What is an electric resophonic guitar? An electric resophonic guitar is a type of guitar that uses a resonator cone to produce sound. The resonator cone is a metal cone that is placed under the bridge of the guitar. When the strings are played, the vibrations from the strings are transferred to the resonator cone, which then amplifies the sound. Electric resophonic guitars are often used in blues and folk music.
Editor’s Notes:Electric resophonic guitars are a unique and versatile type of guitar that offer a distinctive sound. If you’re interested in learning more about these guitars, then this guide is for you. We’ll cover everything you need to know about electric resophonic guitars, from their history and construction to their sound and playing techniques.
We’ve done the research and put together this guide to help you make the right decision.
Key Differences:
| Feature | Electric Resophonic Guitar | Traditional Acoustic Guitar |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Hollow body with a resonator cone | Solid body |
| Sound | Loud and resonant | Quieter and less resonant |
| Volume | Can be played without an amplifier | Requires an amplifier to be heard |
| Price | More expensive than traditional acoustic guitars | Less expensive than electric resophonic guitars |
Main Article Topics:
- The history of electric resophonic guitars
- The construction of electric resophonic guitars
- The sound of electric resophonic guitars
- Playing techniques for electric resophonic guitars
- The best electric resophonic guitars on the market
1. Body
The hollow body with a resonator cone is one of the most important features of an electric resophonic guitar. The resonator cone is a metal cone that is placed under the bridge of the guitar. When the strings are played, the vibrations from the strings are transferred to the resonator cone, which then amplifies the sound. This gives electric resophonic guitars their characteristic loud and resonant sound.
- Facet 1: Construction
The resonator cone is typically made of aluminum or steel. It is attached to the body of the guitar with a spider bridge. The spider bridge is a metal bracket that supports the resonator cone and transfers the vibrations from the strings to the cone. - Facet 2: Sound
The resonator cone amplifies the sound of the guitar by up to 10 times. This gives electric resophonic guitars their characteristic loud and resonant sound. The sound of an electric resophonic guitar is often described as being “bell-like” or “banjo-like.” - Facet 3: Volume
Electric resophonic guitars can be played without an amplifier. This makes them ideal for playing in small venues or for practicing at home. However, electric resophonic guitars can also be played through an amplifier, which can give them a even louder and more resonant sound. - Facet 4: Feedback
Electric resophonic guitars are less prone to feedback than traditional electric guitars. This is because the resonator cone helps to dampen the vibrations of the strings. This makes electric resophonic guitars ideal for playing in loud environments.
The hollow body with a resonator cone is what gives electric resophonic guitars their unique sound and playing characteristics. These guitars are a great choice for players who want a loud and resonant sound that can be played without an amplifier.
2. Sound
The sound of an electric resophonic guitar is one of its most distinctive features. It is loud and resonant, with a bell-like or banjo-like quality. This sound is produced by the guitar’s resonator cone, which is a metal cone that is placed under the bridge of the guitar. When the strings are played, the vibrations from the strings are transferred to the resonator cone, which then amplifies the sound.
- Facet 1: Construction
The resonator cone is typically made of aluminum or steel. It is attached to the body of the guitar with a spider bridge. The spider bridge is a metal bracket that supports the resonator cone and transfers the vibrations from the strings to the cone. - Facet 2: Sound
The resonator cone amplifies the sound of the guitar by up to 10 times. This gives electric resophonic guitars their characteristic loud and resonant sound. The sound of an electric resophonic guitar is often described as being “bell-like” or “banjo-like.” - Facet 3: Volume
Electric resophonic guitars can be played without an amplifier. This makes them ideal for playing in small venues or for practicing at home. However, electric resophonic guitars can also be played through an amplifier, which can give them a even louder and more resonant sound. - Facet 4: Feedback
Electric resophonic guitars are less prone to feedback than traditional electric guitars. This is because the resonator cone helps to dampen the vibrations of the strings. This makes electric resophonic guitars ideal for playing in loud environments.
The loud and resonant sound of an electric resophonic guitar is what makes it such a popular choice for blues and folk musicians. It is also a great choice for players who want a guitar that can be played without an amplifier.
