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The resonator guitar reviews database is here to help educate people before they purchase an instrument. Of course, this is not meant to be a substitute for playing the instrument yourself!
265 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Mundt Music
Year Purchased: 2014
Price Paid: $359 ($US)
This guitar sounds great to me. It's loud enough, and it seems well-balanced from high to low. Can really growl or be real sweet.
Sound Rating: 10
Well setup when purchased...no changes needed.
Setup Rating: 10
For the most part, a good looking instrument. That said, there are some minor finish flaws...but this is a $350 instrument, not one costing over a grand.
Appearance Rating: 8
The coverplate is somewhat lightly built...but it does keep the overall weight of the guitar pretty light and very easy to handle. The guitar will out-live me, i'm sure.
Reliability Rating: 8
Can't say anything about Gretsch's customer service...I didn't deal directly with them so no rating here.
Customer Service: not rated
The resonator cone seems to be top-notch, and the v-neck is real nice and comfortable. The Grover tuners are smooth and accurate. Gretsch didn't scrimp on these parts.
Components Rating: 10
Minor finish flaws aside, this is a very well-built guitar. All the joints are tight, everything's screwed down well, all the seams are smooth and tight, and the frets are dressed evenly. I love the sound...it does what I want it to do. It appears that Gretsch has done a good job in making great sounding, good-looking (for the most part) resonator guitars at prices not the least bit intimidating.
Overall Rating: 9
Where Purchased: Sweetwater
Year Purchased: 2014
Price Paid: 350 ($US)
Sounds great right out of the box. Loder and Brighter than the Regal RD45s that I used to own. I chose a rating of 8 because I realize an American made handbuilt instrument would probably sound better. I'll probably never know.
Sound Rating: 8
I'm a newbie so take it for what it's worth. IMO perfectly playable out of the box. No rattles or buzz. Needs nothing.
Setup Rating: 10
Guitar has no flaws. Matte finish is not my favorite but gotta admit it looks pretty good. Guitar arrived clean and neat.
Appearance Rating: 9
Yes. Grover open geared tuners and hand spun euopean aluminum cone.
Cover plate seems a bit light but maybe that's by design.
Reliability Rating: 9
1 year warranty. It'll out last that for sure
Customer Service: 8
Great for the money. Can't complain
Components Rating: 8
Great bang for the buck instrument. I gave mostly scores of 8/10 just because it's an import instrument and I'm trying to be realistic. Bottom line, I'm very pleased with it!
Overall Rating: 8
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