Gold Tone PBR Paul Beard Signature-Series Roundneck Resonator Guitar with Case

If you have spent any time in the resonator guitar world, you already know the name Paul Beard. His cones, spiders, and soundwells set the standard that every other maker measures against, and the Gold Tone PBR puts genuine US-made Beard components into a beautifully crafted, production-priced instrument that would have been unthinkable a decade ago. The heart of the PBR is Paul Beard’s signature “open” soundwell design paired with his own resonator cone and spider bridge — a combination that produces the layered, complex mix of sweet wood warmth and bright metallic shimmer that defines country blues, Delta slide, and fingerstyle resonator playing at its best. The mahogany body, mahogany neck, and tobacco sunburst high-gloss finish give the guitar a timeless, road-worn elegance without actually being road-worn. This is a serious player’s instrument, and it looks and feels the part.

The PBR’s 25″ scale mahogany neck carries a rosewood fingerboard with 19 frets and clean dot inlays — straightforward, uncluttered, and easy to navigate whether you are playing open-G slide or standard fingerpicking in EADGBE tuning. The 1-3/4″ ZeroGlide nut keeps open-string intonation honest, a detail that matters enormously on a resonator where every open string rings like a bell. Sealed guitar-style tuners with metal buttons keep things stable, and the chrome-plated hardware — including the Paul Beard 6-string tailpiece and maple bridge with ebony insert — is spec’d to complement rather than compete with the cone’s voice. Cream ABS binding on the mahogany body adds a vintage touch that suits the instrument’s roots perfectly. The PBR ships with a hardshell case, so it is ready to travel from day one.

Each instrument receives a professional setup at Gold Tone’s factory in Titusville, Florida before it ships to you. The setup includes checking neck relief, setting the action at the nut and bridge for comfortable playability across the full length of the fingerboard, inspecting the cone seating and spider, and ensuring the instrument is properly tuned and intonated before it ships. For a resonator guitar — where cone geometry and spider height are critical to tone — this kind of hands-on preparation makes a real difference from the moment you open the case.

Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse

Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Gold Tone dealer, which means your PBR comes with full manufacturer warranty support and you are buying a genuine, new instrument — not a gray-market or diverted unit. I have been in the fretted instrument business for more than 45 years. I co-own Watch & Learn in Atlanta, wrote Banjo Primer (consistently rated the number-one beginner banjo method on the market), and co-designed the Gold Tone OB-Standard — so when I say the Gold Tone PBR represents exceptional value for a resonator built around genuine Beard components, that is an informed opinion, not a sales pitch. We want you playing, not struggling with a poorly set-up instrument, which is exactly why each instrument receives a professional setup at Gold Tone’s factory in Titusville, Florida before it ships to you. Financing is available through PayPal Pay in 4, Afterpay, and flexible 3, 6, 12, and 24-month plans with no late fees — so you can get the guitar in your hands now and work out the payments on your own schedule.

Gold Tone PBR Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Paul Beard cone and spider different from standard resonator components?

Paul Beard is widely regarded as the premier maker of resonator cones and spiders in the United States. His “open” soundwell design allows the cone to vibrate more freely than a standard pressed-steel well, and his spiders are machined to tighter tolerances than most production alternatives. The result is a resonator that responds more dynamically across the volume range — quieter passages stay warm and present, while hard-picked or slide notes ring out with clarity and sustain rather than collapsing into a harsh clang. Getting genuine Beard components in a production instrument at this price point is genuinely unusual and is the central reason serious players gravitate toward the PBR.

Is the PBR set up for slide playing, or can it be played fingerstyle without a slide?

The PBR is a roundneck resonator, which means it is designed to be played in standard guitar position — either fingerstyle or with a slide — just like a conventional acoustic guitar. It is not a squareneck lap-style instrument. Each instrument receives a professional setup at Gold Tone’s factory in Titusville, Florida before it ships to you, with action set to be comfortable for both fingerstyle playing and light slide work in standard tuning. If you plan to play exclusively with a heavy slide in open tunings and want significantly higher action, just let us know at the time of purchase and Gold Tone can adjust accordingly before it ships.

Does the PBR come with a case?

Yes. Every Gold Tone PBR ships with a hardshell case included in the price — no need to budget separately for case protection. It is a proper hardshell unit, not a gig bag, which is appropriate for an instrument at this level and makes the PBR genuinely road-ready right out of the box.

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