My Guitar Notes

resonator

Resonators (RA-998 etc.)

Resonators (RA-998 etc.) — video still
Video still: Andertons Music Co
MakerRecording King
OriginUnited States / China
Typeresonator
PriceUSD 660 (2026-09)
Maker founded1930s (revived 2000s)
Statuscurrent

Recording King's resonator range, covering spider-bridge instruments for blues, country and bluegrass players working to a limited budget.

Watch

YouTube video Andertons Music Co · 2021-10 — Andertons runs through Recording King's resonator range with blues playing.

Why it matters

Resonators are a niche category where established makers charge a lot, and Recording King fills the gap with instruments at a fraction of that. The range spans single-cone and tricone designs, so the same badge can mean very different construction. Because the category is small, dealer stock comes and goes.

Note

Squareneck and roundneck spiders at budget prices.

Specifications

  • Scale length: unknown
  • Neck shape: unknown

Before you buy

  • Single-cone and tricone builds sound and cost very differently
  • Budget resonators often need setup work on arrival
  • Check whether the model is squareneck or roundneck

Other opinions

One video is one opinion. These are the other videos for this entry, most-viewed first. The order is the view count, not a ranking of ours.

  • YouTube video Kbald · 2022-07 · 73,823 views

    “I went Resonator hunting in Nashville and tried to find the best resonator in the price range of $300-$1000.”

    Kbald plays and discusses the Dirty 30s Minnie Bucker resonator.

  • YouTube video Jack Fossett Guitar · 2020-11 · 24,908 views

    “Disclaimer: I do basic audio editing on my videos to account for the microphones, preamp and room.”

    Jack Fossett demonstrates the Rattlesnake resonator.

Sources

Related models

Same body shape / configuration

More from the archive

See also