The British Steelies Society

Hi

Don't know much about Nationals so please be patient. I've bought/inherited a guitar from a family friends grandfather that I've tried to do some research on but not come up with too much.
It's a steel bodied National. 19 frets in total - 12 to the body. Serial number is 06927 Pat 808756, it has rolled f holes and is somewhere between silver and gold in colour.
Although I do play guitar, this needs to go to someone who can do it justice. It plays very well and is really quite loud.
I found a list of serial numbers on the Net but mine didn't seem to fit into any category.
It had and original hard case in good condition and has a removable nut riser for playing slide and a few other old bits and bobs in the case compartment.

Martin

will try to add pics shortly !

MartinR wrote:Hi

Don't know much about Nationals so please be patient. I've bought/inherited a guitar from a family friends grandfather that I've tried to do some research on but not come up with too much.
It's a steel bodied National. 19 frets in total - 12 to the body. Serial number is 06927 Pat 808756, it has rolled f holes and is somewhere between silver and gold in colour.
Although I do play guitar, this needs to go to someone who can do it justice. It plays very well and is really quite loud.
I found a list of serial numbers on the Net but mine didn't seem to fit into any category.
It had and original hard case in good condition and has a removable nut riser for playing slide and a few other old bits and bobs in the case compartment.

Martin

will try to add pics shortly !

Hi Martin

Sounds like you've inherited a rather good instrument there, if you don't know much about National Guitars you should know that they are top of the range resonators. The Blues players prefer them as they have a biscuit resonator whereas the purist Country players tend to prefer the Dobro as they have a mellower warmer Spider resonator fitted. If you're looking to sell it you won't have any difficulty getting takers for it. Unfortunately, my house is coming down with guitars much as I would like a National of my own. They are by no means a Starter instrument, actually a Pro axe. If it needs a cleanup be careful what you use on it, white vinegar is quite good to get any stains off but before you sell it, don't clean it, advertise it as it is with good pictures as the metal can blue and somebody buying a metal bodied guitar who knows what they are doing would probably want to do their own job on it anyway, I know I would. On the other hand, as Devil's Advocate, the music world, like any other, is awash with fakes and repro's, some of them very good I might add but research it even if you have to take it to a reputable instrument dealer.

Hope this helps

Brian

Martin, If I were you I'd have a word with BasilH.

Hi Martin, pictures are the sure way to help identify the model. The location of the serial number is also an important factor, as would be whether the cone is original or has been replaced. Square or round neck is also a factor, yours would appear from your description to be a round neck, A close-up of the logo would also help..
As a guide, these can vary in value from £500 - £600 up to £5,000 - £6,000 NOT so much dependent on the cosmetic condition but more the model and originality of all the parts.