Fender FR-50 Resonator

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$334.00 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (5)

1 Critic Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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4 wishlisted

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Page last updated Jun 11, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 4, 2026.

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5.0 (11)

$334.00 4 available Used

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Average Price: $334

Budget/Beginner

$499

$1300+

Price Tier

In the Resonators category, Fender FR-50 Resonator is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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High-end

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Description

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Introducing the Fender FR-50 Resonator, an accessible gateway into the realm of resonator guitars for both novices and intermediate players. This instrument strikes a harmonious blend of affordability and Fender's trusted craftsmanship. With its spruce top and mahogany body, it serves up a warm, punchy midrange, while the distinct metallic twang of the single chrome finish resonator punctuates your sound. Ideal for a laid-back backporch strumming session, this guitar is a great addition to any musician's arsenal.

Key Features:

Spruce top and mahogany body for a warm, punchy midrange
Single chrome finish resonator for a distinct metallic twang
Well-suited for beginner and intermediate players
Crafted with Fender's trusted quality and affordability
Perfect for casual backporch strumming sessions

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	FR-50 Spruce/Mahogany Resonator
Finish	Sunburst
Year	2010s
Made In	China
Categories	Resonator Guitars
Active Preamp	No
Back Material	Mahogany
Color Family	Brown
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Model Family	Fender FR
Model Sub-Family	Fender FR-50
Number of Frets	20
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup	None
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Sides Material	Mahogany
String Type	Steel
Top Material	Spruce

FAQs

What type of music is the Fender FR-50 Resonator best suited for?: The Fender FR-50 Resonator is ideal for blues and bluegrass music, thanks to its distinctive resonator sound and rich tonal qualities that are perfect for slide guitar playing.
Does the Fender FR-50 Resonator require any special setup for slide guitar?: Yes, for optimal slide guitar performance, it's recommended to use heavier strings and ensure the action is set appropriately to avoid fret buzz while maintaining clear slide tones.
What materials are used in the construction of the Fender FR-50 Resonator?: The Fender FR-50 Resonator features a spruce top and mahogany back and sides, with a rosewood fretboard, which contribute to its warm, resonant sound and durability.
Can the Fender FR-50 Resonator be played like a regular acoustic guitar?: Yes, the Fender FR-50 Resonator can be played like a regular acoustic guitar, although its unique sound is best showcased with slide techniques and heavier strings.
Is the Fender FR-50 Resonator equipped with any pickups?: No, the Fender FR-50 Resonator does not come with built-in pickups, making it a purely acoustic instrument focused on traditional resonator sound.

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Musikshopen - Fender FR 50 Resonator

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PROS

Beautiful finish that stands out as a decorative piece
Comes with high-quality Martin strings enhancing sound
Delivers excellent sound quality comparable to more expensive models
Comfortable neck shape suitable for extended play
Great option for first-time resonator players seeking quality
Serves dual purpose as both instrument and art piece

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender FR-50 Resonator.

Use cases and applications

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The FR-50 has a strong twang but lacks bass, making it ideal for blues, less so for other genres.
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Gold Tone Paul Bear resonator has good sound for open G/A tuning and slide, but may feel bottom-heavy when seated.
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Setup and maintenance

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Adjusting the action requires sanding the two wooden pieces on the spider bridge.
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Features and functionality

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The FR-50 has a limited tonal range, mainly suited for blues due to its distinct twang.
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Value and pricing

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A used FR-50 priced at $500 AUD is considered reasonable, especially if it's half the original cost.
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A used Fender FR-50 was purchased for $300, offering decent value compared to new Recording King models priced around $250.
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Comparisons

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The cutaway version with an installed pickup is typically more expensive than the standard model.
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Mods and upgrades

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One user modified a different resonator with a National cone and a carbon fiber biscuit, enhancing loudness and action setup.
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Other

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Ensure to choose a round neck resonator for playing like a guitar, as it allows both sliding and fretting.
Source

Critic Reviews

Fender FR-50 Resonator Guitar Review

jamplay.com

The Fender FR-50 Resonator is a visually striking guitar with a classic sunburst finish that appeals to entry-level and intermediate slide players. It features a laminate Spruce top, Mahogany body, and chrome resonator, but its use of budget materials results in a sound criticized for being flat and muffled. While it offers a distinctive metallic twang, the guitar's tonal projection and quality leave much to be desired. Overall, it's a cost-effective choice for those prioritizing aesthetics and nostalgic appeal over superior sound quality.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 5 Ratings

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