. I’d hate to be typing out pointless replies like this that just go on and on and on and on and on and on… … … … just to waste your time again by writing pointless things like this… and… this… and… this… ooohh… and… another one! Hooray!! Hey… … … I’ll look forward to you not watching anymore of our stuff as it would completely waste your precious time. After all your time is important… would hate to waste it… … … … … you’ve probably got important stuff to do, like doing some life saving brain surgery, before driving your sports car to meet a hot model for a date. 🎯

[@No-jq4jy]

Man, this video has been super helpful. I've been in the market for resonator for awhile now, but i dont live in an area where they're very common, so even before COVID, I couldn't really get my hands on many in store to see how they felt and sounded. This video does an awesome job explaining the different types, the WHY and the HOW they all sound different. I can also see your passion for these instruments pouring out, I can definitely appreciate that! I found this video so helpful, and I will be listening to your band's tunes while at work tomorrow. Thank you so much for making this. Cheers!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

That’s really kind of you to say. Hopefully it opens a few doors for the sound you might want. Don’t forget that anything you buy secondhand you will probably get similar money back at resale so it becomes ‘free’ to try. Get going and experience will tell you which guitar is right for you.

[@wehappyfewmusic]

What an impressive collection of resonators. They all sound great but I particularly like the Trojan!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Many thanks. It’s a wonderful instrument. A perfect blues guitar!!

[@NotoriousFunk]

I came here because i wanted to know more about a resonator guitar and now i am in trouble, i like all of them. Probably the tricone but i like even the others. Oh man BTW, nice collection and nice playing!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Thanks!! That’s what many do that are bitten by the bug. You get a Tricone, a steel body, wood body and brass body and then keep going with the different colours! It’s fun and you’ll be the coolest person for miles around. 🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@billkoetting5197]

Martyn one thing your acoustic players might want to consider if interested in a resonator guitar. The first guitar amplifier was a Pick. The second guitar amplifier was a resonator. Out of the box you will notice they play at least 3x louder than an acoustic. I play a Regal RD round neck. The action is just a little higher than an acoustic so you can play with or without a slide. An SD [square neck] has much higher action and is strictly a lap steel slide guitar. Good demo, thanks for sharing.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Thanks!! 🎯

[@duderama6750]

Nah. My dreadnaught blows any new wood body reso away when strumming. So much so I've given up on acoustic resonators.

[@paulmaartensphotography9950]

Thank you Martin this has been of great help. Not made it easier to choose 😂 but very useful. Thank you sir!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Hopefully it gives an idea of where to go!! Get a few different ones. Helps me.

[@itsallaroundyou7085]

Dude awesome video. Cracking me up with all the up and down lol. Love the dedication.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Made it up as I went along. Could have planned it better! Ah well. Might redo it at some point down the line. So long as it helps. I can think of many occasions people have contacted us to say it did. 🎯🎯🎯

[@davidsisto7694]

Hello from NYC!! I saw this when you first posted and came back to again now as I am going to make a purchase. Thank you for creating this as I believe it's the best resource to understand the characteristics of the resonators and their "ingredients"(metal types, cones, 12 fret vs. 14 fret, etc....). From here, you have given us the required baseline for the next step in the next step of trying different brands. Thank you and be well!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Hey David. That’s kind. Learned a lot since making this but it’s good to know the information helps. We’ve had many emails and messages saying what guitars people have bought so it’s good to know it’s helping people choose the coolest and bestest kinds of guitars - resonators!

[@Doowopsid]

Hi, agree with your comment and just wondering if you did get a resonator which one did you decide on?

[@MrBigdee183]

Great Video! I have been wanting a resonator for so long but have never found the info that I was looking for until now. Thank you for comparing multiple styles. I agree that the "rules" are made to broken and it comes down to personal preference. I personally like the sound of the brass both brass bodies that you played and my second choice would be the wood with 14th fret joint. This video will help me make my choice!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Excellent! Get buying!! 🎯🎼🎯

[@itsallaroundyou7085]

I picked up a grestch boxcar last month. I'm in love with it. It's my first resonator and for anything that price I definitely feel I made the right decision. Next I'm saving up for a mule

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Both cool guitars at different price points!! Congratulations. It’s a great world the reso world!!

[@wowshadowsedge]

What a great vid! Thanks for posting this - it's really helpful.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Hope it opens a few avenues! Thanks!!

[@daherb4me]

Great, now I need all of them

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Do it!!

[@bendavies9336]

This is a great video as I’ve always wondered what each different type of resonator sounds like, I’m looking at buying a cheaper tricone but also now I want all of them excellent reviews of each tone thanks so much

[@TheWashboardResonators]

They’re all different but fundamentally the same too! I’ve personally gone through a couple of dozen so far and the more I try the more I find a keeper!!

