This one had me scratching my head. I went to a guitar store yesterday to get some picks and strings and just general browsing. I looked at some classical guitars that I'm interested on getting when I came upon this resonator.I had to double then triple my look to make sure I wasn't seeing things.Sure enough it had four bass strings on it.It was a new resonator and not an older one to my way of thinking.Has anyone ever seen one? I can't understand what use it would have that a regular resonator can't do.May to have a bass sound without an amp for bluegrass.You can't afford a upright standup bass. I have no clue. Anyone want to take a guess at it?

Expensive firewood or canoe paddle. Sorry I couldn't resist. I think some things are better left alone.

It appears like a novelity item to me,something that looks cool,but I just don't see why anywould would seriously even consider playing one.I'd buy a acoustic bass(not a standup upright one) because I can't afford or have room for the big one.They are acceptable in bluegrass and folk bands.But a bass resonator? That's just wrong!

Why not they are making a Bass Ukulele with rubber band strings now

Why not they are making a Bass Ukulele with rubber band strings now

Check this out.

youtube.com/watch?v=k6rLhTUrOX0

Well, guess they might be useful after all!!! Looked like Jimmy was pretty happy with the bass, Mike was splendid as always, and nothing beats a BEARD, in my opinion. As far as affording an upright bass, not a problem, but more power to anyone willing to haul it around. Probably easier than moving a piano, but pianos usually stay put!

So where is it? Might be interested!!!

I have been corrected.An older player on another guitar forum said they have been making them for years.The model I saw was most likely a Regal and it was a acoustic only model.I guess it afforable and easier to carry than the huge stand up basses,not to mention storage place.

I have a NS Design EUB that I use now and then, because it fits right in the VW.
I've seen the reso basses and the NS isn't as bulky. The downside is that I have to use a Pignose bass amp to be heard.

Just to let you know, Dobro themselves used to make reso basses.

That be a Regal bass reso. I will stay with a stand up non reso base. Am waiting on my new Birch Try-Cone reso.

Here is a reso-bass made by OMI in 1995.

OMI Dobro Bass

I would imagine it would be a little louder than one of those Martin or Guild acoustic basses.

I'm a bass player and find the reso basses a great way to be able to play with acoustic guitar players. Think about having to carry around an upright Bass...not so easy. Plugging in an electric may not be convenient. So, a nice loud reso bass is just the ticket to be heard when playing acoustically.

Spoon

Although they no longer show one in their web catalogue, National has made them for years, almost a hundred of them.

Because of the wide frequency and dynamic response of cones, it is possible to make a good-sounding reso acoustic bass guitar without having to build a huge body.

Don't knock it 'til you try it!  

I know you should never answer a question with a counter question, but my counter question would be: why not?

Yeah, that could be kinda fun to play if the volume was good.