Lightnin vs Blues guitar

[kwlblues]

I want to buy a resonator but undecided between the lightnin and the blues. I like Son House etc but think the sound might be a bit harsh for other projects Keb Mo. Which songs work best for people on which guitar? Ps I'm a relative newbie to resonator and currently use an adapted Martin (which I like as a purely acoustic)

[Michael Messer]

Jan 10, 2022 13:43:02 GMT kwlblues said:

I want to buy a resonator but undecided between the lightnin and the blues. I like Son House etc but think the sound might be a bit harsh for other projects Keb Mo. Which songs work best for people on which guitar? Ps I'm a relative newbie to resonator and currently use an adapted Martin (which I like as a purely acoustic)

Hello kwlblues,

Welcome to our forum.

I am sure you will get some good advice from forum members, but until then here's a few words from me on the subject.

First of all, don't think that all steel bodied National guitars will make you sound like Son House. It was Son House that sounded like that whether was playing steel or brass bodied Nationals, both of which he played. Steel bodied National-style guitars can sound sweet and warm in some players hands and metallic and raw in others. Keb Mo is a much more gentle player than Son House was and no matter what guitar he plays it does not sound raw and metallic.

The advice I always give to people that ask me this question, which I do get asked a lot, is to get the guitar that your heart is telling you to get. The one your eyes and heart are drawn to is the one to get. Both of those models have the classic 1930s National sound that you are looking for, but with a few differences. The brass bodied Lightning has a slightly more sophisticated sound that the 12 fret steel bodied Blues with more overtones and harmonics, but the steel Blues has a fatter sound with a fatter bottom end and a little brighter on the top. Both instruments can sound sweet or raw, depending on who is playing them. I said "12 fret Blues" because the Lightning is a 12 fret guitar. 14 fret steel bodied guitars have slightly less bass, but are very powerful in the mids and highs. Again, you would still be getting the sound you are looking for with a 14 fret MM Blues.

I hope I haven't confused you. If I have, please don't hesitate to ask more questions, I am always happy to help and advise about guitars. Also, I am sure you will get some good advice from some of our very knowledgeable forum members.

Shine On
Michael

[bonzo]

Hi KW, welcome to the forum.
If you really can't make up your mind go for the Lightning.
That way you'll have a great guitar and something beautiful to look at while saving up for the blues!

Best wishes to you all, John

[kwlblues]

Thanks Michael and John for your useful advice. Have researched resonators for ages without actually having the chance to play one. When I came across MM guitars everything I read/heard has been second to none. Loving the website and forum also. Need to look deep into my psyche/soul to choose or failing that relish a few more vids before I choose!

Alan
Keep the faith
COYWM

[lonelyjelly]

Maybe you could try out one or both first? I'm sure someone on the forum will be happy to let you try theirs. If you're anywhere near Worthing, West Sussex then feel free to pop over and try my MM Blues 🎸

[Stevie]

I'm near Heathrow if'n you want to try an MM brass body.

でつ e&oe ...

[gordon]

And if you get on a plane to France when you're down Heathrow way, or a train from London town, you're welcome to try my MM Blues 36!
Seriously though, videos are ok but hearing these guitars up close and playing them, that's a whole different thing.