Not that I noticed!

There are sort of three designs of guitars. Many types of metals and wood.

They all sound different. Usually the criteria for you.

New strings are sort of “need breaking in”. More adjusting for a while.

Most retail shops have, comparatively speaking, economy guitars. Better tuners etc. do better. When I was shopping they were typically goofed up pretty bad. Need to have a tuner.

But, I doubt I tune my inexpensive Regal much more than my Harlows. Nor the brass ones.

As they sit the strings sort of get longer. So I tune up before playing.

Phillip, that's a pretty vague assessment you're giving us regarding test driving the guitars.

Like the rest of the guitar world there are varying levels of quality in resonators.

it would be interesting to know which guitars you played, and which type of resonator systems they had. 

Could be as simple as old strings, if the metal body spoke to you, maybe you need it. I have both and play the same on all of them.

I know that some banjos for whatever reason just can't seem to stay in tune. It's a rare one that will. Everybody is always waiting on the banjo player to tune up. I have not noticed any difference in resonator guitars about staying in tune.

Never experienced that with either banjos or banjo players.....

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Originally posted by MarkinSonoma

Phillip, that's a pretty vague assessment you're giving us regarding test driving the guitars.

Like the rest of the guitar world there are varying levels of quality in resonators.

it would be interesting to know which guitars you played, and which type of resonator systems they had. 

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The metal body was a Gretsch Honey Dipper, while the wooden body was a Gretsch Boxcar and Hound Dog

quote:

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Originally posted by Mikoyan1

quote:

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Originally posted by MarkinSonoma

Phillip, that's a pretty vague assessment you're giving us regarding test driving the guitars.

Like the rest of the guitar world there are varying levels of quality in resonators.

it would be interesting to know which guitars you played, and which type of resonator systems they had. 

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The metal body was a Gretsch Honey Dipper, while the wooden body was a Gretsch Boxcar and Hound Dog

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Are you playing round neck or square neck versions of these?  Regardless, aside from the other variables (string condition, setup, etc), you are comparing a metal body biscuit bridge resonator, to wooden body spider style resonators.

Metal body biscuit resonators usually have a sharper attack/bite, and less sustain.  Some describe it as trash-can lid type of sound.  That's my experience as well.

Wooden spider style resonators would have generally mellower sound in comparison, usually more sustained notes (in general, compared to biscuit style).

They are totally different animals.  Players have preferences depending on their ears and playing style/musical genre.  Whether one is more beginner friendly for slide is really individualized IMO.

I own the square neck honey dipper. Seems to hold a tune much like the others.

No easier to play.

Mine was hot rodded by the late Frank Harlow.

Love that 55 gallon drum sound! I think the spider bridge guitars are a bit more universal. But, very personal.

Play one guitar, know one guitar. I haven't found one material to be easier than the other. They do sound different, though, so personal taste matters. In my very limited experience, I prefer wood squarenecks and metal roundnecks. But I like 'em both and haven't played enough of either to judge.

Suggestion: Martin of Washboard Resonators is a terrific player with dozens of videos about roundneck resonator guitars. Even if you play squareneck, he can teach you a lot. Here's just one example of many: How to choose a resonator guitar

Martin of Washboard Resonators also engages in friendly email discussions. Thumbs up to him.

In case I didn't actually answer the question: Not that I've noticed. What you put into them is what you get out of them. But like any guitar, you have to adjust to the particular one you're playing. Because they are particular.