Best Budget Resonator Guitar (Jan 2023 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.

Aesthetically stunning instrument and in a relatively affordable price range. Lovely workmanship. Great sound and playability.packratpratt

Im using it as a go to guitar period it wasnt ready outta the box . My luthier always changes the factory strings , cleaned it good set the neck, tuned it its to me the epitome of the blues , after setup my luthier whose a player himself played some slide,and finger picked it , his only comment is the chrome is going to be a bear to keep clean but structurally it well put together.Oldzman

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

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

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

I have wanted to get a mid-priced resonator for a while, and read some good reviews of this guitar, so pulled the trigger on buying one. It looks good, and has a nice tone (although it doesn't sound as loud as other resonators to me). I would prefer the action to be a little higher, but I think it might be improved by putting slightly heavier gauge strings on, so I'll probably try that rather than raise the action. The pickup is on the quiet side, but the sound from it is OK, and I can improve it quite a bit by running it through a SansAmp driver. When looking closer, I'm not so impressed with the finishing, particularly around the f holes, where it's just sloppy. It looks like the holes were cut then sandpapered rather than trimmed carefully. The edges of the f holes are obviously stained like the rest of the body, but no finish has been applied, so they look rough and dull. The headstock is also not finished well, and it also looks like a rough cut was then sanded. Overall it's a good guitar, but it does have a few build issues that I wouldn't expect to see on a guitar in this price range.Michael M

I am impressed with this little resonator. I also own a Regal RD-40 so this is more a comparison. The short scale gives this a nice tone that is a bit more for slide only than the Regal which is a 14 fret to the body. It comes with very light strings, which are more suited to picking vs. slide. I put on a set of Curt Mangan customs (check out his website), which are 16 18p 26W 36 46 56. This resonator is so sweet with heavier gauge strings it defies description. I have it tuned D A D F# A D which seems to suit this resonator. It has excellent harmonics and some very subtle overtones in this tuning. Seems to lose a bit (but is still excellent) tuned to a G or C. This is a keeper. I have actually played a lick that just raised hair on my neck and brought out some maniacal laughter…… this is what life is all about… and if someone tells you different they're just flipping lying. Get one.RifferLicker

I love this guitar. It sounds great. I have played it in several different tunings and I really love it. I looks great and sounds amazing.Mark

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

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

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

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

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👀

This rig just oozes swamp blues. I use it for open slide and the sound makes me feel like I'm on a river somewhere in the deep south. The action was high, which is a good thing for slide. This beast is heavy… I mean hella heavy, and tends to want to slip off your lap (opposite of neck dive); I use a strap even when seated. There are no electronics (it's *so* loud that you might not really need them) and there is no strap button near the neck; you have to tie off a strap to the headstock. Only gripe is that I wish the octave was more accessible; if you're playing with slide on ring finger it's tough to get past the 11th fret.Alexander

Took acoustic fingerstyle lessons for a few years and played in a few ensembles. Last year I started on slide guitar. You can read my slide reviews elsewhere on MF. Well I wanted to go Resonator and this fit the bill. I compared it to high end ones and there is more a difference in "bling" than quality. For an active student and amateur performer this is a wonderful guitar. Great tone. Nice Frets. Sturdy soft V neck. Wide Nut for fingerstyle or slide playing. Very loud for an acoustic. The cone is great. For the price there is nothing to complain about. If I had to I'd say a matching case would nice – with faux gator skin. I am currently using a classical guitar padded gig bag and it fits like it was made for it.Mr. Prytania

I purchased the G9221 with pickup and spider bridge – and though it was a nice instrument the tone wasn't what I was looking for. So I then decided to get the G9201. I was wanting that filthy grimy ka-dunk delta tone on the low strings and the G9221 was more chimey with a sweet bell like tone. If you're not a slide player or don't specifically want that thick swampy resonator tone, the G9221 is more for you in my opinion. You get a resonating tone that can play your acoustic riffs that adds a melodic chime to them. If you are like me and want a thick growl from your resonator, the biscuit bridge G9201 is what you are looking for. Though it doesn't come with a pickup- based on acoustic tone alone these are the tonal differences I found, and for my playing style with the tone I was looking for I much preferred the G9201. That's not to say the G9221 isn't a quality instrument but based purely on tone I prefer the G9201. From an aesthetic perspective, the G9221 looks almost chrome to whereas the G9201 has the brass/metal body look but is not a mirror like chrome look in its appearance. The spider bridge vs the biscuit bridge along with differing body materials on each guitar produces 2 completely different tones. Hope this helps you make your selection.Jesse

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 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

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