Sound Pure's Take


This is my favorite Reso. Best I've ever played. As a passionate slide and finger-style player, I've always been seduced by resophonic guitars. The history and timbre is just so cool. That haunting metallic sound reminds me of an America I wish I was old enough to know.


That said, I could never justify the loss in "woodiness" that I'd grown accustomed to playing small-bodied wooden flat-tops. Just used to it I guess. This guitar is a whole different story.


First off, it's about 3 times louder than any reso I can ever remember hearing. It has a focused honk that could scare the end-pin out of an addy-topped dread from across the room.


It's not all "metal" and "honk", though. It's rich, woody, and complex too. It's almost like two guitars being played simultaneously. An acoustic guitar played acoustically, while at the same time, broadcasting blues through a primitive metal speaker. It's a dream stereo setup in an instrument that rests comfortably in your lap.


It plays like a dream. Setup the way it is now, you can easily fret or slide on it by simply changing the tuning (or not, if you're one of those people who can play slide in standard...that's always felt like playing "don't step in the lava" to me)


This is old "sinker" wood, so it's beautiful, responsive, and resonant.


What else can I say?

Mr. Franks had a goal and he knocked it COMPLETELY out of the park...it's still going.

Robinson@SoundPure.com

Watch & listen

M.J. Franks Resonator Guitar Demo

Also in this recording Neumann TLM 107 (Black) Multi-pattern LDC Microphone Sebatron AXIS 200VU Two Channel Tube Preamp Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter

Resident SoundPure acoustic guitar expert Robinson Earle demos an M.J. Franks Resonator Guitar.  This resonator, like all other resonators, definitely has a metallic punch to it.  But, on top of that metallic punch, ther... Read more

Resident SoundPure acoustic guitar expert Robinson Earle demos an M.J. Franks Resonator Guitar.  This resonator, like all other resonators, definitely has a metallic punch to it.  But, on top of that metallic punch, there is a bright, rich woody sound.  It is extremely pleasing to the ears.  This guitar is great for finger and slide style players.   Gear: M.J. Franks Resonator Guitar Neumann TLM107 Large Diaphragm Condenser Mic Sebatron Axis 200VU Mic Preamp Lynx Aurora 16 Converter   Have any questions? Want to try this model for yourself? Call us at (919) 682-5552 or send us an email at amps@soundpure.com.

From M. J. Franks Guitars

My goal in designing this guitar was to create an instrument with the blended voice of a resonator and the sweet, rich fullness of an acoustic. Play it with a slide, pick or fingerstyle, you will be amazed with its versatility. The top, arched back and sides are constructed of solid tonewoods. The optional Fishman Active Resophonic Pickup installation includes a flush-mounted, external battery access.

Style- 12 fret round neck resophonic
Scale Length - 25.4”
Neck Profile - Oval
Max Body Depth - 4”
Fingerboard Width @ Nut - 1.750”
Fingerboard Radius - 16”
Fingerboard Width @ 12th fret - 2.187”

Recommended Strings - Medium Steel or Resophonic Steel 

Hard TKL case included

Free 3-Year Warranty

Sound Pure stands behind our products. Free three-year warranty on this item. Coverage exclusions live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.

Level of support and expertise that simply isn't available at big-box megastores. Read the warranty →

Returns

Not eligible for Try Before You Buy or the 48-hour approval period. Standard return policy applies — see Terms & Conditions, Section 18 for details.

Sound Pure Studios Control Room A — Durham, NC

Sound Pure Studios · Durham, NC

Come hear it in our control rooms.

Sound Pure is a working studio in Durham, NC — a 1,000 sq ft live room and two pro control rooms. Book a session to audition gear in a world-class acoustic space before you buy.