Anyone played one of these Phillips Resos before

[gaucho]

They look nice, but are pretty pricey. I have a Republic that's this basic shape and it's very comfortable to play....

Phillips Resonator

[Deleted]

This was, apparently, handcrafted in the US by this guy. (<--that's a link, but links don't show up properly)

Obviously the Republics are made in China, although given the cost of CNC equipment, they're possibly made by hand too. But you could buy FIVE Republics for the price of this. And the Republics at least have the slotted headstock, which I feel is important to the overall look of a resonator. My Republic is an excellent guitar, I certainly can't find any flaws with it.

[Michael Messer]

Hi Gaucho,

I have played a couple of Ron Phillips' guitars. The metalwork is beautiful, if you like Ron's designs. They play well and sound good. Beyond that, as a guitar manufacturer, it would not be right for me to comment further.

Shine On
Michael

[blueshome]

Check out Del Ray. I've seen and heard her Phillips in person and it sounds great. I would put it in the 1st rank of makers on the basis of this. In the end you get what you pay for and what satisfies you and your ears and hands.

[Deleted]

oops. false alarm.

[obrienp]

I can certainly attest to both Del Ray's amazing playing and the sound of her Phillips guitar. I had the pleasure of attending a Blues Week at which she was an instructor and played a staff concert. Just incredible, although the class I attended was way beyond my abilities, I could appreciate that it was pure gold for those who could keep up!

[charliechitlins]

Those Republics sure look the business.
I'd like to try one.
Probably plenty good for my limited skills.

[bignatz]

I had one of his resos close to 10 years ago, after waiting for a couple of years and shelling out $2500 or so - they're going for almost twice that now. I have to say that for my taste it wasn't as good an instrument as they're made out to be. They're going up in price in large part because from what I've heard Ron isn't making them anymore. For certain people who demand a lot of individual note articulation at the expense of volume, they're really good instruments. Other things about them I didn't like - including the 1 3/4 fretboard width and the overall neck profile, which after playing Nationals for most of my playing career seemed too insubstantial for me. For people with smaller hands, the width and profile was probably and advantage. In short, I'd never buy one sight unseen - better play it first. 

[snakehips]

Hi there !

This one for sale sounds pretty dam good, and looks great too (except but the ugly splayed strings coming from the tailpiece - I'd change that to a traditional tailpiece in an instant).

www.dreamguitars.com/detail/5044-phillips_large_parlor_2007/