Acoustic Electric Dobro Resonator Guitar For Sale (2024 Update)

I got a Rogue about four years ago and didn't expect much because the price was so low. I was pleasantly surprised to see the finish and workmanship. This is a beautiful instrument, and the sound is incredible: clean, penetrating, and fairly loud with great sustain. I've added a pick-up so I can run it through my Fishman amp, so it's even better. The guitar is far from perfect. The fingerboard is very narrow, so it's hard to finger-pick on it. And the intonation, as someone else mentioned, leaves a lot to be desired. The notes become increasingly sharp as you go up the neck, and if you put a capo on it, you'll have to tune all over again. Given those two issues, I play mostly slide, and almost exclusively in open tunings. The instrument serves me well that way, and was a good purchase at the price. But it does have those definite limitations.Steve

A lot of the reviews are old, so I thought I'd add to the more recent reviews. Looked at these when they were on sale, and got enen further savings when I bought a return. Described as in "mint" condition and it was. Only issues right out of the box were minor. The ball end of the 5th string was not seated correctly and the 5th and 6th strings were not in their slots in the bridge. These issues led to unwanted vibrations, but were easy fixes. Quality control appeared to be an issue in the early days of MF selling this instrument, but this seems to have been solved, as more recent reviews have been generally positive. Couple things I would suggest. One, put some graphite (pencil lead) in the slots of the nut before you tighten the strings or when you change strings the first time so that it will be easier to tune up. Second, I got this from reading somewhere, tighten and replace strings from the "inside out" like 342516, to keep the bridge/spider in place (probably remove them in the opposite order, outside in, too). The finish on this instrument was flawless, grain on the top was tight (yes, I know it's plywood, but it looks nice) and I like the figure of the wood on the back. Tuners are cheap and not the smoothest, but they get the job done and stay in tune. I peeked down onto the spider under the cover and it looks neatly done (I know from reading that the spider from these inexpensive guitars can have excess flashing and that may need to be addressed) and it sits evenly on the cone from what I can see. Eventually I will change strings and probably take it apart to look at the insides, but for now things look good and it sounds good. Not a high end instrument, but for what I paid for it (and this was a return, remember) this will be a good introductory instrument for me and I anticipate that it will serve me well until I get good enough to start thinking about upgrading. I'll play this for a month or so then I might get back with an update.Thisoldman

Had this guitar given to me as a Christmas gift. Although I immediately took I liking to its volume and tone quality, I thought its intonation and parts were a bit of a disappointment. Its intonation certainly isn't the best since the notes do get more and more sharp the higher you are on the fret board. The nut was sort of cheaply made, some of the grooves not even big enough to hold the strings it came with. Tuners were okay but out of all the guitars I own, I think this own goes out of tune the most. Even my Squier Affinity Telecaster, which is a guitar that comes in a complete guitarist starter package, stays in tune more and has better intonation. I would definitely recommend this guitar, especially to those that are more on the novice level or want an affordable resonator. If you do buy this guitar I just want you to know that it does have great tone, but I suggest finding a local music store that fixes guitars because it can use some improvements. You may want to ask them to have the instrument intonated. As for the tuners, you may want to replace them with Grover tuning machines. They're often used on Epiphone Les Paul's. My Les Paul has these tuners and they can go a few weeks without going out of tune. The tuners on this guitar can hardly go a few hours without going out of tune. Just something to consider if you do buy this.J.R.

