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.
In 1989, the National brand was revived when the National Reso-Phonic Guitars company began building resonator instruments again in Southern California. Inspired by many of the classic designs from the late-'20s and early-'30s, the modern production Nationals are impressive instruments, built with the all of the innovation and advancement in production techniques since the prewar era. Without question, these recent production National guitars are some of the highest quality resonator instruments ever made.
The National M2 is based on the '30s single-cone resonators that had wood bodies instead of metal. These laminate-mahogany beasts are quite a bit lighter than their all-metal counterparts, and their tone is warmer and richer and never as harsh or overly-bright. You still get the authentic growl of the spun aluminum cone, but it's a resonator sound that is warmer, more controlled, and capable of more subtlety.
This 2003 National M2 is in beautiful condition with minimal signs of play and use. If not for a two faint scuffs on the back and minor tarnish on the metal parts, you might think it was brand new. It has a playable setup that is high enough to get aggressive with a slide. If lower action is desired, there's still room for adjustment, but the current setup is ideal for a variety of playing styles. It includes its original hardshell case.
- Body: Laminated Mahogany w/ F-Holes
- Resonator: 9.5" Hand Spun Aluminum
- Bridge: Maple Biscuit
- Nut Material: Bone
- Scale Length: 25"
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- FB Binding: Ivoroid
- FB Markers: Pearl
- Upper Bout: 10.25"
- Lower Bout: 14"
- Scale Length: 25"
- Nut Material: Bone
- Nut Width: 1-25/32"
- Peghead Overlay: Pearloid w/ National logo