Brasher - Silvatone

Before the invention of electronic amplification, resonators were used as a way to boost sound levels in acoustic guitars. Instead of a regular soundboard, these instruments were equipped with one or more spun metal cones—which resulted in a louder, tinnier sound than an acoustic guitar.  The metal-bodied Silvatone model seen here was made by a relatively unknown Canadian luthier and metalworker, Charles Brasher, who patented his own variation of a resonator cone in 1935. Though similar to the National brand resonator guitars in America, Brasher found a niche in Canada manufacturing Hawaiian-style guitars—which were in high demand in the 1920s and 30s.