Merriam-Webster defines resonate as "to continue to produce a loud, clear, deep sound for a long time".

A resonator guitar is an acoustic guitar with special construction that allows sound to be produced and amplified with the help of a one or more metal cones.

These guitars were invented before the days of guitar amps to help performers be heard over the horns and drums of dance bands or orchestras.

The basic idea was to make them louder by using these speaker shaped metal cones that "resonate" within the guitar body.

From an acoustical standpoint they are more efficient than a conventional acoustic guitar.

However, their main claim to fame turned out to be their unique sound, particularly in bluegrass and blues.

Today, they are in use in nearly all types of music.

Two catagories of resonator guitars

1) Round neck type is generally played like a conventional guitar (electric or acoustic) but can also be played with a slide like a lap steel guitar

2) Square neck type is played like a lap steel guitar

Three basic designs

1) Single cone "biscuit' design uses one cone seated in a pan.  The cone supports a wood biscuit and bridge that in turn supports the strings

2) Tri-cone uses three cones seated in a pan with a T-shaped spider positoned over them.  The spider supports the bridge that in turn supports the strings.  The Tri-cone generally produces a wider range of sound and is more mellow.

3) "Dobro" (Trade Marked by Gibson Guitar Corp) uses an inverted cone supporting the bridge that in turn supports the strings

Construction Materials, Designs, and Methods

Resonator guitar bodies can be made of either wood or metal.  The type of material greatly affects the characteristics of the sound produced.

Most artists prefer the metal bodied versions because they tend to ring out better and produce a more pleasing sound.

The necks are generally constructed in similar fashion to conventional acoustic guitars.  A steel truss rod is used in modern resonator guitars so the "action" can be adjusted to each players preference.

Straughan Music Company Resonator Features

1) Either bell brass or steel bodies depending on the model.  Finish materials depend on the model but in general are applied very thin in order to enhance the sound of our guitars and help build the petina these guitars are known for.

2) True mahogany necks with an adjustable truss rod, bound rosewood fret board, polished fret ends, inlayed markers, bone nut, and durable precise tuners.

3) Incorporate very responsive aluminum cones, special wood biscuit and bridge assembly for superior sound and sensitivity.

4) Hardware of the highest quality is used to insure great sound and long lasting reliability.

5) Each Straughan resonator guitar has a genuine spruce "Backbone".  The spruce backbone runs thru the body to give it strength and durability.

6) Each guitar has its own inlayed serial number.  Your Straughan guitar will be unique.  No two Straughan guitars are exactly alike.