I own a Regal metal body reso and am completely satisfied with it. It's set up to either slide or bend and stretch those strings, holds tune well, good workmanship and a fine neck.
I've had it apart and stuck a McIntyre pickup to the cone with good results, but prefer the natural sound of it to the electrified.
I bought the thing new on e-bay for under 400 bucks U.S. shipping included and would recommend Regal to anyone who's not ready to fork over $1,400.00 for a National. A good sound and a good friend as well.

Keep checking e-bay. Sometimes there are good buys there.

Yerz,
Tweed
http://tweedsblues.net/