trying a few resonators

bermudianbrit

HI all,

I have just headed out to a local shop in Birmingham and tried a few resonator guitars. I have concluded that I do want to acquire one, namely a 14-fret metal-bodied one with a single cone.
I like the loud, aggressive sort of sound, and that nice echo/reverb thing it does. I tried an Ashbury, and a Regal RC2. I know that the Michael Messer blues is very well regarded, but I can't play those before ordering one. I am willing to go up to roughly £1,000. Any others I should look at?

Thanks  

Lewy

This side of £1000 there’s nothing better than one of the recent Messers. I say recent because the necks are much more nicely finished than they used to be. 

Don’t worry about not getting to play before ordering, they’re very consistent and Michael takes a personal interest in customer service.

Andy79

MM sure knows how to build them in the spirit of Nationals. It’s my opinion you will have to spend way more than 1K to improve on a MM. Dave King sets them up before you see them so you get the best out of them 
Gretsch Honey dipper, Busker (no longer made) and Republic all worth a try.

paulnb57

+1 for Messer, I have a 12th fret Lightning and its epic!

wrinkleygit

With a £1k budget you might pick up a used pre Gibson Dobro, something like a 33H if you’re lucky, happy hunting.