Help me choose a Resonator

[15fingers]

Hello!

I’m looking to buy my first resonator, but am having trouble choosing which one, not helped by the fact the no guitar shops stock any resonator so I can’t try before buying.

I’m after a wood body resonator, high fret access is important (either a join a fret 14 or a cutaway), I also prefer (due to small hands) a smaller scale length - a neck with a feel like a Gibson les Paul fits perfectly. Budget is <£1000. I play delta finger style blues and slide.

I’ve narrowed it down to…..

- Michal Messer Blues ‘36
- Royall Trifonium cutaway
- Republic Highway 61

Im learning towards the MM as it’s a UK brand (and the cheapest!), but the highway 61 has the smaller scale length and better high fret access…. If anyone has any opinions on which one I should choose (or any other option) I’d love to hear them!

Cheers

Tom

[Pickers Ditch]

Welcome to the forum Tom.

That's an easy one.

- Michael Messer Blues ‘36

Yes, the scale length is longer than you're asking for but within minutes you won't notice the difference if it is strung with Newtone round core resonator strings.

Just my suggestion...

[bonzo]

Hi Tom, welcome to the forum.
Wot PD sez is right on the money.
Something you haven't taken into account is that you will in fact be owning more than one reso!
Start off with the MM then get a 61 after a while. The 61 I have is quite possibly the loudest resonator I have ever heard and like a tin can with strings on, in a good way. Don't forget the Newtone strings (which come on the MM guitar) and of course a nice Diamond bottleneck slide to start your collection 😉

[thinline72]

+1 here. It's hard to imagine a better deal in terms of value really. One very important note to add (especially as it's your first reso) is that MM guitars come with a proper setup right away. And I think it makes a huge difference when you are starting out playing a reso. Oh and you are also getting a lifetime support by MM who is always happy to help and answer your questions if you have any 

[stevie2sticks]

Thinline72

my experience is with MM Guitars, set up is tops, Michael is really good to deal with.

you could post where you are and ask if there are any Members within easy reach to let you have a shot of theirs.

Plenty of advice & discussions on this Forum.

I have small hands/fingers fairly webbed fingers and with acoustic guitars I go for thin necks & short scale.

Playing slide and fingerpicking resos I’ve played all MM Guitars with no problem at all. I wouldn’t necessarily avoid others.

good luck

Steve
Isle Of Man

[15fingers]

Well that’s all fairly conclusive….. thanks everyone!

I live near Oxford, UK if anyone is nearby

Cheers!

[mitchfit]

still just getting familiar with my '36. compared to my 1133 National it is much more audible when i go banging around playing with a brass slide and a heavy handed technique. even compared to an electric with magnetic PUPs, as they tend to amplify just the strings alone. the "aluminum speaker" seated on an acoustic chamber hears all that i need to hide.

message--both alternative instruments lessen the acoustically obvious heavy brass slide collisions.

were i unashamed to admit i don't know everything, i'd allow the need to learn some more left hand finesse will be required from the player...

the good news is MM generously included a much lighter glass slide and a second set of newtone strings to carry me through the learning process.

IMHO, the neck length would be less of an issue to overcome than the string spacing is when learning to finger pick a different guit.

can only say mine sounds great,
mitchfit