[@chrisbarnette7137]

They all sound amazing. You couldn't go wrong with either one. Very nice collection and I hope all is well.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Thanks. So true. Very lucky to have them all and TBH many more since. Check out our recent video comparing 10 resonator guitars. All the best. 🎯

[@61napoleoninrags]

Fantastically useful video. Thank you for putting in the time to make it, and for sharing your accumulated knowledge and wisdom.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Hope it helps!

[@slayerrocks2]

A great video. I'm limited by price, but it certainly helps me deciding what to buy for my stepson, as a "reward"/celebration for overcoming his d&d addictions, and turning his life around. I'd settled on Gretsch, but now I'm much more confident of going towards the Bobtail woody over the Honeydipper. Couldn't help thinking that CAMRA should be booking you for some Beer festivals. I could just imagine you playing in the church grounds at my local event, Manchester, with the late summer sun and smell of barbecue. Perfection.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Good on him. Congratulations!! We’ve done beer festivals and very few work for us sadly. My trio Leeds City Stompers does great at them. We have the drums and double bass and make a bigger sound that works against the loud talking that happens at beer festivals! Our favourite one to play is The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Beer Festival every October!

[@slayerrocks2]

@@TheWashboardResonators I may have to catch a train in October then.👍

[@Mooseboy08]

Thanks so much for the comparative sound examples! I now know that I'm looking for a brass body, 12 fret, round neck tricone.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

A great choice! The prince of resonators!

[@soundetc]

Great video again Martin, thank you. interesting how the guitars all sound very different, as if each have their own voice. Thanks for this!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

They sure do. It’s a good reason to get loads!

[@andrewclack4881]

I was holding my breath every time you was swinging them beauties around! I have a cheap copy of one of these and I have to move around the room with the grace of a Nureyev to stop myself taking out half the room

[@TheWashboardResonators]

They can take it! The older ones are well looked after though!!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

They can take it! The older ones are well looked after though!!

[@LCC722]

Amazing job - thanks for sharing!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Many thanks!

[@arielbenitez98]

Thanks for this video, definitely helped out and as a history buff, appreciated the quick knowledge drops 😂

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Awesome! Glad it helped!!

[@chuckplainview4085]

That duolian 31' has got some sort of magic in it.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Incredible guitar. Sadly (or not) I traded it in against a 1929 Gibson L-1 but I know of a 1932 Duolian that is better and that one day I’ll have!

[@johnwashburn3793]

What a joyful video!. Very informative. I may need to buy another. My last was a Dobro and it has been gone too long

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Get buying! Guitars are fun and each one purchased makes life significantly better. 🎯

[@johnwashburn3793]

@@TheWashboardResonators I am looking for my next. But please tell my wife why I always need one more.

[@seekandcrush]

The brass resonates with me this most.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

It’s a great choice. The ‘do all’ of resonators!

[@benmartin9538]

the wood body national sounds gorgeous

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Sure does. My personal favourite is a good wood body 1928-9 Triolian but sadly I don’t have one. Played a few and still looking.

[@KarlElvis]

This was a brilliant breakdown. Alas my conclusion is, I need one of each. 😂

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Get ‘em all.

[@mairenared]

Great video Martin. Personally, I prefer the warmer sound of a wooden body and currently own a Regal RD45 spider bridge resonator and a Michael Messer Blues '28 biscuit bridge resonator. I tend to keep the Regal in open G for a more country/bluegrass sound and the MM in open D for a more bluesy sound. I play the MM more as in my view it's a better sounding instrument but I've got my eye on one of Michael's fiddle edge Dobros so I might splash out one of these days. I'd be interested in your take on tunings.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Both tunings great in different ways. I just did a video on the MM Fiddle Edge! Nice guitars!

[@mairenared]

@@TheWashboardResonatorsYes, I saw your video on the MM fiddle edge Dobro. They look fabulous and sound great too. Bit more expensive than my Blues '28 but they are a one-off and very difficult to make so I guess that justifies the price. Michael has spent many years bringing quality instruments within the reach of impoverished amateur musicians like myself. He's a pretty neat player too ;-)

[@daveyponderosa9549]

Great post Sir…..many THANKS for your insight. I’ve been interested in purchasing a resonator for some time now. That said, I do indeed find all of the information/specs out there to be somewhat overwhelming and really don’t know where to begin. After this……I’m thinking German Silver. 😆 Cheers

[@TheWashboardResonators]

It’s complex but hearing them and choosing ones you like is a good start. TBH the big difference is cone type and then body material is the last 15 or so percent in terms of tone.

