Republic Resonators

[Mosfed]

Hello to all

So I have found a new slide teacher and want to buy a resonator. Since its a new direction I don't want to spend the amount that a new National would run me (even though I played a Duolian today on Denmark Street that blew my mind - well for GBP 2,500 or $4000 it better).

So I am thinking of ordering a Republic Resonator from Frank in Texas. The other option would be a Michael Messer resonator.

What do you guys think?

best,

 

[Crocker]

Good choice in the Republic. The Messer looks cool but I've never played one. Also try the Asian Dobros and Regals. I have a recent wood body Dobro and steel body Regal.

 

[Mosfed]

I played the Messer on Denmark St. GBP 529. Nice guitar. But I think my teachers Resolian was nicer - clearer less twangy. Probably a question of taste.

I ordered a Resolian from Frank at Republic for quite a bit less. We'll see.

 

[AndreasG]

Got a Michael Messer Lightning some months ago, and it' a fantastic guitar! Since you're in th UK, it would also be cheaper and less hassle regarding taxes, import duties, etc. Heard mixed things about Republics, but only good things about MM/Busker. Talk to Robin at Busker, he's very helpful.

 

[Mosfed]

They didn't have the Lightning in stock only the Blues which has a funky and kinda weird silver burst finish. If he were to make that same guitar in silver I would have bought it. I like the parlor size.

 

[Mosfed]

Here's my new Republic. Nice touches if you ask me.

 

[Taller]

Nice looking - what are your impressions with it?

 

[MuleResophonic]

+1 for The Michael Messer. The republic I had a year and had a huge neck on it. Like...huge. Only one capo style would fit it. Thats big. Might be different now.

 

[derekd]

I bought a Republic tricone a couple of months ago and it is on par with National or any other brand I've played before. I had a pickup installed. Plays and sounds great.

 

[Ransome]

Frank is a stand up guy and has some great instruments! I own a few and have one of mine tattooed on my arm. They aren't the high dollar Nationals, but they carry their own.

 

[EataPeach]

The Gretsch Root series sound pretty nice too...
Though my National Delphi is my " go to the grave " guitar...
Many have come and gone, but this one will never leave

 

[pete12string]

I had a Gold Tone PBRD wood body and it sounded and played great. Maybe check out a Gold Tone GRS - Beard Brass Body Resonator.

 

[SarasotaSlim]

Just did a gig in Tampa and the local Suncoast Blues Society was co-sponsoring the event called Soul Food Sundays at a great place called Ella's. One of the the grandpoohbahs had a camera so I'll share my clip with the opening number and my spiffy Republic Hwy 61. I've stuffed a cheap chrome P90 and also a piezo in it and they are wired independent ala jazzbass without the tone knob - just volume and volume.

 

[SarasotaSlim]

Here's my new Republic. Nice touches if you ask me.

That looks like a great resonator - love the headstock.

Plenty of room to stuff a pickup in there if you want one later. Frank has done his homework and these little Chinese made instruments sound and play fantastic.

 

[harpinon]

I really prefer the Republic highway 61 reso.
The size, shape and construction (love the cutaway) lend to its loud, sweet tone and easy playability.
I have had probably 10 reso's but I cannot part with this one.

 

[Toby Walker]

I bought a Republic tricone a couple of months ago and it is on par with National or any other brand I've played before. I had a pickup installed. Plays and sounds great.

I guess it's all a matter of personal taste. I've played them both and simply can't see any comparison at all. To my ears the Nationals, ANY Nationals are clearly the superior instrument in terms of build, playability and most importantly sound. The folks there have truly done their homework in figuring out just the right alloy when in comes to the cones. Republic, while it may be good for the money simply can't compete in quality.

 

[SarasotaSlim]

Let's bump this thread back up there with another Hwy 61 clip…



uhh… duhh… it's D uh G uh D and uh G-B-D

 

[SRQGuitar]

Hey Slim. Good playing. I'm down in Sarasota and my wife and I love Ella's! We haven't caught any music there but the food is amazing.

 

[frquent flyer]

What metals do the republic come in?

 

[BlueCajun]

Here's my new Republic. Nice touches if you ask me.

Beautiful! Do you recall what specific model it is?