I wanted to check-out an electric resonator guitar without breaking the bank. This one was better-than-expected, but I didn't end up keeping the guitar.guys-great-guitars

The construction is marginal, the intonement is terrible, the cone and spider are junk, as are the strings. If you're a half-decent shade-tree luthier you can make it into a good resonator, but it requires a new cone and spider and nut and saddle and strings, routing out the rear of the cone shelf for proper intonement spacing, much filling in and smoothing and leveling of the cone shelf, shimming of the tailpiece, and maybe even a new cover plate. Mine now sounds really good, but the parts cost more than the original guitar and it required many hours of luthier work. All that not withstanding, still much less expensive that a comparable off-the-shelf properly setup high-end resonator.drrickt

this thing is the second one i bought on ebay, the first was the non cutaway model. loved it. but had to let it go. so i wanted another, and bought this one. it arrived today well packed and F A S T fast. the guitar is beautiful, no immediate flaws i saw, and was set up well for slide. the neck is straight no sharp fret edges, and the preamp is capable of some nice sound sculpting, 4 bands.. bass mid treb and presence… just what the doctor ordered. it's a nice round neck and the action is kinda high, but you want that for slide. sounds great accoustically or amplified. for 159.00, it is impossible to get a better deal anywhere. factor in the fast free shipping, and it's an unbeatable combo. you always wanted one of these, admit it… well, at this price, you can get one and if you don't like it, sell it for more than you paid for it. nicely made instrument for this price point for sure!phatjbp

Everything I expected in appearance, sound and playability and excellent value for money for a novice to lap style acoustic guitar.Reviewed by Andertons Music Co.

This was my first metal body resonator, have a Gretsch wood body res that I really like that has a great tone and action, and wanted a metal bodied one for the more aggressive twang, which the Swamp Dog definitely has! I'm modifying mine-stripped off the green patina in favor of the natural bell brass, upgrading the tuners, cone and bridge, and in the process found that the "revabond" fingerboard kinda sucked out of the box. It's painted/treated with a black dye of some sort to look like ebony-which very quickly and easily ends up on your fingers-not cool! Maybe they skipped a step at the factory to seal it better, but I'm not the only one to have that issue. I've sanded whatever it was off the board and have no problem with the way it looks/feels now, but I don't think I'd buy it again-or any other guitar with a revabond anything on it. Before you say "you get what you pay for", I didn't expect it to be on the same level as a National-and for me it's definitely a keeper, at the same time this is not a bottom of the barrel resonator, and we shouldn't have to look like we've just been fingerprinted after playing it.Will

Great tones out of a beautifully constructed guitar. Great looking distressed green and brass coloring is eye catching. Glad I got it.mkan1113

I spent a lot of time attempting to research this model and find out more about before buying it. Being such a new model, their wasn't much information. I had a Regal years ago and gave up on resonator guitar because I could not get the sound I wanted. I have stayed away from resonators since then because I assumed it was my inability to play one properly. After taking a chance on this Recording King I am happy to say I was wrong. I love the sounds this beauty puts out, and it plays great. Despite being made in China, Recording King produces quality instruments that are inspected and setup in the USA. Even if you decide you don't like the sound of this resonator guitar (sound great to me though!) you can hotrod it out with an aftermarket cone and have a stunning looking and sounding guitar.Otter

I've been playing resonators for over 45 years and I've had everything from 50's Nationals, Dobros etc. The CE (same as the Rouge brand guitar only better) sounds good but not great, worthy of a resonator upgrade to a Beard maybe. I would describe the sound as a bit midrange but flat wound strings would help that a lot. It plays great right out of the box but remember it's a biscuit guitar so they never tune as accurate as a standard guitar. So why is this such a great value? An $800 Gretchen or Fender of the same style will sound better but nowhere close to $400 better and they lack some great features of the CE. It comes with much needed Grover tuners and NO slotted head, notorious for breaking, a pickup that sounds pretty good, surprisingly good workmanship (I'm being really hard on my review), a removable bridge cover which is a huge plus for bridge adjustments and the best feature is the neck configuration. Resonators always join the neck at the 12 fret which is a real PIA when hitting high notes for affect. Add to that a cutaway and you'll never have to flip your hand over the neck again to reach high notes. It also plays much better than any old resonator (tend to have necks that feel like Stella's and none of the rattle hassles with those old paper thin resonators. Buy it!!Jim