[@garymurfee4290]

This is outstanding

[@TheWashboardResonators]

🎼🎯🎼

[@rustbeltgypsy3713]

Thanks for the in depth review...I like all of them in many ways...lol...the door for me is I do Not use pick(s) so I guess I will need to still go and find some and play to hear Pickless...Finger picking drastically changed attack and dynamics...so I warmer lower tone would be quite a bit lower volume. Anyways...thanks Martin. Ps...you have sooooo many Resonators !! Dig it

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Fingers warm everything up. Still a nice sound and very expressive with these. Wood bodies or brass bodies tend to be the most adaptable for lots of styles. I have many guitars and many more coming in over the next few years I’m sure!

[@abloke8834]

Thanks for this.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

🎼🎼❤️🎼🎼

[@stephenmosack4496]

My wife got me a Republic HWY61 brushed nickel finish. It's a better guitar than I think I can handle... i dig it. I wish I could justify spending on a sweet vintage

[@TheWashboardResonators]

If you buy a vintage at the right price you’ll make money on it in the long run. Your wife will think you’re a big shot investor and be at least 15% more attracted to you because of all the alpha pheromones. Something to think about. 😵‍💫

[@stephenmosack4496]

@@TheWashboardResonators I'll have to show her this conversation. Ha ha ha.

[@jaikwillis]

That’s helpful thanks. I hope you’re well man. How to select a resonator ? Buy them all

[@TheWashboardResonators]

That’s about it! I reckon there’s about 10 main models that cover all the sounds. 🎯

[@russlgtr]

Tom waits would sound good on these. Thank you

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Absolutely. But then Tom Waits would sound good on a pump organ, marimba and home made percussion rig. 💪🏻

[@OldMeanGeezer]

Thank You!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

A pleasure!

[@daro9582]

For me Looks: single cone Sound: tricone Body: metal Joint: 14 fret

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Quality choosing. 🎯

[@keithhicks1750]

Very interesting. I love the sound you boys make. I’m a ukulele player and wondered if you have any experience of steel bodied resonator ukuleles? I’m also a washboard novice so you guys are right up my street. Thanks for taking the time to produce this video, much appreciated.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Very kind words! Played a couple of steel resonator ukuleles. They always sound lovely. You can extrapolate from this video the sound differences and relate them to a ukulele!

[@keithhicks1750]

The Washboard Resonators ah, will try some in the music shop when they reopen. Thanks

[@anto7906]

That Duolian is the clear winner, in both styles...as a reso player I would aspire to acquiring one at some point... it’s a gamble tho...!!! Thanks anyway, good videos Martin..

[@martineley1]

Great breakdown Martin, just replaced my "nockov" resonator with a National 0 14 Brass and getting into that old John Pearse stuff my Dad taught me (with a swing or 2). ps, you need a bigger room or start playing Ukuleles

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Bigger room coming soon. Got about four vintage ukes but there will be more coming,

[@JonathanNicholas]

Great stuff!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Thanks boss. 🎯

[@Ghost_Vulgarian]

I like the brass sound best. I have a wood one by Stagg, previously owned by Eric Haydock who was a founder member of the Hollies as bass player. I have letters of authenticity from his son and other pictures of the band.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Cool guitar! I’d say that brass is the best middle of the road one!!

[@Ghost_Vulgarian]

@@TheWashboardResonators Agreed. 🎶

[@veer9423]

Thanks!!!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

A pleasure!

[@russlgtr]

You are not interested in the new cutaway styles? Thank you this very great info

[@TheWashboardResonators]

I think they look absolutely shit.

[@robclancy6001]

Hi thanks for sharing. I'm interested in what thummb and finger picks you use.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Dunlop medium red celluloid and National NP1 steel picks.

[@johntait1803]

Excellent video. It shows the variations in sound. Is the best placement for the pickup dead center at the bridge?

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Depends on type of pickup and what sound you want. There are four main camps. The acoustic contact pickup that sits in or on the wooden biscuit. A microphone that clamps to the guitar or on a mic stand. Then the two electric pickup types that you plug into a guitar amp. Type one is a modified cover plate that National call a hotplate (others exist) and has a pickup and controls on the plate. Type two is a slimline pickup that sticks to the body near the neck join. Which is best? It’s apples and oranges. It’s more about deciding which sound you like and going for it. A National Resophonic ‘Reso-lectric’ model has a mixture of acoustic and electric pickups and KZbin videos show the differences in sound. A good place to start.

[@michaelstones231]

Great video, thanks. (I can almost taste that bourbon sour). Any comments on parlor resonators? Thinking of buying one like a Recording King. Interested to know what you think. (I’m a campfire/back porch player). Cheers.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Cool instruments. Portable and can be very pretty. Less bass perhaps than a similar normal body size. Have enjoyed all the recording king guitars I’ve seen.