3. Volume
One of the key features of an electric resophonic guitar is that it can be played without an amplifier. This is due to the guitar’s unique design, which includes a resonator cone that amplifies the sound of the strings. This makes electric resophonic guitars ideal for playing in small venues or for practicing at home.
The ability to play without an amplifier is a major advantage for electric resophonic guitars. It gives players the freedom to play anywhere, without having to worry about finding an amplifier or dealing with cables. This makes electric resophonic guitars a great choice for buskers, street musicians, and anyone else who wants to be able to play music without having to lug around a lot of gear.
In addition to being able to play without an amplifier, electric resophonic guitars also have a number of other advantages. They are typically louder than traditional acoustic guitars, and they have a more resonant sound. This makes them ideal for playing in loud environments or for cutting through a mix. Electric resophonic guitars are also less prone to feedback than tradit
ional electric guitars, which makes them a good choice for playing in high-gain situations.
Here is a table that summarizes the key advantages of electric resophonic guitars:
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Can be played without an amplifier | This makes electric resophonic guitars ideal for playing in small venues or for practicing at home. |
| Louder than traditional acoustic guitars | This makes electric resophonic guitars ideal for playing in loud environments or for cutting through a mix. |
| More resonant sound | This gives electric resophonic guitars a unique sound that is often described as being “bell-like” or “banjo-like.” |
| Less prone to feedback than traditional electric guitars | This makes electric resophonic guitars a good choice for playing in high-gain situations. |
Overall, electric resophonic guitars are a versatile and powerful type of guitar that offer a number of advantages over traditional acoustic and electric guitars. If you are looking for a guitar that can be played without an amplifier, has a loud and resonant sound, and is less prone to feedback, then an electric resophonic guitar may be the right choice for you.
4. Price
Electric resophonic guitars are typically more expensive than traditional acoustic guitars. This is due to a number of factors, including the cost of the materials used to build the guitar, the cost of labor, and the cost of marketing and distribution.
The materials used to build an electric resophonic guitar are typically more expensive than the materials used to build a traditional acoustic guitar. The body of an electric resophonic guitar is typically made of metal, which is more expensive than the wood used to build the body of a traditional acoustic guitar. The resonator cone is also made of metal, which adds to the cost of the guitar. The neck of an electric resophonic guitar is typically made of wood, but it is often reinforced with metal, which also adds to the cost.
The labor cost to build an electric resophonic guitar is also typically higher than the labor cost to build a traditional acoustic guitar. This is because electric resophonic guitars are more complex to build than traditional acoustic guitars. The resonator cone must be carefully crafted and installed, and the metal body must be properly shaped and finished. The neck must also be reinforced with metal, which requires additional labor.
The cost of marketing and distribution for electric resophonic guitars is also typically higher than the cost of marketing and distribution for traditional acoustic guitars. This is because electric resophonic guitars are a niche product, and they are not as widely available as traditional acoustic guitars. As a result, it costs more to market and distribute electric resophonic guitars.
Despite their higher price, electric resophonic guitars offer a number of advantages over traditional acoustic guitars. They are louder, have a more resonant sound, and are less prone to feedback. This makes them ideal for playing in a variety of settings, from small venues to large concert halls.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between electric resophonic guitars and traditional acoustic guitars:
| Feature | Electric Resophonic Guitar | Traditional Acoustic Guitar |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Metal | Wood |
| Resonator Cone | Yes | No |
| Neck | Wood with metal reinforcement | Wood |
| Price | More expensive | Less expensive |
Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy an electric resophonic guitar or a traditional acoustic guitar depends on the player’s individual needs and budget. If a player is looking for a loud, resonant guitar that is less prone to feedback, then an electric resophonic guitar may be a good choice. However, if a player is on a budget, then a traditional acoustic guitar may be a better option.
5. History
The invention of the electric resophonic guitar in the 1920s by John Dopyera was a major breakthrough in the history of the guitar. Dopyera’s invention combined the principles of the resonator guitar with the electric guitar, creating a new instrument with a unique sound and playing style.