I will use this on select songs in my solo gigs. Finger picking (country, folk, Americana, blue grass) I play 6 & 12 string guitar and banjo though an acoustic amp and this resonator plays great and has a very nice mellow tone both plugged in and unplugged. I'm very happy with it and would defend buy it again. I played semi pro back in the 60's and took a fifty year break as life happened but am back with a passion.Cask Ale Brewmaster

I purchased this guitar based on other reviews I read on this website, and I have not been disappointed. As the other reviewers stated, this is a really sweet guitar for the price. I was very impressed with the workmanship: he binding is flawless, the fret ends are dressed well and smooth, the satin finish is beautiful, and the action is good. I was able to play it straight out of the box. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a good, but inexpensive resonator guitar!Rob

This model of Goldtone squareneck resonator is absolutely best in class. I own two (tuned differently). Incredible bell like tone, sweet wailing and LOUD. I have been playing lapsteel for 40+ years. The color of the front of the guitar on this MF site is horrible. You can get some idea of color by the photo of the back of the guitar on this site. Best photos are on Paul Beard's store site. I ordered my first Gold Tone PBSDeluxe blind. The second one I ordered a year later through Paul Beard's shop because he goes through them and sets them up and changes anything that is not perfect. Once the second one arrived and I heard it, I shipped my first one to across country to have them do a set-up and also install a Fishman Aura pick up like I did with the other. Well worth it, even if you buy it through MF.Bugs

The guitar arrived in quality packing. The guitar may need a setup to sound the best that it can. First loosen all of the strings so that the spider bridge can be easily moved. Then ensure that the leg of the spider bridge that is closest to the lower end of the fingerboard is in alignment with the center of the fingerboard. Next tune the strings to GBDGBD from 1st sting to 6th. Then take a small screwdriver and gradually turn the screw between the two bridge inserts counter clockwise until it is just becomes loose. Then turn the same screw clockwise about half a turn. Strum the strings with a thumb pick and listen for any string rattles. If the strings don't rattle, then you're done. Start playing! But if you hear the strings rattle and vibrate, then turn the screw about 1/8th turn more. Strum again. Repeat this process until you don't hear any strings rattle or buzzing. The finish of the guitar is superb! The guitar reminds me of the Tut Taylor style of dobro. The GUARDIAN guitar case was of good value, too. Enjoy!tincherjw

After many youtube reviews on many makes and types of resonator I opted for the Gretsch G9240 Alligator as loved the style and trust Gretsch quality in this price bracket as have another guitar by them. I was not disappointed! this resonator rocks! fantastic quality of finish, build and sound. Came with quality strings fitted too so stays in tune and great fun playing with slide in open tunings. If you want a quality resonator in this price bracket this is the one! No pick up on these but plenty loud enough for home playing.Reviewed by Absolute Music custo

I don't normally review instruments because it's all pretty subjective (why do people complain about setup??). But this is a phenomenal instrument. Absolutely stunning tone! Tone! Tone! I bought this sight unseen because it was a great deal (after much prior research), but no videos I've heard do this guitar justice. Set up, as you might expect, is sort of a compromise but it suits me well enough out of the box. The instrument has no cosmetic flaws and construction is really quite good. I own other inexpensive guitars and I'd put the Gretsch near the top in terms of overall quality, and way way over the top in terms of sound. I just love that tone!DustyDreamer

A great guitar that performs well. Personal choice of course, however I tried Dobro's, Fenders, etc in spider bridge versions, and just loved the sound of the Gretsch Biscuit bridge Alligator as soon as I picked it up. I found the biscuit bridge has a unique sound compared to the spider's and the cone is def one of the loudest I have come across Build quality is good and really comes to life with open tunings. Again personal choice, however I find a steel slide is my preference over glass slides on this guitar. Playing with a capo is no problem if you so desire. I had a fisherman biscuit pickup installed with pre-amp, by a local tech, and I am happy with the result. My advice is to pick up and play as many reso's as possible until you find the sound you want. I did and I am happySimmo

