1930's Resonator

[maddchad]

email.ionos.com/appsuite/api/mail/20190831_190324.jpg?action=attachment&folder=default4%2FINBOX&id=default0%252FINBOX%252F1567522171877908406&attachment=2&user=24&context=72444730&decrypt=&sequence=1&delivery=view&scaleType=contain&width=1455&height=686

I acquired this resonator guitar and I am trying to get some more information on it.  It sounds great, does have crack at the bottom.  I purchased it from the lady across the street, she got it used when she was 8.  She is now 88.  Her and her brother would play together and he played the accordion and would drown her out so her dad got this for her.  I holds a tune and has no labels, marks other than the serial number of Z1475 stamped on it.

[Pickers Ditch]

Can't see no pictures.

[maddchad]

Hows That?

[snakehips]

Hi there !

National Trojan

[maddchad]

That's what I was thinking, any idea of the year?

[ride]

Hi!

National Trojans had a National decal on the headstock and had splitted f holes. 

(source: jakewildwood.blogspot.com/2014/06/c1935-national-trojan-resonator-guitar.html)

Cheers!

[Michael Messer]

It is a Supertone Trojan (NOT a National Trojan). The Z number is the giveaway, and the F holes. These were mostly sold through Sears and Tonks catalogues as cheap guitars. I think there was also the Supro Arcadia, which is the same guitar but a 12 fret version. Hmmm...I need to check with Mark's book to be sure.

Shine On
Michael

[maddchad]

Thanks for the info. the lady I purchased it from had taken it to Elderly Guitar in Lansing, Mi and they had offered her $800 for it. After expressing interest and regret that I couldn't afford that she sold it to me for $400. We have known her for years although neither new of the others guitar ability until she brought this up over conversation.

I took it to a repair shop, it has a crack in the bottom from when she dropped it 50 years ago and was told it would be about $200 to repair along with a neck adjustment. I am going to get it fixed eventually as it is a great conversation piece and fun to play.

I have found several conflicting opinions regarding this being a National, a Harmony, or a Supertone, some claim they are all the same parts so all the same thing, others insisting otherwise.

In other words, I have learned more about resonators over the last few days than I ever knew I never knew but I am more confused than ever.

Thanks!

[Mark Makin]

Hi Madchad, this guitar is a Z series Supertone sold through mail order catalogues. It is exactly the same instrument as a T series National Trojan except that it has long, one piece f holes. The T series Trojan has split f holes with separate holes at the end. The bodies of the T series guitars were made by Harmony, supplied to National, fitted with hardware and sold as Nationals. The Z series were made by Harmony, fitted out by National but left without a logo to be sold by Sears catalogues. There were other instances where Harmony built the guitar, bought the resonators and hardware from National and then sold them under Harmony brand names. These instruments usually have a sticker on them that states “ made under license from National Dobro Corporation.

[maddchad]

Thanks for the clarification.  Either way I am excited to have it and look forward to getting it repaired.  It plays well enough for me now but it needs a little TLC to make it shine.

then I'll be able to Shine On...