The Regal RC-51 Tricone Resonator is a traditional round-neck metal-body resonator built around the classic three-cone design, delivering the rich sustain, complex overtones and metallic projection associated with early blues, ragtime, roots and slide guitar.

The RC-51 uses a nickel-plated bell-brass body with three spun-aluminium resonator cones, linked by a traditional sand-cast T-style bridge assembly. This gives it a smoother and more harmonically layered voice than many single-cone resonators.

A mahogany round neck, rosewood fingerboard, 1¾" bone nut and adjustable truss rod make it practical for conventional fretted playing as well as bottleneck slide.

This Pre-Owned example is in Good condition.

* An after market passive pick-up has been fitted by the previous owner, the type and make has not been verified *

AT A GLANCE

Detail	Specification
Brand	Regal
Model	RC-51
Type	Round-Neck Tricone Resonator
Body	Bell Brass
Finish	Nickel Plated
Resonator	Three Spun-Aluminium Cones
Neck	Mahogany
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Nut Width	1¾"
Condition	Good / Pre-Owned

PRE-OWNED CONDITION REPORT

This is a Pre-Owned Regal RC-51 in Good condition.

The Good condition grade reflects an instrument with noticeable cosmetic signs of previous use while remaining fully functional and suitable for continued playing.

Nickel-plated metal-body resonators naturally show fingerprints, light tarnishing, surface marking and general handling wear over time, so buyers should study the photographs carefully for the exact cosmetic condition of this individual example.

The exact weight and case status have not been supplied and have therefore not been assumed.

KEY FEATURES

• Regal RC-51

• Round-neck tricone resonator

• Bell-brass body

• Heavy nickel-plated finish

• Mirror-style metal appearance

• Three spun-aluminium resonator cones

• Traditional sand-cast T-style bridge system

• Mahogany neck

• Rosewood fingerboard

• Adjustable truss rod

• 1¾" bone nut

• 12th-fret neck joint

• Traditional resonator tailpiece

• Slotted headstock

• Decorative pearloid headstock overlay

• Traditional resonator hardware

• Passive acoustic design

• Good Pre-Owned condition

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT

The RC-51 delivers the distinctive sound of a true tricone without moving into the much higher price bracket associated with vintage National instruments.

Its three-cone system gives notes a smoother, more sustained and harmonically complex character than a typical single-cone biscuit resonator.

That makes it especially appealing for blues, ragtime, fingerstyle and slide players who want resonance and harmonic depth rather than maximum bark.

DETAILED FEATURES & BENEFITS

Bell-Brass Body

The RC-51 uses a bell-brass body rather than wood.

This gives the guitar the strong metallic projection and distinctive visual identity associated with classic resonator instruments.

Nickel-Plated Finish

The bell-brass body is heavily nickel plated, giving the guitar its bright reflective appearance.

The finish also reinforces the vintage-inspired character of the instrument.

Tricone Resonator System

The RC-51 uses three spun-aluminium cones.

These work together beneath the bridge, creating a more complex and sustained response than a conventional single-cone resonator.

Sand-Cast T-Style Bridge Assembly

The cones are linked through a traditional sand-cast T-style bridge system.

This distributes string vibration across all three resonators and is central to the RC-51’s characteristic tone.

Mahogany Neck

The mahogany neck provides a familiar feel for players moving across from conventional acoustic guitars.

Rosewood Fingerboard

The rosewood fingerboard offers a smooth and traditional playing surface.

12th-Fret Neck Joint

The neck joins the body at the 12th fret, a classic resonator configuration that places the bridge in an effective position for acoustic response.

1¾" Bone Nut

The 1¾" bone nut provides useful string spacing for fingerstyle and slide techniques.

Bone also provides a hard and resonant point of contact for the strings.

Adjustable Truss Rod

An adjustable truss rod allows neck relief to be set for different playing preferences and string gauges.

Slotted Headstock

The slotted headstock reinforces the period-inspired appearance and suits the traditional resonator layout.

Decorative Pearloid Overlay

The headstock features an ornate pearloid overlay that gives the RC-51 additional visual character.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The Regal RC-51 is particularly well suited to:

• Blues players

• Slide guitarists

• Ragtime musicians

• Roots players

• Americana guitarists

• Folk musicians

• Fingerstyle players

• Open-tuning specialists

• Guitarists looking for a traditional metal-body tricone

PLAYING STYLES & APPLICATIONS

The RC-51 works particularly well for:

• Delta blues

• Ragtime

• Slide guitar

• Roots

• Americana

• Country

• Folk

• Fingerstyle

• Open tunings

• Acoustic recording

HOW IT COMPARES

RC-51 vs Single-Cone Resonator

A single-cone resonator usually has a more direct and aggressive response.