[@clawhammer704]

I like the wood body biscuit best. For lap style a spider bridge sounds best imho.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

They’re special in their own way for sure! Definitely best for bluegrass style lap guitar, although listen to Christo Ruppenthall for a Tricone being used for jazz style lap guitar. Absolutely killer playing! 🎯

[@clawhammer704]

Have you played a beard biscuit bridge guitar. They r sweet to play.

[@nickworley1000]

Thanks very interesting

[@TheWashboardResonators]

A pleasure. Hope it helps!!

[@cliffg4975]

Have you ever had anything to do with converting a guitar to a dobro or resonator using a kit?

[@TheWashboardResonators]

None sadly. Sure it’s easy enough!

[@Doowopsid]

Excellent video! Thank you for a terrific comparison and informative review of all these resonator guitars. What strings would you recommend using to replace on a Recording King Minnie Bucker wood body single cone resonator? Thanks!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

We have a string comparison video that will help. I’d go 13 gauge phosphor bronze Daddario, John Pearse or Newtone.

[@Doowopsid]

@@TheWashboardResonators Thank you. Your videos are great, so detailed and informative!

[@danross146]

Which open tuning do you find most useful?

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Open D. I can be more melodic and heavy in the bass concurrently.

[@danross146]

Thank you so much and wow, what a speedy reply! You're definitely on top of things and that can only help grow your channel! I currently have been using open G but I will try open D. Your videos are really great so thanks so much!

[@reverse.ferret]

Great video, I really love that old Duolian. One question that you didn't address - do the various styles of coverplate (bullet hole, chicken foot etc) affect the sound, or are the differences purely cosmetic?

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Thanks! You’re getting into crazy detail there. I’ve never done a direct comparison. They will affect the sound but to what degree? Possibly a tiny amount. There are more videos to do and a more detailed rundown is planned with a proper expert. We’ll note this and ask in that video.

[@jacovmenashe2930]

I want to play a guitar restorative both with the slider in the open direction and in the normal direction. I want to play it instead of an acoustic guitar. Which guitar is more suitable

[@TheWashboardResonators]

I’d go wood body Tricone for that.

[@jacovmenashe2930]

@@TheWashboardResonators thanks for the quick answer

[@carolinepronk853]

HI Martin, what kind of resonator guitar would you recommend for a New Orleans jazz band, which plays jazz from 1900 to 1929? There's a cornet, clarinet, trombone and tenor banjo producing a lot of volume. The guitar should be able to make itself heard. In this style, the guitar is mostly strummed with a plectrum. I'm thinking single cone and metal body, but I'm in doubt about what kind of metal (German silver / steel / brass). I thought I'd favour a 12-fret but having watched your video I'm not so sure. And what brand do you recommend? The National Resophonic RAW looks interesting. Do you have any experience with Republic Guitars? What about the Gold Tone GRS? We have two tenor Gold Tone banjoes, a CC-Tenor and a TS-250. These are very good value for money. I'd love to hear your opinion!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

There’s lots of model names I wouldn’t be able to reference sadly! Many of those instruments roll into one for me. I’ve seen great Tubby Skinny videos with relatively affordable steel single cones used to great effect. If you want to be era correct then the first single cone guitar national made was the wood body Triolian in 1928. This is a yellow ‘polychrome’ finish. They did Tricones from 1926 but they’re not as loud although they more represent the sound of an acoustic archtop when used in swing music. Jonathan Stout of John Reynolds videos will show a Tricone being used in this context perfectly. They didn’t go to 14 fret until 1934 so if it was me being a total nerd, I’d get a wood body 12. If it’s cutting power and volume you want to compete then probably a steel or brass body. These will provide more mid frequencies to compete with the harmonically rich sound of the reed / brass instruments. They can all be different so it’s hard to generalise but steel will usually have a more aggressive top end. Brass a rich middle. Wood a round and full bass. I like the Michael Messer brand guitars, the newer National Resophonic brand or in particular I like a well set up (and good) real vintage National. There’s a 1930/1 Style 0 on reverb.com now for a reasonable price (under 3k). Hopefully this points you in the right direction!! Sounds like a great project that would make a great sound! 🎯🎼🎯

[@carolinepronk853]

