Resonator Guitars

[Scriptor]

I'm an old Folk/Bluegrass/Americana guy at heart so in the last few years, I've been getting back into acoustic instruments other than guitar.  So far, I have a banjo, a mandolin (soon to be traded for an octave mandolin), tenor guitar and fiddle.  I am considering a resonator guitar as a future acquisition.  I certainly don't want to go top of the line for my first one, but wanted to know if anyone has some recommendations for some good middle priced resonator guitars.  Thanks.

[sachi]

There was a good thread on this very issue over at the AGF. I've never played them but they were suggesting the Hot Rod brand as a good start. Apparently you can get a reasonably inexpensive one and then put in a resonator cone from a National or other top maker to improve it.

Hope this helps!

[dcarey]

Well, for starters, there are lots of different resonator guitars out there,
Do you want (prefer):
round neck
square neck
steel body
brass body
wood body
Tri-cone
Single cone w/spyder bridge
Single cone w/biscuit bridge

Spend some time on http://www.nationalguitars.com/  and listen to the sound clips.
It'll help you to decide.
I opted to buy a Regal Tricone (left on the rack in the photo) and a Regal Duolian (right on the rack in the photo)

[cjd-player]

Actually, its pretty easy to make one using common household items and a fork. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1o83WUun3-c

[Scriptor]

Actually, its pretty easy to make one using common household items and a fork. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1o83WUun3-c

Ha!  That was quite a transformation!     

[dcarey]

Actually, its pretty easy to make one using common household items and a fork. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1o83WUun3-c

Eltjo ALWAYS makes a wonderful holiday video. Search some of his older ones, they're Classic!

Dan

[not darth]

Actually, its pretty easy to make one using common household items and a fork. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1o83WUun3-c

So that's how they make 'em!!!
    
-K