The word "Deco" conjures images of a time when design was at its peak. A period in architectural history unmatched by any other that put forth such remarkable images as the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, or the Hollywood Bowl. Astonishing icons that still bring marvel and integrity. The resonator guitar was born during this time and echoed art deco elements. Paul Beard's newest line of resonator guitars honors that tradition in appearance and tonal quality. Beneath the historic exterior lie Paul's own structural advances. By representing the original sound with the advantage of stability, it's only right that these guitars should bear the name "Deco".
Jerry Douglas page
Jerry Douglas 14 Grammy Musician

Model-37

The Deco Phonic® Model-37 from Paul Beard reflects the stylings of the Art Deco period in which the resonator guitar was originally developed. Built on a traditional R-body shape, this slightly smaller body offers both growl and bite. Available in roundneck or squareneck, this guitar applies innovative modern construction techniques to create a vintage vibe and sound.

Deco-37

Model-57

The Deco Phonic® Model-57 features a triple-spun Legend cone and a Finnish birch veneer body. This squareneck guitar is based on our E-body shape with a slightly larger profile and deeper body. Players of all styles, including lapsteel, bluegrass, blues, or Americana will enjoy the flexibility of a high-end instrument with a punchy, full-range sound.

Deco-57
Deco Phonic-57 resonator page

Deco Acoustics

Aesthetically, Deco Guitars are a shameless love letter to a time gone by. Their classic colors and familiar details strike a natural chord while the refined body shapes add a subtle yet fresh stylistic perspective

Deco Phonic Highball acoustic guitar front
Deco Phonic Sidecar acoustic guitar
Deco Phonic Sidecar acoustic guitar close up on soundhole
Deco Phonic Sidecar acoustic guitar close up on bridge
Southside Peghead
Deco Phonic Highball acoustic guitar close up on soundhole

Sidecar

Designed from the ground up for punchy acoustic blues and fingerstyle performance. With a tonality and projection that contradicts the smaller body profile, the Beard “R” body shape features a time-honored appearance.

Southside

The Southside acoustic guitar is a uniquely resonant, punchy instrument with a slightly extended low end and velvety midrange. The mid-size Beard “A” body shape is visually unique and comfortable to play.

Highball

Revered for its amazing bluegrass and Americana voicing, this slope-shouldered dreadnought with a more comfortable body depth is perfect for any player looking for a knock-out instrument with a more ergonomic profile.

Deco Phonic Aero-X bracing close up

The Aero-X bracing is a proprietary bracing that combines aircraft lightening techniques with rigid mahogany. The braces weigh the same as spruce, but have a smaller, stiffer footprint. This noticeably impacts the volume and projection of the guitar, as well as the responsiveness and touch sensitivity of the strings.

This finish combines two different layers to create an ultra thin finish that is incredibly durable. A thinner finish on the top allows the wood to resonate truer to its natural state. Additionally, the classic sunburst creates a vintage feel, true to the Deco line.

The top is made of solid Englemann spruce while the back and sides are Finnish birch veneer. The unique back and sides reflect the top’s energy to create more projection and a clearer sound.

In unison with the Deco resonators, Deco acoustics have a unique scale length of 25 inches. This slightly shorter scale length results in less string tension which in turn allows for a lighter more responsive top without compromising structural integrity.