Hello all. Joined the forum today and this is my first post.
2 years ago, I learned that the sound I've loved my whole life came from a resonator. And so, after a 15 year hiatus from playing (only ever on my dad's old Yamaha acoustic), I entered the guitar market. Guitar friends dissuaded me from purchasing a resonator, saying it was too niche and a one-trick-pony. So, I bought a Telecaster & tube amp instead (loved both, but - unaccustomed to electric - felt like there was a barrier between me and music with amp, etc.). I then swung wildly to the other direction (largely inspired by great advice on this forum), purchasing a fantastic Beard squareneck whose tone and looks I absolutely *adored.* However, I found it really hard to get used to playing lap style, not fully understanding that I'd signed up to learn a new instrument. So, I made the tough decision to consign the instrument, subsequently buying a lovely slope-shouldered dreadnought from US-builder, Iris Guitars (love acoustic, but finding dreadnought body too large).
Trouble is, I can't stop thinking about the resonator - and find myself listening constantly to Charlie Parr, Buffalo Nichols, and Kelly Joe Phelps. None of them sound "niche" to me, they just sound amazing and I love it. These artists have pointed me toward Mule and National, and I've previous experience with Beard, whose build quality and finish I found excellent. I'd like to play blues, alt-country, folk...and learn fingerstyle and slide.
I'm lucky to be close to several incredible guitar stores in Toronto, Canada - including Folkway Music and The Twelfth Fret - who are dealers for National and Beard. My preference is to buy used. I've researched Mule and love their vibe, but am having trouble justifying a guitar I've never tried personally. The honest reality is that I'm 48 years old, a beginner, and looking to jump back into the instrument for the love of the music. 90% of the time this is going to be me playing solo on my couch and singing. When I gain confidence and skill, perhaps playing with friends. I'm hoping to purchase one exceptional instrument, get to know it, and stick with it.
Rather than hop into another ill-fated purchase, I'd welcome your collective expertise and guidance. What are the questions I ought to be asking myself? What is the "decision tree" here?
Thank you so much for any direction you can offer.
-Andrew
Edited by - andrewpf on 04/13/2025 22:39:08
Andrew: I would suggest first deciding which of these three main guitar style suits your desires the best...metal body tricone, metal body biscuit bridge single cone or wood body spider bridge. Once you realize what you’re looking for, it will narrow the choices considerably. These all have different sustain, warmth, funk, sweetness, attack and mood. There are other types but, in my opinion, these are the main choices. In your own hands would be best, but these guitars differ enough that you can get an idea listening to sound clips,
I second that on the types & sounds, though I'm partial to tricones. I will add one more- wood body biscuit.
And lucky you for being able to visit Twelfth Fret; I've traded emails and purchased online, with nothing but positive experiences. They also carry Michael Messer guitars- a midrange British import that I've read good things about but have never seen/heard, as they're not imported to the US (at least, not the last time I checked).
As always, play them all and see/hear what you like. Though one more thing- tricones are also the coolest looking.
docslyd wlgiii Thanks to you both for your thoughtful replies. Breaking the options down into 3-4 major types & sounds gives me a helpful framework to collect my thoughts and listening notes. I’ll try to play everything I can in person, listen to clips for those I can’t, and see what emerges. I continue to welcome additional thoughts from anyone else who may wish to share their perspective. Thanks again.
Playability is a big factor. When playing slide, if you are able to get the desired sound with a light touch on the bar, no problem - you’re ahead of the game. Otherwise you have to start factoring in string gauges & height which greatly affect playability/sound. There’s a fine line between buzzing and fingers cramping. Try out as many as you can before you pull the trigger, as each one has its own strengths (and weaknesses).
Edited by - FrederickPatterson on 04/15/2025 11:25:19
FrederickPatterson Thank you very much.
I will echo Wigiii about the wood body Biscuit .
Andrew, any progress?
If you haven't gotten your reso yet, you might find that the Washtub Resonators YouTube videos can teach you a lot.
Charlie Bernstein
Hello Charlie,
Thank you for checking in and for suggesting the Washboard Resonators. I have indeed spent hours on their YouTube channel and learned a lot!
I've *not* gotten my resonator yet; I did, however, trade in my dreadnought and purchase a used, less expensive Martin 0-18 small-bodied acoustic. It's fine and it's comfortable but I don't love it.
docslyd and wlgiii had articulated a helpful framework re: main guitar styles:
1. metal body tricone
2. metal body biscuit bridge single cone
3. wood body spider bridge;
4. wood body biscuit.
For (1) and (2), I found the weight too much. Remain open to (3) and (4). And, without ever having tried it, I remain obsessed with the Mule Mavis!
Onward!
quote:
Originally posted by andrewpfCharlie Bernstein
Hello Charlie,
Thank you for checking in and for suggesting the Washboard Resonators. I have indeed spent hours on their YouTube channel and learned a lot!
I've *not* gotten my resonator yet; I did, however, trade in my dreadnought and purchase a used, less expensive Martin 0-18 small-bodied acoustic. It's fine and it's comfortable but I don't love it.
docslyd and wlgiii had articulated a helpful framework re: main guitar styles:
1. metal body tricone
2. metal body biscuit bridge single cone
3. wood body spider bridge;
4. wood body biscuit.
For (1) and (2), I found the weight too much. Remain open to (3) and (4). And, without ever having tried it, I remain obsessed with the Mule Mavis!
Onward!
Sounds like you're on to something, Andrew. You're right about the weight of metal guitars. I have one, so I bought a three-inch-wide bison strap from Lakota Leathers. Comfy! But still heavy.
But nothing wrong with a wood guitar, right? Just Googled Mule Mavis, and it sure is pretty. Not a bad obsession to have!
Keep on pluckin'!
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