@@TheWashboardResonators Thank you Martin for the very comprehensive reply! We'll look into it and see if we can find a suitable guitar. I'm sure your advice will help us to make the best choice. When it comes to period correct, there is always a compromise. For example, if we were to play on instruments that were exactly period correct, it would perhaps not even be on instruments from 1915 or so, but on instruments that people could afford in that period of time. There were a lot of cheap ex-Civil War instruments on the market, but these instruments did not have a good reputation even in that time periode. Instruments have developed a lot since the 1860s, fortunately. Which is why we play on either new or relatively young second-hand instruments. Our oldest regular participant is a King trombone from 1962/1963. Admittedly, a resonator guitar is a much bigger leap forward than using a new cornet, but on the other hand, jazz musicians from the 1910s would have loved to play these and would certainly have put them to good use, within their style. So, that is the reasoning I try to follow: to stay close to the sound and style of that time period, while trying to circumvent some of the biggest issues with the instruments from then, mainly the lack of volume from regular guitars. And we love that we play 100% acoustic. No sound checks, just grab the instruments, tune, and we're ready to rumble. In that way, a resonator guitar - or even a tenor banjo with its resonator back - is a relatively small compromise. Playability is a huge factor, though. It is music for in a bar. When playing 2 to 3 hours, we should still feel comfortable playing. Some cheaper resonator guitars require a lot more work to keep playing. Thanks again Martin!

[@banjoplayingbison2275]

Good video! Would you recommend someone wanting to sing with it to use a metal or wood body?

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Any would euro depending on the sound your after. Also the register you sing in matters. I’d choose the one you like the sound of then adapt the playing style and volume when singing. A good one is powerful. Microphones can be useful.

[@itsallaroundyou7085]

I'm no expert but I'm a singer songwriter and I have a grestch boxcar, spidercone, 12 fret, Wood body, just to give you all the specs lol. I definitely had to adjust the way I play and sing as compared to blasting on my Gibson j-50 lol. But it's added new sounds to my music that I love. I've written 4 songs in it in the month that I've had it. Whatever you get enjoy it. They are magical unique guitars

[@ROBTAT2]

Quick question... what kind of slide do you prefer? A glass, brass, or ceramic?

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Thick glass made by Diamond Bottlnecks. They absolutely make a thicker and warmer tone.

[@ajhaskel]

Thanks so much, this is really helpful. All these videos are great. Two questions- is there a thread where you recommend strings? Also, I’ve seen guitars that have a lever in the back that can change the open g tune to an open d tune - have you tried/reviewed that type of resonator?

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Hey. Glad they help. It’s what we want!! Never heard of or seen these lever systems. Have only seen Line 6 guitars that do this digitally. Can’t say any more really. I take two guitars out - Standard and Open tuned. Just swap guitars fine and dandy. The string guide follows. Be sure to check the video section or playlists on our channel. Lots of info, comparisons, hints and tips. Thanks! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKnNZmp9qK6ImZI

[@ajhaskel]

@@TheWashboardResonators wonderful, thank you so much. I’m saving up for my first resonator and enjoy trying to play along with your videos

[@guitarstrange2478]

Hi Martyn, plz can you help with some advise? I play a lot of electric blues and slide (allman bros, Johnny Winter etc) been looking for spidercone Dobro for that allmans Little martha finger picking standard tuning sound and think I'm going to go for a Gretsch bobtail. I would also like to get a guitar that sounds like what Johnny Winter uses on songs like 'Dallas' and 'Death Letter', could you advise on what body material and cone would achieve this? From this video I would guess steel and single biscuitcone but would love to hear your opinion and what guitar you would suggest going for in the £500-£700 that might come close? Also I use a glass slide for electric but what would you suggest for the Johnny winter resonator style, brass or chrome slide? Thanks

[@TheWashboardResonators]

You’ve answered all your own questions here. I’d get a Michael Messer steel body resonator to replicate Johnny Winterd tone. Get a Diamond Bottleneck glass and Daddy Slide Brass and you’ve got the best there.

[@guitarstrange2478]

@@TheWashboardResonators thanks for the advise I will go and check out the Michael messer guitar and slides out. Thanks

[@marcosore3213]

Nice sounds sir! Any advice to find a decent brass/all steel resonator under 1200$?

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Second hand NRP / Michael Messer brand / Republic are all good calls. Heck if you hunted and waited you could possibly get a real vintage one that’s messed with and missing it’s finish. 🎯

[@TheMKEWERBY]

Martin, you familiar with the Recording King Swamp Dog? I'm buying one tomorrow.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Can’t bring it to mind specifically. I hope it works out for you!

[@HiggaionSelah_EWFMG]

güdd thanks ❕🐸🍀

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Thanks! 🎯🎯🎯

[@rauhertz2755]

How do you travel with one guitar at the airport? do you manage it like a suitcase down there between the else cargo plain?

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Not flown for a while with guitars. Normally I have a decent case well padded and check it in to the hold.

[@Jackdanalf]

Thanks Martin, that was really helpful and informative ...I’ve set up an old Taylor acoustic with a high action and have been playing slide on it ...actually sounds ok , decent pick up , a splash of reverb ... not bad ...not that resonator sound though.. I probably know the answer to this myself...but whats your take on the cheaper resonators around ? I’ll probably try playing some of them, then pick up a National and try that...and end up forking out a fortune . I’ll check out your band . Cheers M.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Sounds great! I think cheaper brands can do a perfectly decent job. Even big names or vintage ones can be hit or miss. I like the Michael Messer brand here in the UK and generally the regal and recording king are pretty decent. 🎯

[@1druister1]

I couldn’t pick up who you said your favorite slide player was!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Tampa Red. 🎯

[@carlwoods4564]

Whats a decent budget Dobro?

