Fender FR 48 Resonator

Long sustain for a resonator guitar – I acquired my FR48 resonator guitar used from a shop in Boise, Idaho. I'd call it a very good purchase. I've used it in a blues band for at least three years, playing mostly in standard tuning. The original action for plying slide guitar in an open tuning was great, but the strings were a little high for standard tuning. So, I made a second saddle from Brazilian cherry that brings the action down a tad. That improved it greatly for playing in standard tuning. Resonator guitars are notoriously difficult to amplify in my view. I have three -- the FR48, a Fender FR50 and a Dobro Hula Blues round out my collection. Those two instruments did not take a passive Fishman pickup well at all. I added a passive Fishman pickup to the FR50 and it works great -- accurate reproduction of the acoustic sound in my view. I did that work myself. Anybody can do it. The FR50 is heavy and if you are sitting it wants to fall off your lap to the side (my right) away from the finger board. A strap is a good remedy for that, but not absolutely necessary. I also play some harp. The strap can interfere with the harmonica brace some.

Overall -- I'd recommend the FR48. I still have mine and do not plan to sell it. long sustain for a resonator guitar High original action