Wife doesn’t know it yet...

[Deleted]

...but she bought me a Birthday present.


Nice cosmetic condition with some internal capacitor uprgades, 3 prong power cord, etc... only thing seems to be missing is the bell cover on the otherwise original speaker.

...just need one of those National/Supro silver blade pickup archtops like MM has on the cover of his album...Christmas coming...

[mitchfit]

fredcapo,

it may be worth noting the voltage requirements listed on the rear chassis in relation to actual voltage of wall plug
meter readings.

nice amp!

what tubes/valves/light bulbs populate chassis?

not "King Guitar" but a reported to be nice new yorker @ :

www.vintageinstruments.com/new.html

[seems to be a CA based private seller list]

AG - C2765 1937 National New Yorker Spanish Electric Guitar EXC Here is the real deal ... the same model that Memphis Minnie played and it is in wonderful condition and plays 'like butter' with every note true and clear. The crack free sunburst spruce top has no f-holes thus reducing feedback. This guitar was made to play the country blues nice and loud. It has beautiful flamed maple crack free back and sides. Elegant inlays on the ebony fingerboard, cool art deco logo design on the headstock, and enclosed original tuning pegs whose covers are embossed with the National Logo. There is an ancient (strap button) in the heel. The dual blade pickup can be warm or biting and the original amphenol jack at the bottom is positioned properly and functions just fine. Cords and / or adapters can be obtained online or at electronics stores. Or you can change it out to a standard 1/4" plug if you so desire. It lives in a rather cool old Gretsch hard shell case that has been stripped down to the wood and needs a bit of tlc.
Price: $3995.00

mitchfit

[Deleted]

Mitch

The 3 preamp and 1 phase inverter (i think thats the function) are 6N7, and 2 6L6 output (guessing push pull) with 5U4 rectifier. Saw a schematic online but did not print it out yet. Boiler plate says 20 watts and looking for 115 VAC. Have not run it more than a couple of minutes...and dont often run my other 30’s amplifiers without the variac or step down transfirmer. The amp was worked on, and i have not determined if the power supply was modified for modern 125 volt mains.

I dont know much about the 6N7 other than they are plentiful and pretty cheap, and probably dont wear out. I think I have a few of the metal 6L6s in my tube stash to put in there.

Thanks for the link...that guy is dreaming with those prices. I found a memphis minnie model at a fair price that unfortunately has scratches on the front...deciding if I want it that way.... hmm just thinking did Minnie have long fingernails...?

[Deleted]

This early Supro has come into sight...i think the asking price of $1000 is way too steep considering its wirn condition and has a repaired neck...but cool looking

[mitchfit]

3x 6N7? not unheard of, but usually differing value 6_7 pre are in mix.
if you have enough old iron to have scored a variac, this likely known
to you--old "chicago 51" branded valco chassis [usually] have tube sockets
OEM values labeled on top of amp.

pls post schematic before done here.

no suffix 6L6 are still very reasonable in canned and bottled flavors.
good life expectancy also.

sorry for bum steer price wise on "memphis model" new yorker. not well
versed on very old guits value. was impressed by condition.

tried to zoom supro upward into blur zone--is it horse shoe PUP era?

mitchfit

[Michael Messer]

Fred, that is something close to a 1938 Supro Avalon crossed with a 1938 Dobro Electric. I have no idea what its model name is, but from what I know, I would say this is a rare guitar.

Here's a couple of things I have cut up, copied & pasted from Mark Makin's book "Palm Trees, Senoritas & Rocket Ships"









Shine On
Michael

[Deleted]

Michael,

Thanks for the info. I went to Marks book immediately when I started to research the guitar. The headstock is stamped like the typical duolians, etc with B XXXX four digits i dont recall now, but Marks index indicates it is among a batch of electric lapsteels and misc in 1936. The single pot indicates early design to me. It has what looks like the Memphis Minnie pickup and an amphenol threaded connector on the lower bout.

Well I have an agreement with the owner to buy it for $700...

[Mark Makin]

Hello Fred and Michael,
Yes, I agree entirely. I have seen a number of these that do seem to exhibit slight differences. In this case, the single button is in a slightly different place and, for some reason, this one doesn't have the correct Supro logo for the time, it seems to use the lap steel decal logo. These only ever appear under the strings on the wide wooden solid lap steels from this time. Otherwise, it seems to be a nice condition Avalon from the Chicago B series 1936/8.

[Michael Messer]

Hi Mark,

Thanks for your thoughts on this one. I was going to call it an Avalon, but thought you might know of another model name.

I think it would be a nice guitar to play.

Shine On
Michael

[Deleted]

Thanks all for your valuable comments. So it looks like a flat top, possibly with the shape of the resophonic guitars..? Interesting how the pickup is right at the bridge for the whole series of early Avalons and National electrics. I wonder who made the bodys? Is it real or painted binding? I guess when it arrives i will know,

[Deleted]

Mitch - posted below is what is claimed to be the National Model B Amp schematic.

I cant recignize the config they are using to drive the 2 6L6 tubes.


el34world.com/charts/Schematics/files/valco/national-dobro_b_1938.pdf

[Michael Messer]

I am pleased you bought it. If it's in okay condition, it'll be a good guitar.

Shine On
Michael

[Deleted]

I have no ideas as to playability...the neck is always a potential issue when no truss rod is present, and especially since this had a well done repair. Heat press does often work on this type of neck, though if needed. It was a case of being taken by the basic beauty and uniqueness of the instrument, and not so much concerned about the details.
I consider myself a lucky old boy to have a few extra pesos available to acquire such nice toys, and so fortunate to have a wonderful, understanding and generous wife.

[bonzo]

You can come in out of the doghouse now Fred! Lol!
Best wishes to you all, John

[slide496]

Remember to check the sides for possible separations of the sides from the top and bottom, - I generally have used a thin guitar string and poke gently where I see the white paint is distressed, and try and catch them before they actually separate - sometimes they don't line up exactly after they completely separate. I hope you checked the back, sides and bottom for that issue.

Harriet