Prior to Dopyera’s invention, resonator guitars were popular for their loud, resonant sound. However, these guitars were not very portable and were difficult to play amplified. Dopyera’s electric resophonic guitar solved these problems by using a metal body and a pickup to amplify the sound of the resonator cone. This made the electric resophonic guitar much more portable and versatile than traditional resonator guitars.
The electric resophonic guitar quickly became popular among blues and folk musicians. Its unique sound was well-suited for these genres, and its portability made it ideal for musicians who traveled frequently. Some of the most famous early players of the electric resophonic guitar include Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and Ry Cooder.
Today, the electric resophonic guitar is still popular among blues and folk musicians. It is also used in other genres, such as rock, country, and jazz. The electric resophonic guitar is a versatile instrument with a unique sound that can be used in a variety of musical settings.
Here is a table that summarizes the key points of this discussion:
| Feature | Electric Resophonic Guitar |
|---|---|
| Inventor | John Dopyera |
| Date of Invention | 1920s |
| Key Innovation | Combination of resonator guitar with electric guitar |
| Benefits | Loud, resonant sound; portable; versatile |
| Popular Genres | Blues, folk, rock, country, jazz |
6. Construction
The construction of an electric resophonic guitar is one of the key factors that contributes to its unique sound and playing characteristics. The combination of a metal body and a wooden neck gives the guitar a bright, resonant sound with plenty of sustain. It also makes the guitar more durable and less prone to feedback than traditional acoustic guitars.
- Metal Body
The metal body of an electric resophonic guitar is typically made of aluminum or steel. This gives the guitar a bright, resonant sound with plenty of sustain. The metal body also helps to project the sound of the guitar, making it ideal for playing in loud environments. Some of the most common types of metal bodies used for electric resophonic guitars include:
- Single-cone resonator guitars
- Double-cone resonator guitars
- Tricone resonator guitars
- Spider bridge resonator guitars
- Wooden Neck
The wooden neck of an electric resophonic guitar is typically made of mahogany or maple. This gives the guita
r a warm, mellow sound with plenty of sustain. The wooden neck also makes the guitar more comfortable to play, especially for extended periods of time. - Combination of Metal Body and Wooden Neck
The combination of a metal body and a wooden neck gives the electric resophonic guitar a unique sound and playing characteristics. The metal body gives the guitar a bright, resonant sound with plenty of sustain, while the wooden neck gives the guitar a warm, mellow sound with plenty of sustain. This combination of sounds makes the electric resophonic guitar a versatile instrument that can be used in a variety of musical genres.
- Other Materials
In addition to metal and wood, some electric resophonic guitars are also made with other materials, such as carbon fiber and plastic. These materials can give the guitar a different sound and playing characteristics. For example, carbon fiber guitars are known for their bright, clear sound, while plastic guitars are known for their warm, mellow sound.
The construction of an electric resophonic guitar is a key factor that contributes to its unique sound and playing characteristics. The combination of a metal body and a wooden neck gives the guitar a bright, resonant sound with plenty of sustain. It also makes the guitar more durable and less prone to feedback than traditional acoustic guitars.
7. Strings
Electric resophonic guitars are typically played with steel strings. This is because steel strings produce a brighter, more resonant sound than nylon strings. The brighter sound of steel strings is better suited for the loud, resonant sound of an electric resophonic guitar. Nylon strings, on the other hand, produce a warmer, mellower sound that is better suited for classical and flamenco guitars.
- Durability: Steel strings are more durable than nylon strings, which makes them less likely to break. This is important for electric resophonic guitars, which are often played with a slide. A slide is a metal or glass bar that is used to play the guitar by sliding it across the strings. This can put a lot of stress on the strings, and nylon strings are more likely to break under this stress.
- Volume: Steel strings produce a louder sound than nylon strings. This is because steel strings have a higher tension than nylon strings. The higher tension of steel strings causes them to vibrate more, which produces a louder sound.
- Sustain: Steel strings have a longer sustain than nylon strings. This means that the sound of a steel string guitar will continue to resonate for a longer period of time after the string is plucked. The longer sustain of steel strings is ideal for electric resophonic guitars, which are known for their long, resonant sound.
