i recently acquired a new olympia resonator steel guitar from house of musical tradiitons in takoma park maryland for $600 and i love it. everyone remarks on how heavy it is but it doesn't bother me - i wear it on my bike going to gigs. i got it so visitors could play with me and be heard when i am playing barrelhouse piano but i have got to playing it a lot myself. it is very easy. i play in open g and open e. it is loud and clear. single notes sustain, fiddle-like, so it "sings."
if anyone is in dc - capitol hill six blocks east of the capitol (644 east capitol street) - and wants to come by and play the guitar, please do. there is as much corn whiskey as you can drink. out of town visitors will be put up (not shut up).