2020s Royall HB12 Woodbody Resonator Guitar

Overview: Royall is a newer brand name put on an import line of resonator guitars with various heritage that run back to the late '90s. You will find similar efforts under the Recording King, Regal, and especially the Republic name. At any rate, this one is a 12-fret woodbody guitar with a biscuit-style (National) single cone resonator installed. It's got a ply-mahogany body, '30s looks, and a good feel.

Tone: As you might expect, it's got the bright and snappy single-cone thing going on -- meaning less sustain compared to a tricone or Dobro-style cone setup but a lot more forward punch. It's bluesy and loud and, because it's a woodbody, it's not as ringy or zingy as a metal-bodied, National-style resonator guitar.

Feel: It's got a slimmer, C-shaped neck profile with a flatter board radius and, as such, feels pretty modern and quick.

Interesting features: I like the three-piece f-holes as they recall '30s styling cues. The fretboard's inlays are a nice touch, too, and the satin finish is workmanly and resists ugly scratches. The truss rod works well and it comes with decent tuners, too. As a huge bonus, this one also comes with a "hot rod"-style coverplate which electrifies the instrument with no further modifications other than swapping out the plate (note: you will need to use electric strings with it, though). See photos...

Repairs included: Jose gave this a good setup, some cone seating and tweaking of the bridge intonation, and various other small adjustments.

• Weight: 6 lbs 4 oz
• Scale length: 25"
• Nut width: 1 13/16"
• Neck shape: slim-medium C
• Board radius: 16"
• Body width: 13 3/4"
• Body depth: 3 1/2"
• Body: ply mahogany
• Cone type: single biscuit-bridge style
• Bridge: maple
• Fretboard: rosewood
• Neck wood: mahogany
• Action height at 12th fret: 3/32” bass 1/16” treble (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 54w-12 lights
• Truss rod: adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: medium

Condition notes: It's more-or-less a new guitar with just the lightest of playwear in evidence (I can't find any, but I have to be lawyerly, here).

It comes with: A newer foam/semi-hard case and a "Hot Rod"-style coverplate with electric pickup installed.

Consignor tag: HKS