- Versatility: Steel strings can be used to play a wider variety of musical genres than nylon strings. This is because steel strings have a brighter, more resonant sound that is well-suited for a variety of genres, including blues, rock, country, and folk. Nylon strings, on the other hand, have a warmer, mellower sound that is better suited for classical and flamenco guitars.
Overall, steel strings are the best choice for electric resophonic guitars. They are more durable, louder, have a longer sustain, and are more versatile than nylon strings. This makes them the ideal choice for players who want a guitar with a bright, resonant sound that can be used to play a variety of musical genres.
8. Playing Techniques
Electric resophonic guitars can be played with a variety of techniques, but two of the most common are slide playing and fingerpicking. Slide playing is a technique in which a metal or glass slide is used to play the guitar by sliding it across the strings. This technique can create a variety of unique sounds, from wailing blues solos to ethereal ambient passages. Fingerpicking is a technique in which the fingers are used to pluck the strings individually. This technique can create a variety of complex rhythms and melodies.
Both slide playing and fingerpicking are well-suited to the electric resophonic guitar. The guitar’s bright, resonant sound and long sustain make it ideal for creating the long, sustained notes that are characteristic of slide playing. The guitar’s clear, articulate sound also makes it ideal for fingerpicking, as it allows the individual notes to be heard clearly.
Some of the most famous electric resophonic guitarists include Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and Ry Cooder. All of these guitarists used slide playing to create their own unique sound. Muddy Waters was known for his use of a slide to create wailing blues solos, while Howlin’ Wolf used a slide to create a more guttural, primal sound. Ry Cooder is known for his use of a slide to create a variety of sounds, from traditional blues to more experimental sounds.
Electric resophonic guitars are a versatile instrument that can be used to play a variety of musical genres. The guitar’s unique sound and playing techniques make it a popular choice for blues, folk, and rock musicians. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, learning to play the electric resophonic guitar can be a rewarding experience.
Here is a table that summarizes the key points of this discussion:
| Feature | Electric Resophonic Guitar |
|---|---|
| Playing Techniques | Can be played with a slide or with fingerpicking |
| Famous Players | Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Ry Cooder |
| Genres | Blues, folk, rock |
| Benefits | Versatile instrument; unique sound; suitable for a variety of playing techniques |
9. Famous Players
Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and Ry Cooder are three of the most famous electric resophonic guitar players of all time. These guitarists helped to popularize the instrument and develop its unique sound. Their playing styles and techniques have influenced generations of musicians.
- Slide guitar: All three of these guitarists were known for their use of slide guitar. Slide guitar is a technique in which a metal or glass slide is used to play the guitar by sliding it across the strings. This technique can create a variety of unique sounds, from wailing blues solos to ethereal ambient passages.
- Delta blues: Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf were both pioneers of the Delta blues genre. Delta blues is a style of blues music that originated in the Mississippi Delta region of the United States. It is characterized by its use of slide guitar and its raw, emotional lyrics.
- Roots rock: Ry Cooder is known for his work in the roots rock genre. Roots rock is a style of rock music that is influenced by folk, blues, and country music. Cooder’s use of the electric resophonic guitar helped to define the sound of roots rock.
These are just a few of the ways that Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and Ry Cooder have influenced the electric resophonic guitar. These guitarists were pioneers of the instrument, and their playing styles an
d techniques continue to inspire musicians today.
10. Genres
The electric resophonic guitar is particularly well-suited to genres such as blues, folk, and country music. Its unique sound and playing techniques make it an ideal choice for these genres.
Blues music is characterized by its use of slide guitar, and the electric resophonic guitar is a perfect choice for this technique. The guitar’s bright, resonant sound and long sustain make it ideal for creating the long, sustained notes that are characteristic of blues slide guitar playing.
Folk music is another genre that is often played on the electric resophonic guitar. The guitar’s clear, articulate sound makes it ideal for fingerpicking, which is a common technique in folk music. The guitar’s bright, resonant sound also helps to cut through the mix in a live setting.
Country music is another genre that is often played on the electric resophonic guitar. The guitar’s bright, twangy sound is a perfect fit for country music, and its durability makes it a good choice for touring musicians.
