National Resophonic guitar

[homme de fer]

A couple months ago, I started messing with a slide using a kids parlour guitar in open D. Quite the challenge but I really enjoyed it. I bought a Gretsch Boxcar reso about 6 weeks ago and my playing has grown as well.

I made the mistake of going to Folkway Music out in Waterloo yesterday and tried a National. Well, that was "sky rockets in flight". Incredible tone, volume, punch, everything  thought it would be.

I've got my eye on a used National Delphi and was curious if anyone had any experience with National guitars and any of the models they carry.

Thanks in advance

[Walkerman]

They make them up here on the central coast.  If you ever go thru SLO, do the tour.  But call first and schedule.  It is a lot of fun.  Guitars from a machine shop...what next.

[homme de fer]

I'm a little far away from me in Toronto, so, I did the next best thing and watched the movie "Resonate". Incredible playing from masters of the National and a walk through of the process to build them.

So far, I've tried:

- the NRP Vintage Steel - really like the vibe I got from it. It wasn't as "rattly" as I though it would be
- the Collegian - I liked it too but wasn't feeling the love. Maybe it was the look, I don't know
- Style O - this one blew my mind. It was just a little different from the NRP Steel, very subtle. I don't know, maybe a little warmer? It felt like the notes were just spilling out of it like a faucet; I couldn't stop playing it. Of course, it had to be the most expensive in the shop. Everything about it felt "right", hard to explain.

As a side note, I tried a Collins OM, Santa Cruz OM, Taylor OM style, and a few Martin's (OM and 000). I loved all those guitars but the Santa Cruz was a beautiful looking guitar as well. Funny thing though, I didn't think any of them were a significant upgrade, sound wise, from my Larrivee L-01 even though mine is several thousand less than any of them. I'll have to bring mine with me and A B them next time I go but, after 14 years, I still haven't found an equal to my first good guitar, regardless the price. The only exception is strumming, a Martin D-18/28 beats it handily (I find the L body a bit a "shrill").

[roscoesmusic]

the style 0 has a brass body.

[teh]

My son has a Delphi which has a V neck and it's a nice, loud guitar. Great for Blues and Slide and well built.

I have played the wood bodied models which are nice too. Toyed with the idea of getting one so my son and I can swap back and forth.