Still playing at home and recording in home studio. Like the guitar but will be changing strings and setting up with a different nut.GCW

Overall: I ordered a from zZounds,received it super fast as usual,let it sit for a bit to get acclimated to the temp inside my house as I had ordered it in the winter. After playing it for over a year I’ve got to hand it to Epiphone for making sure they got it right. This thing rings forever and plays like butter,actually I could stand to bring the action up to make slide playing easier but I don’t want to mess with a good thing. You aren’t tied to one style of music with this guitar,yes it can very easily get that classic metal bodied sound but depending on your picking technique it gets a very decent folk sound and fingerpicking tone also. Intonation is right on the money and I’ve had no problems with build quality whatsoever. Yes it gets fingerprints super easy but it’s made to play,not just look at(although when shined up she’s pretty). I might try using heavier strings to play more slide but I love the tone it has already and I have a guitar already dedicated to slide anyways. Definitely a keeper,already won over some converts from the musicians who frequently visit my place.. I recommend it!Dave

I’m very happy with this resonator guitar, but there’s some initial work to do which any resonator owner needs to learn. All typical with any resonator unless buying very high end models and even then.,, After I made some tweaks my guitar is singing very nicely. I usually play in open tuning and play a lot of slide. You won’t find better for this price and you might find a guitar much lower quality for the same.If you seek a wood bodied reso with no electronics for under $800 you should consider. Oh and 13-56 strings should go on immediately after initial inspection/work. Your tone will immediately improve in open tunings like G, D, and C. I rated a 5 taking into consideration price and the fact it’s a resonator guitar. Rated as is for what it is.Mountain Rock

I spent a few months researching resonator guitars, and ultimately settled on the Dobro Hound Dog. I really like the simple, vintage look, as I really feel that it's the type of look that goes along with classic blues and slide guitar. Overall, I'm very happy with the look and feel of the instrument, and the sound is unique enough to be a welcome addition to my set of instruments. A few of the negatives: When I first received the guitar from MF, there were several rough spots in the finish, and what appeared to be some specks of glue that had hardened on the finish, and I was not able to remove them. I returned the guitar to MF for an exchange, and the experience was straightforward and hassle-free. Upon receieving the replacement guitar, I noticed a few of the same "rough patches" in the finish, although it had none of the same "glue specks". It's not really an issue; like I said, it is a vintage looking and feeling guitar, just don't go into it thinking that you'll be getting a 100% smooth, laminated-type finish. Again, not a big deal, I'm just overly particular, and I didn't know that was a fairly standard finish for this guitar. Like some others have stated on here, the stock strings are garbage. Just bank on throwing in some coated resonator strings in with your order. I was going to upgrade eventually; new guitars typically come with junky strings, so I wasn't too upset about it. Overall, it is a solid instrument with a great look and great sound. If it came with better strings, and would've been described as having a semi rough, "vintage finish", I would rate it 100%. In my opinion, it's hard to find a nice sounding acoustic in this price range, so this is a nice value, and a great addition to anyone's arsenal who is looking to throw in some slide guitar and unique twang.travis2013

I said waste of time because, since it arrived, all I've done is play. Not getting much else done. This resonator far exceeded my expectations. I wish I was able to get two, one for each tuning I use. When this is paid off, I do play to order another.Minton

I have owned several resonator guitars and the Gretsch is one of the best for the price. However its drum type resonator cavity does not have quite the volume and tone as my previously owned Wechter Sheerhorn. I have had both the mahogany and the maple versions with round soundholes and F-Holes. That being said, the Sheerhorn I purchased for 600 dollars a few years ago has gone up to 1095.00 now. If you are a budget conscious person such as I am the Gretsch is a good buy at 499.00 I purchased mine slightly used at 359.00. I have no interest at all in buying a high dollar resonator when the Gretsch sounds so good for the price.mikeguitarbuilder