Here is a table that summarizes the key points of this discussion:
| Genre | Characteristics | Why the electric resophonic guitar is a good choice |
|---|---|---|
| Blues | Slide guitar, long sustained notes | Bright, resonant sound, long sustain |
| Folk | Fingerpicking, clear sound | Clear, articulate sound, bright sound |
| Country | Bright, twangy sound | Bright, twangy sound, durability |
Overall, the electric resophonic guitar is a versatile instrument that is well-suited to a variety of genres, including blues, folk, and country music. Its unique sound and playing techniques make it a popular choice for musicians who want to create a distinctive sound.
11. Variations
Electric resophonic guitars come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. This variety is due in part to the fact that the electric resophonic guitar is a relatively new instrument, and there is still a lot of experimentation going on with its design. Additionally, the electric resophonic guitar is a very versatile instrument, and it can be used in a variety of musical genres. This has led to the development of many different variations of the instrument, each with its own unique sound and playing characteristics.
- Body Shape: The body shape of an electric resophonic guitar can vary greatly. Some of the most common body shapes include the single-cone resonator, the double-cone resonator, and the tricone resonator. The body shape of a guitar affects its sound, with single-cone resonators producing a brighter sound, double-cone resonators producing a louder sound, and tricone resonators producing a more complex sound.
- Neck Shape: The neck shape of an electric resophonic guitar can also vary. Some of the most common neck shapes include the C-shape neck, the V-shape neck, and the U-shape neck. The neck shape of a guitar affects its playability, with C-shape necks being the most comfortable to play, V-shape necks being the fastest to play, and U-shape necks being the most versatile.
- Pickup Configuration: The pickup configuration of an electric resophonic guitar can also vary. Some of the most common pickup configurations include the single-coil pickup, the humbucker pickup, and the P-90 pickup. The pickup configuration of a guitar affects its sound, with single-coil pickups producing a brighter sound, humbucker pickups producing a louder sound, and P-90 pickups producing a more vintage sound.
- Electronics: The electronics of an electric resophonic guitar can also vary. Some of the most common electronic features include a volume control, a tone control, and a pickup selector switch. The electronics of a guitar affect its sound and playability, with volume controls allowing the player to control the of the guitar, tone controls allowing the player to control the timbre of the guitar, and pickup selector switches allowing the player to select different pickups.
The many different variations of electric resophonic guitars available give players a wide range of options to choose from. Whether a player is looking for a guitar with a bright sound, a loud sound, or a vintage sound, there is an electric resophonic guitar available to meet their needs.
Electric Resophonic Guitar FAQs
The electric resophonic guitar is a unique and versatile instrument with a distinctive sound. If you’re interested in learning more about these guitars, then this FAQ section is for you. We’ll cover some of the most common questions about electric resophonic guitars, including their history, construction, sound, and playing techniques.
Question 1: What is an electric resophonic guitar?
An electric resophonic guitar is a type of guitar that uses a resonator cone to produce sound. The resonator cone is a metal cone that is placed under the bridge of the guitar. When the strings are played, the vibrations from the strings are transferred to the resonator cone, which then amplifies the sound. This gives electric resophonic guitars their characteristic loud and resonant sound.
Question 2: What is the history of electric resophonic guitars?
Electric resophonic guitars were invented in the 1920s by John Dopyera. Dopyera was a Slovak-American immigrant who worked as a machinist in Los Angeles. He was inspired to create an electric resophonic guitar after hearing a Hawaiian guitarist play a steel guitar. Dopyera’s first electric resophonic guitar was called the “National Resonator Guitar.” It was a single-cone guitar with a metal body and a wooden neck. The National Resonator Guitar was a huge success, and it soon became the standard for electric resophonic guitars.
Question 3: What are the different types of electric resophonic guitars?
There are three main types of electric resophonic guitars: single-cone, double-cone, and tricone. Single-cone guitars have one resonator cone, while double-cone guitars have two resonator cones. Tricone guitars have three resonator cones. Each type of guitar has its own unique sound. Single-cone guitars have a brighter sound, double-cone guitars have a louder sound, and tricone guitars have a more complex sound.