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Don’t know really. Used Gretsch spider bridge perhaps.

[@carlwoods4564]

@@TheWashboardResonators What about the Epiphone Hound dog Taylor or the Recording King swamp dog?

[@DScanes]

The 2nd brass tricone youre playing (starting at 9:10) , what is it? Its gorgeous! I want one haha. Best sound by a fair while. I bet its no longer in production haha.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

It’s a National Resophonic Style 1.5 Tricone. Very much a current model. New they’re around $4k. I’m in the UK but bought live used for the equivalent of around $2.2k. Edit: Hang on… just clicked into the time stamp you suggested. It’s not a Tricone. It’s a Style O. A 1934 Style O. The Style O before it is a newer 2004 one. Generally you’ll find the newer ones to be a bit fuller sounding but flatter on the top end. Vintage ones will be lighter sounding but far more complex and exciting on the top. Vintage ones are fairly easy to track down (be prepared to pay $3-10k) but can come with a host of potential problems. Not dissimilar to owning and driving a classic car vs a new one. Fun and interesting but expensive to maintain and idiosyncratic. For a start they’re very up and down between being good or not. Then you have the issue that the materials especially neck construction in the 1920s / 30s was cheap and not expected to last 80+ years. They can be bent and twisted. Other issues are fatigued cones and bodies splitting. Anybody buying a vintage one sight unseen might have to price $3-600 to have a resonator specialist rebuild it to give 100%. There’s still no guarantee it will be a good one. It’s likely, but not guaranteed. The thing about resonators is even if everything is fully dialled in then the combination of neck, body & cone might have a magic combination that makes angels sing or they msg combine to make a dead flat mess. Generally old ones are decent to great once dialled in. This particular 1934 one that you’ve flagged is nice and has had work done. I’d say it’s a 7/10 one compared to others. I know of a 1932 that is 10/10. It’s considerably louder and has more of everything tone wise - it’s one I’m trying to get the owner to eventually sell me! We have videos comparing vintage vs new that go into more detail and talk about this issue of sound. In my opinion you’ve picked a good instrument. For me a good vintage brass or wood body is the ultimate resonator guitar for being full and capable of handling all kinds of music. 🎯🎯

[@DScanes]

@@TheWashboardResonators thank you so much for the detailed reply! Let the searching begin 😅

[@positivelynegative9149]

Great info. Unfortunately, 90% of my decision will be based on budget. 😖🤣

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Buy used and keep saving. Sell and buy something better. You’ll be able to work up to a decent instrument one day. Anyone playing any resonator regardless of cost is still the coolest person in a 10 mile radius.

[@frederickcee2901]

Do any of these guitars run the neck all the way and attach at the utmost rear ? Does it matter ? Me thinks it does

[@TheWashboardResonators]

They all do except the Trojan. The neck stick you talk of tends to add volume and clarity. 🎯

[@frederickcee2901]

My neck stick is ~2"" shhort of touching the rear. It will be worth it, althouggh I was ? Whether all that vibration would weaken the seam under the string claw

[@SergeCeyral]

Notwithstanding with my banker's opinion, all I can hear is that Tricone and Style O models are, by far, better than other ones... Harmonics are pinched and limited on steel body (Duolian, Triolian) models, and basses are quite muffled on wooden ones. Spider type models are very nice (Sheerhorn or Beard) , but way too different for a sensible comparison with biscuit ones. And, all in a sudden, I hear the choir of (Banker+Wife) yelling: "hey dude, you're not good enough for a 5 k€ model!" Anyway, thank you so much for that in-deep review...

[@TheWashboardResonators]

This is pretty much the exact thing with these guitars. Perhaps a 5k€ model will be the inspiration to keep improving! 🤓

[@SergeCeyral]

@@TheWashboardResonators my beloved blonde, understanding the pain of aging, made me the perfect 50th gift : a Fine Resophonics Tricone ! Coming after a 1936 Style O (upgraded by Mike Lewis) I don’t find any reason to moan...

[@TheWashboardResonators]

You’re in the best company!

[@danielmcguinness6192]

The Blind Boy Fuller sound. What guitar type please ?

[@TheWashboardResonators]

A 1933 12 Fret Steel Body Duolian with rolled F-holes in Duecco finish. After 1937 he used a 14 fret Steel Body Triolian in ‘Piano Grain’ brown. Any steel body gets close. If you can get actual vintage examples of these models then you’re golden. I know folks with these exact models because they’re Fuller fans. Obviously no pickup. Just acoustic into a mic.

