Instruments
- Randy Allen
- Oliver Apitius
- Paul Beard
- Carroll Benoit
- Todd Clinesmith
- Dick Deneve
- Dobro®
- Ivan Guernsey
- Kay
- Greg McKenna
- National Reso-Phonic
- Tim Sheerhorn
- Smith Family Music
- Tut Taylor
- Bobby Wolfe
Resource list
- Resonator Guitar Makers
- Instruction Material
- Instructor List
- Recordings
- Internet Resources
- Tune Index
The Players
Guitars by Ivan Guernsey
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Built by Ivan Guernsey and owned by Bob Kordas, this was the resonator guitar of choice for Mike Auldridge. The guitar, as recorded on the Chesapeake CD's, sounds (to my ear) very modern and a bit on the dark side, very rich in harmonic content.
This complemented Mike's, ever evolving, electric/acoustic approach to the resonator guitar.
Guitars by Kay
This mysterious looking reso is a 30's vintage Kay "Lightning Bolt" owned by Dustin Clampitt.
Contributed by Russ Young:
"What makes these -- or at least mine -- fairly unique is the resonator system. As far as I can tell, it is a Schireson biscuit-
style bridge and cone. The cone faces up like a Dobro, with the biscuit sitting down in the bottom
of the bowl."
"The "Granada" model has a coverplate that appears to be identical to the one on the lightning-bolt guitars, although it doesn't have the same soundholes. I've also seen pictures of the Schireson's "Hollywood" models, which had soundholes shaped like capital "H's."
"Unfortunately, their single-cone resonators brought about the end of the business.
Despite the unique configuration of their cone and biscuit, they lost a patent infringement
lawsuit to National in 1937 and went bankrupt. I've been told that National also severed their
ties to Kay at that point and started buying wooden bodies from Harmony instead.
I've seen a patent for the Schireson single-cone resonator dated 9/21/32 (some patent, huh?)
So it would seem that the lightning-bolt resos were built some time between 1932 and 1937."
Guitars by Greg McKenna
Gregg McKenna of South Windsor Connecticut builds 6,7,8, and 10 string squareneck resonator guitars. He is most known for his Birch guitars. The guitars are individually handcrafted and of the highest quality. The internal construction and body style are very similar to the prewar instruments with a traditional sound and ease of playability. The very sturdy and high quality construction of these guitars make them an excellent choice for the working musician or everyday player. Highest quality woods and hardware are used on all his Guitars. Gregg also repairs and restores older Dobro® brand guitars as well as performs upgrades on most resonator guitar brands.
Guitars by National Reso-Phonic
Best known for their ageless metal bodied guitars, National Reso-Phonic hit a home run with the Model "D" family of guitars. The guitars feature a single cone/spider design. Walnut and spruce are the tonewoods of choice for the "D" and National continues to innovate with a removeable coverplate strap.
The handsome guy is west coast steeler Pete Grant.
Guitars by Tim Scheerhorn
Built by Tim Scheerhorn, this is the resonator guitar of choice for a number of today's top players. It has (to my ear) a very modern sound, sacrificing a bit of harmonic content for a punchy, balanced sound.
The Scheerhorn body is very close to the traditional Dobro® styled body.
The Melobro by Smith Family Music
This is the unique Melobro.
Smith family music is using a technique of bonding fiberglass to wood and producing a modern guitar with a traditional sound. The guitar uses the Quarterman cone and other, standard hardware. This may be the wave of the future as tonewoods become more scarce.
Guitars by Tut Taylor and Mark Taylor
The lovely instrument on the top was designed and built by Tut and Mark Taylor. This guitar was built from four-way matched walnut, back & top. It is multi-bound white/black/grained ivoriod binding. All metal parts highly engraved and gold plated. The fingerboard and peghead are ebony and has very intricate pearl and abalone design.
A gaggle (bottom photo) of "Debris" (only kidding) by Tut and Mark Taylor. These are beautiful hand crafted guitars. Tut is one of a handful of master musicians building resonator guitars.
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Guitars by Bobby Wolfe
Here are the unique baffled/ported designs by NC maker Bobby Wolfe. The baffles are located across the narrow "waist" of the guitar. The precise measurements are accurately "tuned" for each individual guitar. The instrument features "ports" rather than screens or f-holes so "The entire effect results in more volume, more box resonance...". These guitars are unique and wonderful sounding.