Question 4: How are electric resophonic guitars played?
Electric resophonic guitars can be played with a variety of techniques, but the most common techniques are slide playing and fingerpicking. Slide playing is a technique in which a metal or glass slide is used to play the guitar by sliding it across the strings. This technique can create a variety of unique sounds, from wailing blues solos to ethereal ambient passages. Fingerpicking is a technique in which the fingers are used to pluck the strings individually. This technique can create a variety of complex rhythms and melodies.
Question 5: What are the benefits of playing an electric resophonic guitar?
Electric resophonic guitars offer a number of benefits over traditional electric guitars. They are louder, have a more resonant sound, and are less prone to feedback. This makes them ideal for playing in a variety of settings, from small venues to large
concert halls. Additionally, electric resophonic guitars are very versatile instruments. They can be used to play a variety of musical genres, from blues and folk to rock and country.
Question 6: What are the drawbacks of playing an electric resophonic guitar?
Electric resophonic guitars also have some drawbacks. They are more expensive than traditional electric guitars, and they can be more difficult to play. Additionally, electric resophonic guitars are not as versatile as traditional electric guitars. They are not as well-suited for playing high-gain music, and they can be more difficult to use in a band setting.
Overall, electric resophonic guitars are a unique and versatile instrument that can offer a number of benefits over traditional electric guitars. However, they also have some drawbacks that players should be aware of before purchasing one.
If you are interested in learning more about electric resophonic guitars, then I encourage you to do some research online or talk to a guitar teacher. You can also find a variety of electric resophonic guitars for sale online and in music stores.
Electric Resophonic Guitar Tips
Electric resophonic guitars are unique and versatile instruments that can add a distinctive sound to your music. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your electric resophonic guitar:
Tip 1: Experiment with different tunings.
Electric resophonic guitars can be tuned in a variety of ways. Experimenting with different tunings can help you find the sound that you are looking for. Some popular tunings for electric resophonic guitars include open D, open G, and open A.
Tip 2: Use a slide.
A slide is a metal or glass bar that is used to play the guitar by sliding it across the strings. Slides can create a variety of unique sounds, from wailing blues solos to ethereal ambient passages. If you are interested in learning how to play slide guitar, there are a number of resources available online and in music stores.
Tip 3: Use a pickup.
A pickup is a device that converts the vibrations of the strings into an electrical signal. This signal can then be amplified and played through a speaker. Pickups are essential for playing electric resophonic guitars. There are a variety of different pickups available, so you can choose one that is best suited for your sound and playing style.
Tip 4: Use a resonator cone.
A resonator cone is a metal cone that is placed under the bridge of the guitar. The resonator cone amplifies the sound of the strings, giving electric resophonic guitars their characteristic loud and resonant sound. If you are building your own electric resophonic guitar, you will need to purchase a resonator cone. There are a variety of different resonator cones available, so you can choose one that is best suited for your sound and playing style.
Tip 5: Experiment with different playing techniques
There are a variety of different playing techniques that can be used on electric resophonic guitars. Experimenting with different techniques can help you find the sound that you are looking for. Some popular playing techniques for electric resophonic guitars include slide playing, fingerpicking, and strumming.
By following these tips, you can get the most out of your electric resophonic guitar and create your own unique sound.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits:
- Electric resophonic guitars are versatile instruments that can be used to play a variety of musical genres.
- Experimenting with different tunings, slides, pickups, and playing techniques can help you find the sound that you are looking for.
- Electric resophonic guitars are a great way to add a unique sound to your music.
Electric Resophonic Guitar
The electric resophonic guitar is a unique and versatile instrument that has been used by musicians for decades to create a variety of musical genres. Its distinctive sound and playing techniques make it a popular choice for blues, folk, and country musicians. Electric resophonic guitars are also well-suited for slide playing and fingerpicking.
In this article, we have explored the history, construction, sound, and playing techniques of the electric resophonic guitar. We have also provided some tips to help you get the most out of your electric resophonic guitar. We encourage you to experiment with different tunings, slides, pickups, and playing techniques to find the sound that you are looking for.
