Resonator question ... what makes for a good one?

[gnugear]

So I'm kind of interested in a resonator. Everytime I pick one up they seem to sound the same. What makes a good one better than a less expensive one. I'm thinking of the all metal kind so things like wood quality go right out the window.

[BanjoKeith]

To me, the inferior ones just lack definition. They kind of sound like the notes are just echoing in a metal chamber. The good ones have a good, thick, punch to the notes and much more clarity. Volume and sustain are usually quite desirable, too, especially if you're going to be doing slide work.

[Freeman Keller]

gnugear, if you send me an e-mail addy I'll shoot you a copy of a little word doc that I wrote called "Resonators 101" - it talks about the differences between metal (brass and steel) and wood, spider and biscuit, single and tri-cones. It has a bunch of links to other information for the beginning reso player.

I also recommend getting the National cd from their website even if you don't plan to buy a Nat. Brozman and others play all the Nats and you can hear the differences between models, which will largely apply to other brands (ie - most tri-cones will sound similar in attack and sustain).

And more than any other gits - you really need to play as many as you can - not only for the sound but also neck profiles and playability.

[gnugear]

Thanks! PM sent