The RC-51’s tricone system produces a smoother, richer tone with more sustain and harmonic complexity.

RC-51 vs Conventional Acoustic

A normal acoustic guitar relies mainly on the vibration of a wooden soundboard.

The RC-51 uses metal cones to mechanically amplify the strings, producing a far more metallic and projecting voice.

Round Neck vs Square Neck

A square-neck resonator is normally played horizontally with a steel.

The RC-51’s round neck allows conventional fretted playing as well as bottleneck slide, making it much more versatile.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Specification	Details
Product Type	Resonator Guitar
Brand	Regal
Model	RC-51
Body Style	Round-Neck Tricone
Body Material	Bell Brass
Finish	Nickel Plated
Resonator System	3 x Spun-Aluminium Cones
Bridge System	Sand-Cast T-Style
Neck Material	Mahogany
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Neck Joint	12th Fret
Nut Material	Bone
Nut Width	1¾"
Truss Rod	Adjustable
Headstock	Slotted
Headstock Overlay	Decorative Pearloid
Strings	6
Electronics	None
Condition	Good / Pre-Owned

POWER REQUIREMENTS

None.

The Regal RC-51 is a fully acoustic resonator and requires no battery or external power supply.

FAIR DEAL MUSIC EXPERT VERDICT ★★★★★

Best suited for: Blues, roots and slide players looking for the smoother, more sustained character of a traditional tricone resonator.

Customers usually upgrade from: Entry-level resonators, conventional acoustic guitars and basic single-cone models.

Most commonly paired with: Glass or metal slides, open tunings, acoustic microphones and simple roots-oriented recording setups.

Our tip: Try Open D or Open G and let notes sustain rather than overcrowding the arrangement. The RC-51’s real strength is the way the three cones allow individual notes and chords to bloom.

Showroom feedback: The RC-51 has a noticeably more refined and harmonically complex response than many single-cone resonators. It is particularly rewarding for players who want sustain and detail rather than maximum aggression.

WHY BUY PRE-OWNED FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

Buying a Pre-Owned Regal RC-51 is a cost-effective way to access a genuine tricone resonator design with traditional metal-body construction.

This example is in Good condition.

Fair Deal Music has decades of experience buying, selling and part-exchanging acoustic, resonator and Pre-Owned guitars.

WHY BUY FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Fair Deal Music combines a large Birmingham showroom with nationwide ecommerce and knowledgeable musician-led advice.

Customers benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987

• Birmingham's largest independent music store

• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews

• Knowledgeable musician-led advice

• Experience with acoustic and resonator guitars

• Large Birmingham showroom

• Secure online ordering

• Fast UK delivery

• Friendly customer support

• Part-exchange and trade-in service

TRADE IN. TRADE UP. SAVE MORE.

Your current guitar or other musical equipment could help towards the cost of this Regal RC-51.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges acoustic guitars, resonators, electric guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects and a wide range of musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.

PART EXCHANGE / TRADE-IN

If you already own a guitar or other musical equipment you are considering replacing, Fair Deal Music can assess it for part exchange.

Trading in can remove the inconvenience of selling privately while allowing the value of your existing equipment to go directly towards your next instrument.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this Regal RC-51 used?

Yes. This is a Pre-Owned Regal RC-51 in Good condition.

What type of resonator is it?

It is a tricone resonator, using three separate aluminium cones.

What is the body made from?

Bell brass.

What finish does it have?

A heavily nickel-plated reflective finish.

What are the resonator cones made from?

Spun aluminium.

What bridge system does it use?

A traditional sand-cast T-style bridge system.

Is it a round-neck resonator?

Yes.

Can it be played like a normal guitar?

Yes. The round neck allows conventional fretted playing.

Is it suitable for slide?

Yes. It is especially well suited to bottleneck slide.

What is the neck made from?

Mahogany.

What fingerboard does it have?

Rosewood.

Where does the neck join the body?

At the 12th fret.

What is the nut width?

1¾".

Is the nut bone?

Yes.

Does it have an adjustable truss rod?

Yes.

Does it have electronics?

No. The standard RC-51 is fully acoustic.

Does it require a battery?

No.

What condition is it in?

It is in Good condition.

Does it come with a case?

Case inclusion has not been specified.

What does it weigh?

The individual weight has not been supplied.

Is it suitable for blues?

Yes. Blues, ragtime and slide are among the styles most naturally suited to the RC-51.

Is it suitable for open tunings?

Yes. Open D and Open G work particularly well.

Can I part-exchange another guitar against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers guitars and a wide range of other musical equipment for part exchange.