Pro-Level Bluegrass Power, Open-Body Resonance, and Stage-Ready Pickup Performance
The Guitar Sanctuary is proud to offer this preowned Beard Radio Standard E Squareneck Resonator Guitar in Black Ice finish, featuring a factory-installed Fishman Nashville Series Spider Bridge Pickup. Built by legendary luthier Paul Beard and his team in Maryland, the Radio-E combines Beard's signature large E-body open-chamber architecture with premium Finnish birch veneer construction, delivering a rich, full-bodied low end, punchy midrange projection, and sweet, crystalline high-end sparkle.
At the core of this instrument's incredible voice is a genuine handspun Beard Legend Cone™ paired with a Beard #14 spider bridge. The sleek, dark Black Ice satin finish is beautifully complemented by all-black hardware, including a black tailpiece, black Radio™ coverplate, and precision Gotoh tuners. The solid maple squareneck features a solid ebony fingerboard with acrylic pearloid dot inlays, offering maximum stability and tone transfer under heavy slide tension.
Equipped from the factory with the industry-standard Fishman Nashville pickup, this Radio-E is fully optimized for direct stage plugging or seamless pairing with acoustic imaging processors (such as the Jerry Douglas Aura pedal) for feedback-free, high-fidelity amplified resonator tone.
CONDITION REPORT:
This preowned instrument is in Mint Condition. It shows no noticeable play wear, scratches, or dings, and has been meticulously maintained by its previous owner. The cone, spider bridge, and internal bracing are 100% structurally sound, all hardware functions flawlessly, and the electronics operate noiselessly. Inspected, tested, and set up in our shop. Includes the original deluxe hardshell case.
Sanctuary Expert Note:
"If you play squareneck slide, you know Paul Beard's open-body E-shape set the modern standard for acoustic volume and dynamic range. Finding a preowned Radio-E in Mint condition with the factory Fishman Nashville pickup already installed saves you significant time and money. It is punchy, articulate, and completely stage-ready."
Product Intelligence & Tone Matrix
- Best For: Bluegrass, Country, Americana, Acoustic Blues, Stage Session Work
- Tone Profile: Warm Full-Chamber Bass, Woody Midrange Punch, Sparkling Metallic Treble, Endlessly Sustaining
- Compared To: Beard Model E, Scheerhorn Squareneck, Mule Resonator, Gold Tone Paul Beard Signature
- Body Style: Beard Open-Body E-Shape (Large Body)
- Top, Back & Sides Wood: Premium Finnish Birch Veneer with Internal Open-Body Bracing
- Resonator System: Handspun Beard Legend Cone™ with Beard #14 Spider Bridge
- Neck Profile: Solid Maple Squareneck with Ebony Fingerboard (25" Scale)
- Electronics: Factory-Installed Fishman Nashville Series Spider Bridge Pickup
- Hardware & Finish: Black Ice Satin Finish, Black Coverplate & Tailpiece, Gotoh Tuners
- Case: Original Deluxe Hard Shell Case Included
- Origin: Handcrafted in Maryland, USA
Photos are of the actual guitar for sale, SN 1488-22.
All Finnish birch veneer body construction
Open body internal construction
Vintage inspired satin finish
Solid Maple Neck
Bone nut
Ebony fingerboard with Acrylic dot inlays
Black hardware featuring the Radio coverplate
Gotoh tuners
Beard Legend® cone and Original #14™ Adjustable Spider
Fishman Nashville spider bridge pickup
Screenless rings
0.016”-0.056” strings D’Addario EJ42 Phosphor Bronze strings
Deluxe Hardshell Case
We are open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am until 6pm CDT.
Any order placed before 3pm CDT Tuesday through Saturday is processed for shipment the same day. Orders placed Sunday-Monday will be processed for shipment the following Tuesday.
For Free Shipping items, Effects pedals and small goods items are generally shipped via USPS Priority Mail, and Guitars and Amplifiers are generally shipped via UPS Ground.
Due to our central location in the middle of the US, most orders will be delivered within 1-3 days delivery time.
Other shipping methods are available (at an additional cost), including next day air.
Please call us directly at (972)540-6420 if you have any questions regarding shipping for your order.