I injured my wrist so i can now longer chord a guitar or make the long chords on my mandolin. I still needed to make music. I had never played a dobro.. but took to this very quickly. This dobro is very easily tuned.. and stays that way. Its easy on the strings and when played thru the Jerry Douglas box.. it has unlimited sounds. It sounds the best when unplugged.. but i like acoustic music. For a beginner or an experienced player.. you cannot go wrong with the G9320.Boliver Shagnasty👀

I added a Grover extension nut to raise the action (which is high to begin with) and am using it as a lap resonator. It is easier for me than the full size metal body square necks–I use a chair with a pillow next to me under the headstock to fully support the neck. It holds tuning quite well and the intonation is good. This is loud and gnarly–if you want smooth, this is not the instrument for you.Holly

I ordered the RD-40M open box mint shape. The guitar came re-boxed in mint shape not so much as a scratch on it. The fit and finish was excellent! Most of my guitars I have to set up my work table and set up right away. So far I have not had to touch anything on this guitar, string height and action are great right out of the box. Great sound, loud with good sustain. I have not played slide on it yet though! But I think it will sound great!Old Faithful

I bought the Regal RD-40 natural mahogany squareneck as my first resonator guitar. The sound is very nice. It seems durable and well built; I was disappointed that the soundhole covers were not glued on well at all. One of them was loose in the box, the other came off a couple days later (I reglued them and was ready to go). I'm looking forward to learning on my new reso!!Little Cub

Amazing workmanship for this price. I really like the 14 frets to the body. I also have a Gretsch Root series Boxcar, which has a short scale. The full scale of this one makes a comfortable transition from standard guitars. It has very impressive tone, with harmonics and overtones to spare. It is very responsive, and the harmonic overtones make it very intuitive….. it makes you feel you are channeling Leadbelly with Cooder weaving in and out of the sound. The only improvement they could make to this instrument would be a Fishman pickup like the Gretsch offers. It has great tone and is quite easy to record without being too quiet on very subtle notes. Very well suited to both fingerpicking and slide. If you want a long scale resonator, this is well worth serious consideration. My friend bought a national for over 4 times the price. They are exactly alike…. makes me think Regal supplies National with this one. So for the money… the Regal wins hands down. You will not be disappointed with this one.RifferLicker

This is a great reso for the money. Comes set up perfectly with a great sounding cone and spider. The guitar is very nice looking as well. I had a screenless sound hole cover that had fallen out and was in the box. I just glued it back in. No problem! The only thing is is that this guitar comes with a narrow nut and the string groves on the inserts are narrow as well. If you are used to a narrow string width, you'll be fine, But if you have instruments that are set up with Beard nuts and inserts you may want to change them out. Overall very impressed with this instrument! Thanks MFWill

I told myself I was not going to by another budget reso guitar. (I own the RK RR60vs and RR61VS). I'm saving for a National/Scheerhorn When I saw the Phil Leadbetter model by Recording King I had to have it! I love Phil's playing. The RR-75PL-SN is closer sounding to the GT-PBS. It has a higher end sound than other reso guitars in the price range. It's really crisp and loud sounding.Probably due to the lack of a soundwell.Instead using a open soundpost design. The body is a little deeper. The nut is a little more narrow.(about 1-7/8").The back side edges of the neck are rounded off which makes it comfortable sitting for long periods of time.And the finish is really nice.The RR-75PL is a really nice reso for the money. I will however, install a Quarterman cone in it.Very nice offering from Recording King.Dirty Sanchez

This CBG ismade in China, it say this nowhere on this site or anywhere else. Many fret ends were unpolished and hurt the palm of my hand. The pickup system is weak and noisy. The neck contour and finger board is playable. The sound is fair for a resonator. The biggest problem is they put a thin veneer cover plate on the back to access the electronics, a disaster waiting to happen and the pictures did not show this. The cover plate is very thin and could crack easily or be pried over time by snagging on a shirt. The best part was the dealer shipped fast and readily accepted the return due to the condition of this CBG.Mark

