I may be about to buy my first Resonator

[creamintheblues]

Good afternoon all, I've stumbled upon this forum in a somewhat convoluted way.

I've been inspired by recent local live music events to learn guitar (again!). I've always enjoyed British blues rock and nowadays I'm enjoying the blues roots more and more. I was at an event last Thursday and the music emanating from a very talented chap's metal bodied guitar gave me the biggest smile! It just felt incredible!!

That was the first time I'd heard of a Resonator guitar and I think I need to treat myself to one to help motivate and inspire my learning journey.

I don't have much of a budget so I thought I needed a Recording King. I live in Dorset and was speaking with a blues musician at another event this weekend, he mentioned Icarus guitars, made locally. I got to researching last night, and that's when I stumbled upon Michael Messer, for the first time.

The more I've learned about these guitars, the more I realise how much I don't know.

I don't plan to gig, just have fun at home. I don't need a guitar to sound big. I was thinking of a wooden or brass bodied guitar for a warmer tone, but mostly because anything else seems so alien, maybe that'd be a good thing. Probably a single cone biscuit setup. Maybe a parlour size for comfort.

The more I think of a British built guitar, the more it feels like a good choice. 

Shortlist of contenders from MM range is Blues '28 or Lightning but I don't know how to choose between. I need to find a used one to meet my budget of £400, and I'm wondering, where's the best place to learn more, and find second hand? I have looked on the Tin Can Alley here but it's not so easy to browse.

I don't know anyone to provide an unbiased in person.

Thanks all. Mark

[celticdelta]

Hi,

In terms of choosing which guitar to go for there are many posts on here and other places comparing the variations of resonator guitars. Youtube for example will have videos comparing them so you can hear the tonal variations.. I'll not go into them here as the complexities and variations between body material, resonator type, and what not have been discussed to death on this forum.

When it comes to brands the Icarus are good value in the price point that they are. But like most mid range resonators on the market they are all made in the same factory and sent out under different names. so the only price variations you're paying for are whatever name it says on the top. But some of these guitars like those branded by Icarus are great little intro resonators, that with a few tweaks will stand up to some more "highend" guitars

The MM guitars are fantastic instruments, however, due to the price increase they are now at the top end of the spectrum of "mid range" in terms of pricing. That said these prices more accurately reflect they're value as they are worth every penny. It is still possible to pick these guitars up 2nd hand in a price mark closer to your budget. I seen an MM lightening go on Ebay yesterday for around £450 I think.. so keeping an eye out on Ebay and gumtree is a good move.

Hope this helps

[pete1951]

Busker are worth looking at. They were imported by the same person who setup Michael’s guitars in the early years. They went out of business a few years ago but as Michael improved his guitars Busker added the improvements to his.

So a late Busker has some of the features of mid period MMs

Michael now has them set up by a very respected maker, so they are now even better. But Buskers are not bad and probably cheaper second hand.
Pete

[creamintheblues]

Thank you for your replies. I've spent quite some browsing this forum over the past couple of days and I've been doing YouTube to death. I'm settled on a second-hand MM. Would be happy with either the Blues '28 or Lightning. I noticed a Lightning in the Tin Can Alley and have messaged the seller though I suspect these guitars go as quickly as they appear! I'll set some alerts on Ebay.

Thanks for info on the Busker, I had no idea.

[neilm]

Hi....just to let you know there is a couple of MM guitars on Facebook Marketplace......you should be able to arrange a courier depending on the seller.

[creamintheblues]

Aug 7, 2023 20:41:52 GMT neilm said:

Hi....just to let you know there is a couple of MM guitars on Facebook Marketplace......you should be able to arrange a courier depending on the seller.

Thank you kindly

[celticdelta]

Aug 7, 2023 20:41:52 GMT neilm said:

Hi....just to let you know there is a couple of MM guitars on Facebook Marketplace......you should be able to arrange a courier depending on the seller.

Check out this link, 
Not an MM but like Neilm says Marketplace is a good place to browse
www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2745841328899942/?ref=facebook_story_share

[creamintheblues]

Just a quick update. I went and bought my first resonator.

MM Lightning

So excited to receive it.