I need a new resonator...

Lap steels, resonators, multi-neck consoles and acoustic steel guitars

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Nathan Guilford
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I need a new resonator...

Post by Nathan Guilford »

I have a Regal squareneck that is so crooked that it barely resonates with new strings and a "make-do" piezo pickup taped inside.
Obviously, I need a new one! I'm looking for a new or used resonator that projects but also has a pickup. What brands or models should I get for a "bang for buck" gigging musician?
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Stanislav Paskalev
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Re: I need a new resonator...

Post by Stanislav Paskalev »

Can you post a photo with the cone removed ? I have successfully done two neck resets on squareneck resonators - the floating neck-stick arrangement is easy to work on with just crude woodworking tools.
My current preferred tunings: Bb-C-Db-E-G-A-B-D on 8 strings and C-E-G-A-B-D on 6 strings
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K Maul
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Re: I need a new resonator...

Post by K Maul »

If you are on a really tight budget, the Gretsch dobro with Fishman bridge pickup sounds pretty good for the money. Next up from that is a Gold Tone.
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Doug Anderson
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Re: I need a new resonator...

Post by Doug Anderson »

K Maul wrote: 8 Mar 2026 7:18 am If you are on a really tight budget, the Gretsch dobro with Fishman bridge pickup sounds pretty good for the money. Next up from that is a Gold Tone.
I have the Gretsch dobro and I think its a great choice.
Lloyd Graves
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Re: I need a new resonator...

Post by Lloyd Graves »

I have a 1970s, metal body, OMI Dobro that I'm thinking of parting with. I don't have a pickup, but have had great success with a Myers feather mic. No feedback issues in medium sized bars and restaurants.

Acoustically, it is quite loud. Way louder than my previous, wood body instrument.
Last edited by Lloyd Graves on 10 Mar 2026 4:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Glenn Wilde
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Re: I need a new resonator...

Post by Glenn Wilde »

A budget reso? I'd go for an old OMI for a wood body, I've had a couple and they were good, serviceable guitars. I see decent ones for 6- 800 bux. I had a Regal Black Lightning that was excellent, my friend has it now, it's his only Dobro and serves him well.
D Schubert
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Re: I need a new resonator...

Post by D Schubert »

I sent you a PM
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Lee Rider
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Re: I need a new resonator...

Post by Lee Rider »

I'm selling this one:

viewtopic.php?p=3283461#p3283461

Sounds great acoustic or plugged in.
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Bill McCloskey
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Re: I need a new resonator...

Post by Bill McCloskey »

I have an 8 string Benoit with a pickup. Let me know if you are interested.
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Lee Rider
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Re: I need a new resonator...

Post by Lee Rider »

This is cool and not too spendy:

viewtopic.php?t=414249
Bowman SD10 push pull 3x5, Modified Hudson PedalBro, Sarno Tonic preamp, Furlong split, Altec 418B in Standel Custom 15, '67 Showman with D-130F in cabinet, Ganz Straight Ahead, custom Wolfe 6 string dobro, '52 Gibson Century 6, Gallagher OM with acoustic StringBender, '67 Martin D-35s (#3).