[@keyote3]

Do you actually own the mineral rights to a local National Resonator Mine.....???? Impressive display there..!!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Wish I did! Would like far more and will get many more!!

[@asdfasdf464]

In listening on monitors, and the NRP has noticeably more bass string presence than the rest. Is it the deluxe version? Also, the caption says brass, but I am not able to find a brass version? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

It’s a Style 0 deluxe which means it’s a normal one but with engraved ‘wiggle border’, fancy fretboard and white headstock veneer. All brass body. It’s a very bassy resonator compared to the vast majority anyway. Perhaps a slightly muted high end. As far as I’m aware it’s still in production. This one comes from 2004 and is easily one of the heaviest resonators I’ve come across. In around 2010 they switched to thinner gauge brass.

[@Sherman1862]

Is that Mahogany single cone the new National, Thunder Box? Or the older El Trovadore I think its called? Thank you! Nice comparison video! : )

[@TheWashboardResonators]

It’s neither. It’s a 1935 Trojan model. The Thunder Box is based on this kind of guitar but actually made of better quality materials. All newer wood body National Resophonic guitars are of exceptional quality if it’s the wood body sound you like. 👌🏻🎯👌🏻

[@Sherman1862]

@@TheWashboardResonators Thank you very much! I have a Tirolian Tri Cone and M! mahogany Baritones Tri Cone from National, thinkin of buying a Thunder Box to round out my resonator stable.. Lol.. Also like that Mike Dowling mahogany model from National, I'm forgetting its name at the moment.. But also might like that "Hot Plate" pick up system they have for it.. Any opinions on that? Anyway! Thanks for the great video review!!!! ; ) Keep on Rocking! : )

[@ericjames7680]

Hello, its me again with another question. So I decided to purchase the Delphi and pass on the Reso Rocket. But I am considering a Tri Cone but which material? I see the metal ones come in steel, brass or what is called German Silver. Is their much difference between the brass and German Silver as far as tone that the average person playing at home is even going to notice? Not sure I would even do too much slide with it, although I suppose that is what most people use them for. Thanks again!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Hi Eric. They’re about 80% the same. Steel has more zing. Brass is full and rich. German silver is similar to brass. It’s generally more complex with more overtones but perhaps is quieter than brass. I personally feel that wood or brass are the best ‘do all’ resonator guitar materials.

[@ericjames7680]

@@TheWashboardResonators Thanks for the reply. The only Tri Cones that are going to be available soon are the cut always, do you loose much sound from the cut away? But there is a brass one available soon and now with you saying that you like the brass maybe I will get that one and it has no cut away.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

You’ll loose a bit of sound but I don’t think it’s enough to worry about. From circa 1926-1935 pretty much all Tricones were German Silver (AKA Nickel Silver AKA Engraving Brass). If you’re after the traditional Tricone sound you hear on Tampa Red or Oscar Aleman records then that’s good. Sweeter tone. Brass is a bit stronger sounding.

[@micahhawkins-bs9gf]

So I'm thinking that 'Dobro style' is the equivalent of 'Spider'?

[@TheWashboardResonators]

It is!! 👌🏻👌🏻

[@deadandburied7626]

How much do the different ones cost?

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Depends on many factors. $200-100,000. Reverb.com will tell you exactly.

[@collecter3456]

Do you know any decent cheap steel body guitars? I would like a truss rod too.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

There’s loads. Republic brand or Michael Messer brand are excellent at the price bracket. You can go on eBay and put in ‘resonator’ to the search bar and set the price to your upper budget. Depends how ‘cheap’ you want to go. You can get a resonator for as little as $200 second hand but at this price it’s a risk if it will be 3/10 or at best 6/10 sound compared to something $1500+ that might be 8/10+ in terms of tone.

[@collecter3456]

@@TheWashboardResonators Thanks for the reply.

[@keithclark486]

How did you break your finger ? 1'st time seeing someone playing with a cast on their finger.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

You mean the finger picks or bottleneck slide? No broken fingers here!

[@frederickcee2901]

How can steel be played or modded to sound warmer ?

[@TheWashboardResonators]

It can be played warmer by using plastic picks. Especially celluloid ones. Modding is hard but I have a steel body that someone added a 1mm cork gasket on the body between the cone and body. Takes some of the zingy-ness away. I then put Newtone Nickel resonator strings on and that took away much of the trash can sound. We have a video called ‘How To Amplify A Resonator’ and I briefly discuss this string subject there. The other option is to buy a wood body! Hope this helps. 🎯

[@frederickcee2901]

@@TheWashboardResonators Thanks for answering quickly ! Many ideas w/o answers e.g.! How would one who finds the warmth a hinderance says, "its a muddy mess"..he's got a bell brass body, single cone,an ebody top sits on maple biscuit. How can he "unmuddy" his sound. R. Hand muting and complete control from years of practice(2)... Any ideas on this situation ?

