Resonators

[Zaphod B]

Anyone have experience with resonators?

I'd like to get one, something in the $500 - $700 range, but I don't know much about the manufacturers, etc.

For sure I won't be able to afford a National for that amount of money, but there are several brands that offer instruments in my range.

Also, I don't know about the tonal differences between wood-bodied resonators and metal-bodied ones. I'd assume the wood would be a warmer and less harsh tone and perhaps not as loud as the metal?

Any help or advice appreciated.

 

[normalizer]

they're both pretty loud. i personally like the full metal bodies. you really have to try out the different models; tricone, national 9 1/2", 10 3/8", dobro 10 1/2" resonators, f holes, screen holes, biscuit bridge, spider bridge. at this price range you really have to just go to a store and find something you like. a lot of the import guitars are very incosistant with the q.c.

 

[hixmix]

You'll also have to choose between round neck and square neck. Round necks can be played like a guitar as well as with a slide. Square necks can only be played with a slide. Wood resonators will have a warmer tone. If you're buying one of the less expensive new ones(Fender, Johnson, Regal, etc) I'd suggest trying them out first because many of them can be tone dead.

But for $700 you may even be able to score a used Dobro or National.

 

[Anfontan]

I have a Regal roundneck resonator that I got from another member in the acoustic/folk/jazz/bluegrass band I am in. He plays squareneck dobro mainly and had this Regal roundneck as well as a metal bodied and a bisquit type. To me the metal body had no warmth to it's sound at all, and he said the round neck was too quiet. He let me try it a few weeks and I discovered the resonator cone was not properly seated. After I reseated it and reassembled it's volume increased dramatically! He remarked the next time we played a gig how much louder it was and what I had done....I said there was a governor inside that I took out...he got a good laugh out of that. Any way it cuts through banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and upright bass like a charm now. Hope this helps you.

 

[hixmix]

I said there was a governor inside that I took out...he got a good laugh out of that.

Sometimes you'll find a mayor and a president in there, too.

 

[Zaphod B]

Thanks, all. I'll have to shop around and get my fingerprints on some wood and metal.