National steels — model differences?

Subject: National steels — model differences?
From: ddw
Date: 14 Aug 01 - 07:53 PM

I'm working up the courage — and money — to buy a National Steel, something I've wanted for a good part of my adult life.

I love the sound of these beauties, but I've played very few of them. Do any M'catters know much about them? I'm particularly interested in comment on the differences between brass and steel bodies, tri-cone vs. bisquit resonaters, whether to go for a new one or an old one, and any other thoughts you might have.

Rick? Justa? Any other guitar nerds?

cheers,

david

Subject: RE: National steels — model differences?
From: Justa Picker
Date: 14 Aug 01 - 08:44 PM

This will get you started.

Subject: RE: National steels — model differences?
From: ddw
Date: 15 Aug 01 - 12:01 AM

Thanks, JP — great site. I'll keep it bookmarked.

I am, however, interested in the comments of anybody who knows anything about National steels.

Also wouldn't mind opinions on other brands — Regal? I know Rick has a sweet little Regal. Others?

david

Subject: RE: National steels — model differences?
From: Grab
Date: 15 Aug 01 - 09:58 AM

When you do get one, let me know - I'll find some excuse to get work to send me back over there and hear you in action! ;-)

Graham.

Subject: RE: National steels — model differences?
From: ddw
Date: 15 Aug 01 - 11:09 PM

You're on, Graham.

Think I'll head over to Elderly this weekend to do some comparison picking — don't think I'm ready to buy just yet — and take a look at that $140,000 Martin.

Of course, if they insist that I take the Martin, I'll just have to sell it. Still don't like Martins....

Wonder what the going price is on one of the 1932 German silver Nationals?

cheers,

david

Subject: RE: National steels — model differences?
From: Oversoul
Date: 15 Aug 01 - 11:55 PM

Do Dobros rate with this discussion? Anyway, I have two. One of those "double Cyclops" wooden beauties, and a brass demon with the rolled, tin-can edges which was originally painted with a fake woodgrain. Neither are collector's items. Both have had major repairs (not on my account) and I relish the sounds they make. Slightly distorted bass, loud and stinging treble. Don't get me wrong, I love new instruments, but these just fell into my lap and I had to have them. Both are single-resonator models, both have round necks. I play slide on the wooden one and fingerpick the brass one. No big deal, but I had to get in on this, see? These never leave the house, for good reason.

Subject: RE: National steels — model differences?
From: ddw
Date: 15 Aug 01 - 11:59 PM

Davecoje —

Expand on the reasons? Too valuable? Too heavy? Too sensative? Have to admit I'm not really looking for a Dobro, but will certainly look into their brass ones when I'm poking around.

david

Subject: RE: National steels — model differences?
From: Oversoul
Date: 16 Aug 01 - 09:22 PM

Embarassed to say this...but both of my Dobro instruments were made in the 30's. I had to have a new new neck made for my brass one. I "jerry rigged" the wooden one into a lap model by installing one of those nut-things which raises the action. Buy a new instrument seeker! I love these old things, but if I had it to do over...you guessed it! Nothing like breaking in a new instrument, yuh know?

Subject: RE: National steels — model differences?
From: ddw
Date: 16 Aug 01 - 10:27 PM

Hey, Davecoje — nothing to be embarrassed about in old instruments. Matter of fact, if they sound good, it's a plus in my opinion. I'll certainly be looking into used instruments when I go hunting and I'm not at all above buying one that needs repairs if I think there's potential there.

Subject: RE: National steels — model differences?
From: WyoWoman
Date: 16 Aug 01 - 11:15 PM

It's all about the sound and the feel, right? So new or old shouldn't make no nevvermind, as long as you love how it sounds and feels when you play it. Now me? I'd love to have one of those old steel-bodied Nationals, just because I love the way they sound. (Of course, I'd have to learn to actually PLAY the guitar first ... not just plunk meaningfully.) The first time I heard one was about 15 years ago at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Colorado and I heard one through a crowd and walked right to it as if it were calling out to me. What a yummy sound.

WW

Subject: RE: National steels — model differences?
From: ddw
Date: 16 Aug 01 - 11:27 PM

They do stand out, don't they, WW? There was a guy at Augusta playing a wooden National that I liked to jam with. Never had any problem finding him, no matter where he was on campus.Oddly, I didn't see but one steel (or brass) National the whole week, and that belonged to the kid (17-year-old) who was teaching slide guitar. I think it might have to do with not wanting to carry those beasts around the campus — they weigh a ton!

cheers,

david

Subject: RE: National steels — model differences?
From: Grab
Date: 17 Aug 01 - 07:02 AM

Incidentally Dave, let me know when you work out how to mike it up. Still got to work that out for mine - I think close up to the resonator, there's very distinct areas of what's loud and what doesn't sound at all.

Graham.

Subject: RE: National steels — model differences?
From: MikeJ
Date: 17 Aug 01 - 04:36 PM

On the National Guitars website, there are some tips on using resonator guitars with mics. Try this: tips

Mike

Subject: RE: National steels — model differences?
From: Knappo
Date: 17 Aug 01 - 07:35 PM

ddw, I was recently lent a CD that National Guitars put out with Bob Brozman demonstrating various licks on the different guitars National has so you can hear the difference. It's pretty cool. Of course he makes them all sound so damn good you want to go buy them all. Check out their web site to see how to get a copy of it, or maybe your local music store. Cheers, Knappo

Subject: RE: National steels — model differences?
From: Grab
Date: 20 Aug 01 - 11:37 AM

Thanks Mike, have to try that next time out.