In 1927, the National String Instrument Company began producing the first resonator instruments. Over the years, the National brand became so synonymous with resonator instruments that many blues players who prefer their unique sound simply refer to any resonator as a "national guitar." Intended to offer players a louder voice, the innovative resonator produces an interesting, warm sound that you won't get from anything else.
Paul Simon sang "the Mississippi Delta was shining like a National guitar." Does any National shine quite like the metal-body guitars? There's a particular tone and vibe to an all-metal resonator unlike anything else. Famously pictured on the cover of Dire Straits' "Brothers in Arms," the 14-fret Style 0 may be the coolest National models of the '30s. It features a single-cone biscuit resonator on a nickel-plated brass body with Hawaiian scenes of palm trees etched into the top and back.
This Style 0 dates to 1934, and it features the smaller-size 14-fret body that was introduced that year. It finds us in very playable and usable condition—dare we say "gig-able," "record-able," etc? There is a fairly sizable dent on the bass side of the lower bout, and a smaller dent on the treble side. But considering the years, the nickel-plated brass body has held up nicely. The original worn-out Maple biscuit has been swapped with a period-correct replacement (the original is in the case). The tuners have also been upgraded, and the fingerboard has a nice radius with plenty of fret wire to get around. Under the hood, a Highlander pickup has been installed for stage use, but the input jack was cleverly installed into the treble f-hole so there is no modification to the body. The external active box that powers the pickup (and the necessary stereo cable) are included.
It's rare to find an old National that plays as well and sounds as good as this one. The authentic '30s V neck profile feels just right in your hands, and the longer 14-fret neck doesn't hang you up when you want to hit the octave. The metal body delivers a bluesy growl when you dig in, but this Style 0 retains a sweetness and clarity when you finger pick it. And the Hawaiian scene? What a vibe. The palm trees provide the perfect inspiration. This 1934 National Style 0 14-Fret includes a hardshell case.