Product: Austin AU680 Round Neck Resonator
Price Paid: US $106.00
Submitted
03/24/2005
at
10:26am
by
Anonymous
Features
:
9
Traditional Resonator Size Body
Spruce Top
Mahogany Neck, Back, and Sides
Rosewood Fingerboard
Chrome Resonator
Pearl Inlaid Logo
Chrome Die-Cast Machines
Gloss Tobacco Sunburst Finish
21 Frets
Everything that I want in a non electric resonator guitar for a low price. Although I would personally prefer a cutaway model to be available by Austin so I could access the higher frets. But that is a different topic and does not reflect directly to this model resonator.
Sound
:
10
I got this guitar for mainly playing Slide. Currently I'm really into the old school Mississippi Delta blues from the early 20th century. So it fits that style perfectly!
I originally bought this resonator as just some cheap guitar to hold me over until I can save up for a National, Dobro, Houn Dog, etc. But when I played the Austin, I was honestly surprised as to not only how good and warm it sounded, but also how loud it was. I am now in no rush to go out and get a more expensive resonator. I will keep this one for a while.
It definitely captures that Delta Blues Slide guitar sound in the style of Robert Johnson, Son House, Bukka White, Charlie Patton, etc. So it was exactly what I was looking for.
For it's price, I cannot imagine finding something that can sound better.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
9
I bought it used so I can't say how it was setup at the factory. The action is currently set up for slide playing, so it isn't too low or too high. The guitar that I received is in excellent condition. No flaws, just a very few minor scratches and dings here or there. The tuning pegs are installed nice and tight and keep the guitar in tune. Basicly I have no complaints. So I can only imagine when it was new it must have been in pristine shape!
Reliability/Durability
:
10
This guitar is very well put together and absolutely could stand live playing. The hardware is put together rather well. Surprisingly well actually, considering it's low price. I would feel very confident using this resonator on stage either as my main guitar or as a backup.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Don't know. Never dealt with them. I bought it used so my guitar isn't under warranty with them.
Overall Rating
:
10
I was pleasantly surprised by how nice it is, go figure, for some reason this guitar has been flying under the radar! I never found much info on it, no reviews here on harmony central.com, and only a few online music stores that sell it. So I figured it was about time there was a review for it on here. Which is why I am submitting mine. :)
I have been playing for well over 20 years. Along with the Austin resonator I also own a Gibson Les Paul Custom, an Ibanez RG, and a Yamaha acoustic.
If it were stolen, I would buy it again. Especially if I could get it for the same great price that I got it for on EBAY.
