National 12 string restoration

[Colin McCubbin]

Some years ago Lee Holiday told us of a National 12 string in really bad condition that had shown up on ebay USA. Michael ended up as the proud owner and we entrusted the restoration to Mike Lewis of Fine Resophonic in France.

The restoration is now complete and I have posted a few pictures at:

www.notecannons.com/12_string_restoration/

We have never seen another 12 string National of this vintage, so it is really great to know that this 'one-off' is back in playing condition and ready to sing for another 65 years!

Thanks Mike! ;D

[Richard]

Luvly

Any chance of putting a just a few bars out via an mp3 link so we can get a sniff of the sound

[Russ Young]

I'll ask the same question a different way: which of MM's songs feature the 12-string Havana?

[Michael Messer]

Hi Richard & Russ,

The Havana 12 string was used on my last album, 'Second Mind' - songs featuring it are Big Wind & Shine On. I always keep it tuned low, so I use C & F tunings, rather than D & G. My new album that I have just recorded also features the Havana on two songs; Sunflower River & Havana Blues. But you'll have to wait 'till January for those.

The other & possibly the best way to hear and see the Havana is to buy a copy of GOURMET GUITARS Volume 1. It is a DVD about three luthiers; Pagelli, Teuffel and Mike Lewis's Fine Resophonic Guitars. The Havana is shown in detail and I play a couple of solo instrumentals. Go to www.gourmet-guitars.com - Apart from the Havana, the Mike Lewis film is a 'must have' for National guitar freaks. It is a very well made documentary.



The only other use of the Havana was on the 'King Guitar' CD package. There are a couple of photos of it before the restoration.


>>BEFORE


>>AFTER

Shine On,
Michael.

[Russ Young]

Thanks, Michael. I have a copy of "King Guitar," so I had seen the pictures -- but didn't think I was hearing a 12-string.

I guess it's time to buy more of your CDs!

[Colin McCubbin]

Michael,

I like the artistic arrangement of the guitar, amp, and 'no parking' sign. ;D

[Michael Messer]

Russ, your ears were not deceiving you, the Havana did not appear on any of my albums until Second Mind, which was recorded in 2002. Just after recording the album it was packed up and shipped to Mike Lewis in Paris for its restoration. The two songs on my new album feature the Havana more than on Second Mind.



Here's a colour pic from the same session;



Shine On,
Michael.