Even by today's standards, the ideas coming from National/Valco in the '60s are whacky. Why make guitars—with wild shapes and "Gumby headstocks"—out of fiberglass? Why not!
Res-O-Glas guitars were produced under the National brand name in Chicago, primarily between 1962 and 1967. Their bodies were made from fiberglass, hence the "Glas" in Res-O-Glas. These wild creations were a departure from the traditional wooden construction of guitars at the time. Res-O-Glas guitars were designed to be affordable and durable, and they were marketed as instruments suitable for use in a variety of musical styles, including blues, rock, and country. While most of the Res-O-Glas instruments were electrics, the material is especially interesting when combined with a resonator.
The Bluegrass 35 was built from 1964 to 1967. It features a two-piece Res-O-Glas body with a 9.5" single-cone resonator assembly. Resonator guitars have long been made out of metal and harder materials than wood, so the Res-O-Glas works with the single-cone setup. Its sound is mellower and not as loud as a metal body, and it has a strong mid-range sound. It's raw and lo-fi, which fits deeply with the resonator vibe and mojo. Though rare, the Bluegrass 35 would make an excellent songwriter or studio tool. It's not like anything else you'll come across.
This circa-1965 National Bluegrass 35 is one of the coolest guitars in the top! The two-tone white/black motif with the Gumby-headstock and wave inlays will win you over, but you'll plenty of little details, too, such as the design of the tailpiece and the Art-Deco National badge. This one plays very nicely, despite its age. The top shows some warping around the resonator that look like past finish/paint touchups (see photos). The guitar came to us with all of its original parts and components, and we've got it set up with .011-.052 phosphor bronze strings. It's a nice player that will accommodate slide, fingerpicking, or anything you throw at it.
This 1965 National Bluegrass 35 produces a throaty sound with a strong mid-range punch. A customer described it as "like playing a guitar through an AM radio." It's hard to explain, but we agree. This old resonator has sincere vibe that would make it an intriguing addition to any collection. For the right player, this guitar will bring new colors to paint with! It includes a basic Road Runner gig bag.