Gold Tone PBS-8 Paul Beard Signature Squareneck Resonator Guitar with Case

If you’ve spent any time around serious dobro and resonator guitar players, you already know the name Paul Beard. His cones, spider bridges, and soundwell designs are the standard against which everything else gets measured — and the Gold Tone PBS-8 puts all of that genuine American-made hardware into a beautifully crafted mahogany squareneck — played in lap slide style, like a Dobro — at a price that working musicians can actually afford. The mahogany body and neck are finished in a stunning high-gloss tobacco sunburst, and everything about the way this instrument is put together says “this is built to be played.” I’ve handled a lot of resonator guitars over my 45 years in the industry, and when you open the f-holes on this thing and hear that Beard cone respond, it’s immediately clear you’re not dealing with an import imitation — you’re dealing with the genuine article.

The PBS-8 is voiced for G tuning (GBDGBD), which is the standard open-G lap steel tuning every dobro player knows, and the 25″ scale length with a 1-7/8″ ZeroGlide nut gives you a comfortable, responsive playing surface whether you’re working with a bar or just exploring the neck. The rosewood fingerboard features simple dot inlays — no fuss, just function — and the two-way adjustable truss rod means this guitar can be dialed in for virtually any string height preference. The Paul Beard 6-string tailpiece, chrome hardware, and sealed guitar-style tuners round out a package that punches well above its price point. This is the squareneck resonator I’d hand to a serious intermediate player ready to stop compromising, or a professional who needs a dependable road instrument without the anxiety of touring with something irreplaceable.

Every PBS-8 receives a professional factory setup at Gold Tone in Titusville, Florida before it ships. The nut slots, action, neck relief, intonation, and tuner tension are all checked, so your PBS-8 arrives ready to play at its absolute best. You won’t need to take it to a shop before your first rehearsal.

Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse

Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Gold Tone dealer, which means every PBS-8 we sell carries the full manufacturer warranty and comes backed by a retailer who actually knows these instruments inside and out. We offer flexible financing through PayPal Pay in 4 and 3, 6, 12, or 24-month plans — all with no late fees, plus Afterpay — so you can get the instrument you actually need without waiting. Questions before you buy? Just reach out. We’re real people who love this music.

Gold Tone PBS-8 Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Paul Beard cone different from a standard resonator cone?

Paul Beard is widely regarded as one of the finest resonator cone makers in the United States, and his cones are used by professional players and boutique builders worldwide. The “open” soundwell design he developed produces a warmer, more complex tone with better sustain and note separation than many factory cones. When Gold Tone specifies a genuine US-made Beard cone in the PBS-8, that’s not a marketing claim — it’s the same hardware that goes into instruments costing significantly more. That cone is the heart of this guitar’s voice.

Is the PBS-8 suitable for both beginners and experienced resonator players?

Honestly, I’d point a complete beginner toward something a step down the price ladder while they’re finding their footing — not because the PBS-8 is hard to play, but because it deserves a player who’s ready to appreciate what it does. This is really the right instrument for someone who has spent some time with a resonator guitar, understands open G tuning, and is ready to move up to professional-quality components. It’s also an excellent choice for working musicians who need a reliable, great-sounding instrument they’re not afraid to take on the road.

Does the PBS-8 come with a case?

Yes — a hardshell case is included with every PBS-8. That’s not always the case at this price point with other brands, and it’s one of the things I appreciate about Gold Tone’s approach to value. Your instrument is protected from the moment it leaves the factory to the moment it arrives at your door.

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