From 1937 we have this National Style O Resonator.

At the dawn of the 20th Century, instrument builders were looking for ways of building louder instruments to meet the demands of performers looking to be heard over the din of an audience or accompanying orchestra. One such request was made by a George Beauchamp (a vaudeville performer) to John Dopeyera to make him a guitar using the Stoh violin model which utilised a phonograph style horn to increase the volume.

Established in 1928 by George and the Dopyera siblings, the National String Instrument Corporation produced a try-cone guitar as well as introducing a new guitar with a single resonator cone conceived by John Dopyera. Through legal wrangling the company established itself and produced a wide variety of metal bodied single and tri-coned guitars that have become iconic, inspiring countless imitators. Production ceased in 1941 with the advent of America’s entry into World War 2. 

Considering its age, this guitar is in remarkable condition and unlike a lot of them, plays really well. The iconic Hawaiian imagery is still clear all over the body which itself is still in good condition, free of any major dents or cracks. There are signs of wear to the nickel plating at around the edges of the body as well as a portion of the back and on the resonator cover. Unfortunately the pickguard is long gone.

The soft v neck is chunky and the finish is worn to a comfortable satin. These necks would have been finished with a coloured lacquer but in this case it's clear. The fretboard is in good shape and the frets have plenty of life left in them. 

The guitar comes with hardshell case which looks like it could be original.

Be it Lola, Romeo and Juliet or Jitterbug Swing, we’ve all heard a resonator at some stage. Its distinctive percussive quality and almost reverb tank like tone give this guitar such a unique voice that's a must for any guitar collection.

Everyone has to play a resonator at some point and its a must for the curious and those in search of its unique voice…