Resonators

Choosing the Right Resonator Guitar for Your Style

Finding the right resonator starts with how and where you play. If you’re a blues guitarist drawn to gritty slide work, a biscuit-style cone with a metal body may be the perfect match. Bluegrass players often prefer spider cones for their warmth and sustain. Looking for something that covers both acoustic and amplified needs? Acoustic-electric models give you resonator tone onstage or in the studio. Body material, cone type and playing technique all factor into which resonator best fits your voice.

Key Resonator Guitar Types and Features

• Cone Types: Tricone, biscuit, spider
• Body Materials: Wood, metal, hybrid (metal cone with wood body)
• Configurations: Round-neck (standard play), square-neck (lap slide)
• Finishes: Chrome, sunburst, natural, engraved or distressed
• Top Brands: Gretsch, Recording King, Dobro, Dean, Gold Tone
• Best For: Blues, bluegrass, Americana, slide guitar, folk, roots music

What are the pros and cons of tricone vs. biscuit vs. spider resonators?

Tricone

• Pros: Smooth sustain, complex overtones
• Cons: Slightly heavier and more expensive

Biscuit

• Pros: Punchy attack, strong mids—great for blues
• Cons: Less sustain and warmth than other styles

Spider

• Pros: Rounder tone, longer sustain—favored for bluegrass
• Cons: Less aggressive for slide-focused playing

Can I use a resonator for both acoustic and electric performances?

Yes—acoustic-electric resonators give you stage-ready tone with onboard electronics. Look for models with under-saddle pickups or onboard preamps for versatile use.

What’s the difference between round-neck and square-neck resonators?

Round-neck models are played like standard guitars and are great for fingerstyle or slide. Square-neck resonators are designed for lap-style playing and offer a higher action—perfect for traditional bluegrass slide technique.

What type of player benefits most from a resonator?

Resonators are ideal for guitarists looking to add character and projection to their sound. They’re also a favorite for players exploring vintage blues, roots rock or folk traditions. If you use alternate tunings or play slide, a resonator opens up new textures and tonal options.