Acoustic Resonator guitars:

These can be divided into two different types: Single-Cone and Tri-Cone

Single Cone Resonators:

These are made with either wooden or metal bodies and either a "Spider" or "Biscuit" style cone. If you look at the above picture of these two types, you will notice that the Spider style uses a concave (pointing inward) cone, while the Biscuit cone is convex (pointing outward). These variations in design give a very different tone to the instruments.
The Spider style was patented by Dobro guitars in 1929, whereas the Biscuit style was developed by National Guitars.

Generally speaking, metal-bodied types, particularly with a "Biscuit" cone have a more Bluesy tone, while for Bluegrass and Country music the wooden-bodied, Spider-cone style is preferred.
Metal-bodied resonators are usually constructed of either Bell-brass or steel, each metal having different tonal characteristics. For more information on the differences between the two I recommend Bob Brozman's excellent site
Many metal-bodied resonators are often intricately engraved or sand-blasted such as these pictured below:

Resonator guitars can have either a traditional round neck, or a square neck cross-section. The square-necked guitars are designed for playing while the instrument is laid out flat on the players lap. They usually have a much higher action (the distance between the strings and the fretboard). This style of playing (and instruments designed for this style of playing) is often referred to as "Lap-steel". Square-necked models also usually have the tuners on the headstock inverted for easier access.

Electric Resonator guitars:

I usually think of these as coming in two different types. The first type is an acoustic resonator that has had a pickup fitted into it. The second type is an electric guitar that has had a resonator fitted into it. Either of these modifications may be the way the instrument was produced in the factory or an after-market modification.

The guitar pictured on the left below is a Dobro manufactured by Moserite in the 1960's, known as a "Californian", fitted with single-coil pickups.
The guitar on the right is a Jay Turser, fitted with a mini-humbucker and a Piezo pickup under the bridge.

Pictured below is a Fender resonator fitted with a "Lipstick" style single-coil pickup. This is an example of a factory-made acoustic resonator with pickup. Various pickups can be fitted to acoustic resonator guitars. Single coils seem to be more popular, due to the fact that thyey have a tone closer to an acoustic guitar. Gibson's P-90 single-coil pickups are a popular choice as an after-market modification. For an amplified resonator guitar sound that is true to the original tone of the instrument, specialised pickups are preferred and there are several manufacturers who produce pickups specifically made for the various types of resonator.

Other Resonator instruments:

Not just guitars have had resonators added to them! Banjos, Mandolins, Ukeleles, Bass guitars, Violins, Double Basses and even Balalaikas have been given the resonator treatment, here's a few examples...

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