National Reso-Phonic Guitars The National line of metal-bodied resonator instruments are the most uniquely American guitars ever made, representing America's cultural melting pot, as well as the transition from acoustic to electric guitars. Invented by Slovakian immigrants (John Dopyera and his brothers) and made in Los Angeles from 1926 to 1939 - and now being made again in California - these loud, shiny instruments were built to satisfy the need for a louder guitar for jazz bands and recording. ... National made nickel silver, Hawaiian guitars, mandolins, tenor guitars, and ukuleles. Their design shows a strong Art Deco influence, very modernistic, and a true blending of art and industry. No Nationals were made between 1942 and 1989, when Don Young and McGregor Gaines started the National Reso-Phonic Guitar Company. Nationals have a much wider dynamic range than either electric or conventional wooden acoustic guitars, with a profound tone that is unique among instruments. Prices are negotiable Prices listed are the supplier's recommended retail in Australian
dollars. Page up to date on July 22, 2010 |
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National El Trovador Resonator Guitar $4295 rrp This single cone guitar is patterned after the famous El Trovador produced from 1932-1933. Features a large, 4” deep body constructed of mahogany. The body is bound in multi-layer celluloid, with a matching purfling border around the coverplate. A wood soundwell houses the resonator. An ebony fretboard is mated to a solid mahogany neck, capped with a rosewood headstock overlay. The El Trovador’s has a deep, unique voice. |
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National Style "O" Resonator Guitar $3995 rrp National's flagship model, the Style O recreates the look and feel of the original 1930’s single resonator guitars. This brass bodied instrument is polished to a mirror-like shine, nickel plated, and finally etched with the distinctive Hawaiian palm tree design. The maple neck is finished in a traditional sunburst. An ivoroid bound ebony fretboard and vintage-style engraved tuners complete the look of this timeless classic. |
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National Style 1 Tricone Resonator Guitar $4495 rrp The Style 1 Tricone shares many of its’ features with the original National Tricone created by the Dopyera brothers in the late 1920’s. The brass body is polished to a mirror-like shine and nickel plated. The mahogany neck, finished in a rich mahogany burst, has an ivoroid bound ebony fingerboard. The vintage-style tuning machines sit on a traditional slotted headstock, complete with the distinctive National shield decal. |
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National Vintage Steel Delphi $3795 rrp The Vintage Steel Delphi features steel body construction with a ribbed sieve-hole coverplate, just like the pre-war original resonator guitars. The hard rock maple neck has an ivoroid bound rosewood fingerboard and slotted headstock. The name "Vintage Steel" refers to the plating process. The satin-nickel plating on each Vintage Steel instrument is designed to look aged with use and the passage of time. |
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National M2 Mahogany $3495 rrp Back by popular demand, the M-2 is the second generation of the National Reso-Phonic M-1 made from 1990-1994. An M-2's body is composed of laminate top and back, and solid mahogany sides. This instrument also features a mahogany neck with engraved pearloid headstock overlay, rosewood fretboard and mother-of-pearl position markers. Tuners are vintage-style engraved, open gear. |
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National Maple Uke $1995 rrp This Concert Ukulele comes with a figured maple top, back and sides. The neck is made of figured maple with an unbound rosewood fingerboard. The headstock has a tortoise/ivoroid overlay to complete this instrument. |
