National Reso-Phonic Reso Lectric Sunburst 2013

2013 National Resolectric — Player Grade

A very cool 2013 National Resolectric, made in the USA and offering a great opportunity to get into one of National’s wonderfully individual electric resonator designs at a significant saving over the cost of a new example.

This particular guitar is what we would describe as player grade. It has suffered from a known finish issue seen on some Nationals from this period, where the finish can develop a bubbling or lifting effect beneath the surface, most noticeably across the back of the instrument. This is a cosmetic finish issue rather than a structural problem with the guitar, but it is quite visible and should be considered when assessing the condition. Everything else functions perfectly and its nice to play. We have priced the guitar accordingly.

For anyone looking for a National to play rather than a pristine collector example, it represents a very attractive way into a serious instrument. It would also be possible to have the guitar re-finished by a professional like Paul Neild at Retro 169 in Newquay who dose great work with nitro-cellulose at a very reasonable cost.

The Resolectric is one of National’s more adventurous designs, combining the character and acoustic response of a resonator with a sophisticated electric pickup system. The 2013 specification is centred around a solid mahogany body capped with figured maple, with a beautifully figured maple neck and rosewood fingerboard. The body incorporates a 9.5" hand-spun resonator, with a maple biscuit bridge, bone nut and premium-quality hardware.

The figured maple used for the neck is particularly lovely, with a pronounced flame that gives the instrument a level of visual appeal you simply don't get from an ordinary production guitar. The build quality and choice of hardware are typical of National — purposeful, substantial and built for serious use.

The electronics are equally interesting. The Resolectric combines a Lollar P-90-style magnetic pickup with a piezoelectric resonator pickup and active preamp, allowing you to blend the two voices and move from a powerful electric character through to something much closer to the natural resonator sound. It is an unusually versatile setup and one of the things that makes these guitars so much fun.

Tonally, it is classic National territory but with a considerably wider palette. The resonator brings plenty of metallic bite, harmonic complexity and sustain, with that slightly compressed, vocal quality that makes a good National instantly recognisable. The magnetic pickup adds weight and authority, while the piezo brings out the acoustic character of the resonator. Blended together, the guitar can produce a surprisingly broad range of sounds, from dirty blues and rootsy slide tones through to more modern electric textures.

Ours has a nice setup with an easy, comfortable playing action, making it a very enjoyable instrument to actually play rather than simply admire.

This is a significant saving compared with buying one new, and the finish issue is reflected in the price. If you can live with the cosmetic bubbling to the finish, you are getting a beautifully made American National with a superb figured maple neck, serious hardware, an excellent pickup system and that unmistakable National voice.

It comes complete with its original National hard-shell case and paperwork.

A very cool, properly individual instrument and a great opportunity to own one of these fine National guitars without paying new-guitar money.

Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the description.