Beard Guitars
ActiveOverview
Beard Guitars is a manufacturer of acoustic and electric resonator guitars, lapsteels, and flat-top acoustics, based in Hagerstown, Maryland. Established in 1985, it specializes in square-neck and round-neck resonators used in bluegrass and other genres by professional and amateur musicians worldwide. The company is known for innovations in resonator guitar construction while maintaining Dopyera family traditions.
History
Beard Guitars was founded in 1985 by Paul Beard, a Hagerstown resident, with the first resonator guitar delivered that year. It has focused on advancing bluegrass acoustic instruments through new technologies and techniques. The company remains independently owned and operated from its original location.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Square-Neck Resonators | Bluegrass and resonator specialists | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| Round-Neck Resonators | Versatile acoustic resonators | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| Electric Lapsteels | Electric slide instruments | $1,800 - $3,000 |
| Acoustic Flat-Tops | Standard body acoustics | $2,000 - $4,000 |
Manufacturing
Products are manufactured in-house at the company's facility in Hagerstown, Maryland. Beard Guitars handles design, construction, repairs, and parts from this single location. No outsourcing is indicated.
Notable Products
- Beard Square-Neck Resonator - Primary model for bluegrass dobro-style playing with innovative cone and coverplate design.
- Beard Round-Neck Resonator - Acoustic resonator for fingerstyle and slide in various genres.
- Beard Electric Lapsteel - Solid-body electric for lap steel performance.
- Beard Flat-Top Acoustic - Traditional flat-top guitar with Beard-specific tone enhancements.
Reputation
Beard Guitars is respected among bluegrass professionals for quality construction and tonal innovations in resonators. Enthusiasts value the handmade approach and direct sales model. Limited product range and higher pricing may restrict broader appeal compared to mass producers.