[@PaulusMichael]

Hi Martin, tx for info, i`ll buy a used one, wood body -semi acoustic - 14-fret and I´m kind of a beginner in slide, do u have any recommendations in terms of strings? Tx a lot, Paul from Austria

[@TheWashboardResonators]

We did a whole video on resonator strings a few weeks back. The Newtone 15 Gauge Phosphor Bronze would be a great place to start as a good general purpose string but find the video in our video list and hear the different materials to see if you’d prefer something different!

[@PaulusMichael]

@@TheWashboardResonators Oh, okay, tx for help.

[@jasoncoppock7216]

'How to chose a resonator guitar' As if one was enough 😜

[@TheWashboardResonators]

I think you need about 5 to cover all the sound types! Tricone, Steel Single, Wood Single, Dobro etc. 🤩

[@kentucky1519]

Whats the song your playing

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Just generic delta blues. Similar to the song ‘Wallking Blues.’

[@kentucky1519]

@@TheWashboardResonators any tips on how to learn to play like that

[@russlgtr]

Do new ones sound better than antiques. It's seems antiques are in the 3 to 5k range even very old ones. So antiques and new are about same price. (Different than strats 😊)

[@TheWashboardResonators]

We did a vintage vs new comparison and follow up video talking about the results for the viewer vote of which sounds best. IMHO, a good old one is best but old ones are finicky and need expensive rebuilding work to sound 100%. New ones are generally reliable and consistent. Generally a bit warmer and fatter but perhaps less exciting. I have both and love them equally. 🎯

[@davidmacleod9313]

I hate slot headstocks! Pain in the rear. 😊

[@TheWashboardResonators]

🫡

[@leifstenlund5641]

Thank you for helping me decide. I have narrowed it down to your National triolian 1931 steel body, or the one in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rH6vYqp9eJaXa6s But I have a question, do you know of any modern resonators that sound about the same as these, they sound kind of similar in my untrained ears? Preferably on the cheap end. Thanks for a great channel!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

So you like Steel Body single cone! Excellent. In many ways the ultimate blues / slide resonator. Given a choice between a steel Triolian / Duolian I’d usually go Duolian. It would probably be a tad louder and richer. The one Miss Rogo is playing is a beauty. It’s listed wrongly on the video. I’ve watched this video and it’s a stunning instrument. I now have one of these 14 fret Duolians and it’s my loudest guitar. In the video it’s actually a 1934/5 or 6. This is because of the 14 fret body join and kind of headstock it has. For me a good vintage resonator is the top of the tree but often they need work to bring them up to a decent playing spec. It can be specialist and expensive. I gig with instruments made by a newer unrelated company called National Resophonic. Their guitars are incredible and in some ways have improvements over the vintage ones. They usually give a more fuller range of frequencies and can be dialled in to play in a more modern way. You’re looking $1500+ here. Beyond that I’d recommend Republic guitars at $650+ or Michael Messer at a similar price point.

[@leifstenlund5641]

@@TheWashboardResonators thank you so very much for your long and informative answer. I mainly want to play blues/slide on the guitar, so a Duolian it is, then, and I need a 14 fret to the body, because that is what I am used to slide on. (I actually wondered about her guitar being 14 frets on a ‘31, because I had watched this video just before, but I thought maybe they changed the neck at some point or something.) I have had a look at the Republic Duolians available here in Sweden right now, but both seems to be bell brass bodies, so I am going to listen to some more of those before I decide what to buy. The Michael Messer sounds perfect, but I have to look into what the cost will be, this brexit stuff is really ruining buying stuff from uk. Again, thank you so much for the help! Oh, just one thing, would you happen to know what material thickness they used in the bodies of the resonator guitars in the thirties? And is there any difference now? Take care!

[@hunterhobbs4374]

He didn’t mention Mark Knopfler… That deserves an Instant thumbs down just for leaving his name out. 😂

[@TheWashboardResonators]

We all love MK. ❤️

[@hunterhobbs4374]

@@TheWashboardResonators Glad to hear it. Thank you for the videos. I have no business thinking about types of guitars at all. I still need to learn how to play what I’ve already got.

[@emielhoekstra]

please stop talking & play that guitar😟i have ears & can decide using them!!!!!!!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

That’s autism. It’s called info-dumping. It’s a way of showing love by trying to make sure the listener has a full set of facts. I did another comparison video later with a 30 second intro then no talking.

[@johnd942]

Too verbose...

[@TheWashboardResonators]

That’s autism.