The Vintage Acoustic Resonator Guitar

I dont know if it is because the Resonator Guitar designed as far back as the 1920s to increase the volume levels of the guitar, as it was having to compete
with the growing number of "horns" and drums that came more and more prevalent. during the early blues - jazz era that make this sound so unmistakably retro.

This guitar before amplification came in was the only guitar that could be heard when playing in a band that had horns and "kick drums" as part of the line up.

Originally known as the "ampliphonic resonator", they have large but quite light weight internal speakers built into them. The cone shaped speakers usually made from aluminium was housed in part of the body, thus projecting the sound, like a loud speaker.

The Unique sound of the resonator is usually associated with the "delta Blues", "rock" , "Blue Grass" and swampy slide. When played with a "bottle Neck" (slide) it is often used with an open tuning. The sound that comes out of this guitar is completely different from the conventional
acoustic guitar. The tone If it has a metal body, (most "dobros") are made of metal, but some Like the Vintage also have wooden bodies with the "bread basket" internal speaker. his vibrates when the guitar strings are played and the membrane resonates, giving the unique resonator sound. The all metal resonator guitars have a very bright, sound that cuts through. The wood body resonator guitars still have the metal resonator enclosing the membrane and the sound is a cross between the wood body acoustic guitar and the full metal body resonators.

The resonator guitar is really for the guitarist that wants to move to a different level of playing, once you start mind you you will become hooked and only play with a slide because the sound is soooo not like anything that you here around these days.

If you really want to buy a good solid resonator and have a bit of cash to be using up, Nationals are the ONLY guitars I would look at. Just the look of these guitars makes you want to pick them up and play play play. I would highly recommend anyone that is looking to kick start their guitar playing please check out this instrument. You will be so glad you did.

Cheers.