I have played guitar for fifty plus years. 42 years with my Martin D-35. I have no experience with cigar box guitars but decided to take an affordable risk. It has good construction. It came setup to my liking. Keeps its tune – GDGB. I like the sound. I like the looks of the guitar. Its fun to play. I liked the price. Its not my Martin. I dont want it to be. It stands on its own merits.rrdilworth74

I have this one except it is all the brass color. I was told they made about a dozen that way then switched to the 2 tone color. I like the guitar a lot for finger pickinslide and for lap style using a chrome bar. I find it always sounds great with newer strings. A nice mix on an old tube amp and one has a great sound. A very fair price for a nicely made metal resonator.zazenslide

Do not judge this guitar by how it sounds on certain internet sites.You won't really be hearing it. This guitar is not what it seems.That's a good thing.If your looking for a true resonator,this is not one ,in the classic sense,but what it is adds much more versatility. It joins the body at the 15th fret but note that it is a scaled down guitar so your going to have the same access as a resonator that joins the body at the 12th fret. You will still have to contort your wrist to reach a high A with a slide. The cool thing about this axe is that it is more of a hybrid than anything.You have the sound & tone of a true resonator.You have the playability sans the upper neck access of an electric or good acoustic guitar.With the right gage strings you can flip it over,in your lap,& you have a lap steel without high action or setup. I play slide open G & standard licks & standard tuning licks & chords in my show.I use .11's on this Dean with out any intonation problems or volume & tone issues. If your style is only open tunings,then 12 or 13's will be be just fine.I would never use anything over 13's.Don't really know,for sure,there's a need for 13's on this guitar.The neck isn't geared for it & heavier strings won't add anything significant & could cause damage.It's loud enough acoustically to give the woodys a run fer their money in a circle jam & might even scare the bull fiddle player some. Electronics are what you would expect from a guitar made overseas.People have talked about after market parts but I don't see the need….including the cone. The lipstick pickup is a little weak but my techs tell me any after market ones aren't gonna be much better.The transducer pickup is useless on it's own & really not much more than a minimal tone control when blended at best but then,in my experience,all transducers,for a resonator,are like that.If ya want that sound,mike it.Remember,playing a metal resonator,especially playing the blues & slide,is all about trashy sound anyway. Cosmetically,it's everything you see in the pictures & a little more.It's a right purdy MOschine by crackie.When I do a single act I find the people staring at the Dean as often as they stare at me & I'm right purdy myself. Dean hit the lick on this one for what it is.Some say it's a little pricey but when you consider the versatility & the looks I'd say it's worth it.I have several acoustic woodys & metal resonators,on stage with me, & this one sits there right along side of em proudly. Ole HW Jr. was holding one at a recent country award show while rehashing some of his daddy's songs.Now that I own one,I can see why he did. I'd buy another one if need be,Sgtpepperb4

This was my third Dean Guitar. Usually with a new set of strings, you cannot beat the price or the sound. The artwork is amazing on The Dean Chrome G, but the sound is a different story. If you buy this guitar go ahead and spend the extra for a quarterman or beard cone (9 1/2), plus a new biscuit bridge. I just put on a beard cone and was shocked.I cannot believe how much sound I was missing playing on the stock cone and that was playing on old strings. If you spend the extra on the upgrades you will not be sorry for purchasing this guitar.Saltwaterbluefish

This guitar is not worth the money. I'm very disappointed. Should have bought the Gretsch. Tone sucks, cheaply made. The lap steel sucks too. Do not buy, you will not be happy. I regret buying any Recording King instrument. Never again!Mark

Everything with the resonator was excellent. The picture did not due it justice, very good workmanship. It was shipped fast and in great condition due to the excellent packaging.beverly

This guitar is absolutely beautiful! It also sounds great, especially when using an amp! I bought this guitar, because I wanted to learn slide guitar. So far, so good! Its a great addition to my collection!Giovanni