Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (1)
$1,599.99
Guitar Center
$1,599.99
Amazon
$1,599.99
Reverb
5.0 (4)
$1,599.99 New
$1,000.00 Used
Musician's Friend
$1,599.99

Average Price: $1,500

High-end/Boutique

$499

$1300+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Gold Tone PBS-D Resonator Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Discover the rich, resonant tones of the Gold Tone PBS-D Resonator Guitar, a masterpiece crafted for the discerning musician. Designed in collaboration with resonator virtuoso Paul Beard, this guitar blends traditional craftsmanship with modern playability. The PBS-D's genuine Beard USA open-soundwell cone/spider assembly is at the heart of its sound, delivering the signature resonant projection that easily fills any acoustic setting, from cozy living rooms to bustling outdoor festivals.

The body, neck, and sides are meticulously carved from curly maple, a wood renowned for its strength and stunning visual appeal. This choice of tonewood not only enhances the guitar's structural integrity but also contributes to its bright, clear tone, perfect for blues and bluegrass. The neck is a squareneck design, providing comfort and stability whether you're playing intricate slide guitar or rich, resonant chords. The ebony fingerboard, adorned with vintage-style hearts and flowers inlays, offers a silky smooth playing experience.

Whether you're a seasoned slide guitarist or exploring new sonic territories, the PBS-D offers a balanced blend of elegance, durability, and exceptional sound quality. A true workhorse, this resonator guitar comes with sealed guitar-style tuning machines, ensuring that your play remains in perfect pitch, and a hardshell case for added protection.

Key Features:

  • Curly maple top, back, and sides
  • Maple neck with a two-way adjustable truss rod
  • Ebony fingerboard with vintage-style hearts and flowers inlays
  • Genuine Beard USA cone and spider
  • Maple bridge with ebony insert
  • 25-inch scale length with 1.875-inch ZeroGlide nut
  • Chrome-plated hardware
  • Includes a hardshell case for protection and ease of transport

Product specs

Resonator Type Spider
Number of Strings 6
Body Shape PBS-D
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Style No Cutaway
Finish High Gloss
Top Material Curly Maple
Back & Sides Material Curly Maple
Neck Wood Maple
Neck Shape Square
Fingerboard Inlay Dots
Binding Maple
Number of Frets 19
Scale Length 25"
Tuning Machines Sealed
Bridge Material Maple
Nut/Saddle Material ZeroGlide
Nut Width 1.875"
Strings Goldtone Resonator, .016-.056
Case Included Hardshell Case

FAQs

What is the primary use of the Gold Tone PBS-D Resonator Guitar?

The Gold Tone PBS-D Resonator Guitar is primarily used for bluegrass and country music, offering a distinctive resonator sound that is ideal for slide playing due to its square neck design.

What type of resonator does the Gold Tone PBS-D use?

The Gold Tone PBS-D uses a spider resonator, which provides a clear and articulate sound, making it well-suited for both solo performances and ensemble settings.

Is the Gold Tone PBS-D suitable for beginners?

While the Gold Tone PBS-D offers professional-grade features, its playability and included hardshell case make it accessible for dedicated beginners who are serious about learning resonator guitar techniques.

What materials are used in the construction of the Gold Tone PBS-D?

The Gold Tone PBS-D features a curly maple top, back, and sides, with a maple neck and bridge, which contribute to its rich tonal qualities and robust build.

Does the Gold Tone PBS-D come with a case?

Yes, the Gold Tone PBS-D Resonator Guitar includes a hardshell case, providing excellent protection for transport and storage.

Gold Tone

Gold Tone

Gold Tone PBS-D Square Neck Deluxe Guitar

Video thumbnail for Gold Tone PBS-D Square Neck Deluxe Guitar by Gold Tone

Gold Tone PBS-D Square Neck Deluxe Guitar

Gold Tone

Gold Tone

Video thumbnail for Beard Gold Tone PBS-D Maple Deluxe || Elderly Instruments by Elderly Instruments

Beard Gold Tone PBS-D Maple Deluxe || Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Video thumbnail for Acoustic Guitar Demo: Goldtone PBS-D Squareneck Resonator by Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Acoustic Guitar Demo: Goldtone PBS-D Squareneck Resonator

Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers a wonderfully rich sound that impresses musicians of all levels

  • Feels like a high-quality instrument, enhancing the playing experience

  • Excellent value for the price, appealing to budget-conscious buyers

CONS

  • Does not come with a case, causing inconvenience for transport and protection

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gold Tone PBS-D Resonator Guitar.

Build quality

  • The PBS-D's maple laminate construction offers a punchier tone, ideal for more aggressive playing styles.

    Source

Comparisons

  • An owner ranked the PBS-M third out of 14 dobros in a bluegrass camp comparison, highlighting its competitive sound against pricier models.

    Source
  • The PBS-D's maple laminate is often favored over softer mahogany laminates for those seeking a more modern, punchy sound.

    Source
  • Owners generally find the Gold Tone PBS-D to have better projection and livelier sound than the Gretsch G9230 Bobtail, which some describe as sounding "dead."

    Source
  • The RK Phil Leadbetter model has narrower string spacing than most modern dobros, which could require adjustment when upgrading.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The PBS-M's pronounced bottom end suits swamp blues, while the PBS-D's punchy high end is well-suited for bluegrass.

    Source

User experience

  • Transitioning from a Gretsch Boxcar to a PBS-M reveals significant tonal improvement, noted by multiple users.

    Source
  • After experiencing various high-end and custom dobros, an owner confirmed they would repurchase the Gold Tone PBS without hesitation, citing its reliability and sound quality.

    Source
  • Owners find that Gold Tone guitars with a Beard setup outperform some more expensive models in terms of sound quality.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Gold Tone PBS-D includes a Beard BC-1 cone and #14 spider, enhancing its tonal projection and resonance.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A user reported selling their Gold Tone dobro after 6 years for nearly its original purchase price, highlighting its value retention.

    Source
  • A user recalled purchasing a PBS model for just over $700 with tax and shipping in 2006, indicating a notable price increase over time.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's important to ensure the spider is oriented properly for accurate intonation; incorrect orientation is common in stores without resonator specialization.

    Source
  • Some stores string resonators underneath the tailpiece, which owners often change for better performance after purchase.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gear Review: Gold Tone PBS-D | Acoustic Guitar

acousticguitar.com

The Gold Tone PBS-D Resonator Guitar is a resonator aficionado's dream, blending elegance with a robust, homespun sound. Crafted with premium curly maple, it offers stability even under erratic temperature shifts, making it a reliable partner for slide players. Its rich tonal palette—from sweet highs to warm midranges—thrives across various tunings, maintaining its pitch despite the challenges of open tunings. The compact size and manageable weight enhance playability, inviting musicians to pick it up time and again. Priced at around $1,150, this instrument combines luxurious aesthetics with performance, making it an outstanding option for both newcomers and seasoned players.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
stanley_christiaensen

yea

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kurt Vile uses Gold Tone PBS-D Resonator Guitar

Kurt Vile

Guitarist, Singer

The War on Drugs

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Vile is seen with Gold Tone PBS-D resonator guitar.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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