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Post by orbital on Jul 31, 2015 0:13:55 GMT
Hi Michael Im looking for my first resonator guitar.After much research,I have narrowed down my options to your 'Blues' model,a Hot Rod 'Classic Steel' or a Republic 'Highway 61'. I was initially attracted to the cutaway feature of the Republic model but some reviews are not great in regards to quality of the cone or the tuners used so this is now my third choice. The Hot Rod model from National Guitars,California would be well set up included fret levelling,fingerboard rolling & has a custom 80yr old maple saddle fitted in their workshop but obviously comes with high shipping & import taxes. I am definately interested in your 'Blues' model and probably the 14fret based on playability though I have a few questions for you. 1..Is there a two way truss rod? 2..What tuners are on this model? 3..Is fretwork/levelling carried out in your workshop?(I note from an initial review on your site that the only negative was sharp frets,though that was a few yrs ago) 4..What is the quality of cone like on this model in your opinion? 5..Is the 14 fret available and does it come in the darker shade colour scheme( grey,black,gold) like the 12fret? 6..Is the sound of the 14fret model much different to that of the 12fret? 7...And finally,how much is postage in UK and is it trackable/signed for? I am definately interested and look forward to your response. Kind Regards...
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Post by simonf on Jul 31, 2015 4:32:48 GMT
Can't answer the questions you pose for Michael but I would look up the thread on here regarding hot rod steel guitars before considering that option.
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Post by Pickers Ditch on Jul 31, 2015 6:18:10 GMT
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Post by Michael Messer on Jul 31, 2015 8:33:39 GMT
Hi Orbital69,
Welcome to the forum. Thank you for your enquiry.
I will do my best to answer your questions. I am not out to compete with other companies and therefore am not going to say 'buy mine, not theirs' because that is not how I work.
One thing I will tell you is that Hot Rod Guitars has no connection whatsoever with the National Reso-Phonic Guitar Company. -------------------------------------------------------
Im looking for my first resonator guitar.After much research,I have narrowed down my options to your 'Blues' model,a Hot Rod 'Classic Steel' or a Republic 'Highway 61'. I was initially attracted to the cutaway feature of the Republic model but some reviews are not great in regards to quality of the cone or the tuners used so this is now my third choice. The Hot Rod model from National Guitars,California would be well set up included fret levelling,fingerboard rolling & has a custom 80yr old maple saddle fitted in their workshop but obviously comes with high shipping & import taxes. I am definately interested in your 'Blues' model and probably the 14fret based on playability though I have a few questions for you.
1..Is there a two way truss rod?
No, there is not a two way truss rod.
2..What tuners are on this model?
The tuners are vintage-style three-on-a-plate tuners. They are perfectly adequate - they work well and look good.
3..Is fretwork/levelling carried out in your workshop?(I note from an initial review on your site that the only negative was sharp frets,though that was a few yrs ago)
For the past year or so all my setups are done at Dave King Acoustics in Berkshire. DK is the UK's official National repairer and is the most experienced resonator guitar luthier in this country.
4..What is the quality of cone like on this model in your opinion?
It is a Continental hand-spun resonator.
5..Is the 14 fret available and does it come in the darker shade colour scheme( grey,black,gold) like the 12fret?
It is available. Colour varies from shipment to shipment. Just like original 1930s National guitars, these are hand-sprayed and the colour and burst varies.
6..Is the sound of the 14fret model much different to that of the 12fret?
Yes it is. It sounds to me like you should play some resonator guitars to get an idea of what you really want. The sound is different, the 12 fret has a bigger sound with more bottom end. It is all a matter of taste. Both have great tone.
7...And finally,how much is postage in UK and is it trackable/signed for? I am definately interested and look forward to your response.
UK postage is £20. All Parcelforce packages are trackable.
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I hope that is helpful.
Shine On Michael
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Post by orbital on Jul 31, 2015 8:41:20 GMT
Thanks for the advice.Glad I came across MM guitars after deciding to hold off on ordering a Republic to do a bit more research.Was a bit wary that both Frank at Republic & Lenny at Vintage Nationals in initial correspondence were willing to state for import duty/tax purposes that their guitars were much cheaper than in reality and they seemed to use this as part of their 'sales patter'.
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Post by Michael Messer on Jul 31, 2015 8:56:36 GMT
Hi Orbital69,
My pleasure.
I don't have a sales patter!
Thanks for your interest in MM guitars.
Shine On Michael.
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Post by orbital on Jul 31, 2015 9:05:02 GMT
Hi Michael & thanks for answering my questions. In relation to the 14fret/12 fret models,for me it is a matter of playability as well as sound.Im in the 5th year of my guitar journey and until recently had only used a 14fret cutaway acoustic.I struggle past the 12th fret on non cutaways. Are there any dealers in south uk that stock your guitars that I might go & try?
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Post by orbital on Jul 31, 2015 9:12:40 GMT
Also Im a novice in the world of slide having only opened this side of guitar,slide,fingerstyle,delta blues,ragtime,etc earlier this year..It has opened up a whole new world for me though which I massively enjoy hence my interest in purchasing my first resonator.
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Post by Michael Messer on Jul 31, 2015 11:36:17 GMT
Hi Orbital69,
There are no dealers in the UK, apart from me. The only way I can really do it properly is to keep it small, personal and only do direct sales.
There are quite a few forum members with 14 fret MMB guitars and we are a real community on this forum, rather than just another online forum/social networking site. I would recommend you to start a new thread asking if anyone in your neck of the woods has an MMB that you could see. You never know, there might be one in your street!
If that is not possible; if you buy one and are not happy with it, return it to me and I will give you a full refund for the guitar and the £20 to ship it to you.
Thanks for your interest in MM guitars.
Shine On Michael
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Post by orbital on Jul 31, 2015 16:28:03 GMT
Ok,thanks Michael for your input,it's appreciated. I will decide in the next week or so which MMB I want.One last question for today (though there may be a few more in coming days!) is what is the setup like re action on new models?
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Post by Michael Messer on Jul 31, 2015 16:51:21 GMT
Hi Orbital,
The guitars are set up to be a good slide & regular picking compromise. The strings fitted are Michael Messer Newtone Nationals - 13/56
Shine On Michael
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Post by orbital on Aug 1, 2015 8:55:02 GMT
Hi Michael,am I right in thinking the nut width on MMB models is 47mm? Also is the truss rod one way adjustable(not that I would ever play about with it),but just out of interest? Regards....
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Post by Michael Messer on Aug 1, 2015 9:33:03 GMT
Hi Orbital,
Nut width on MM guitars is 46mm - same as old Nationals
Yes, one way truss rod.
Shine On Michael
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jb
MM Forum Member
Posts: 17
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Post by jb on Aug 2, 2015 17:38:50 GMT
Is the "lightning bolt design" also a traditional design from the old style O? Does anybody know about the year? I only know these palm trees design.
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Post by Michael Messer on Aug 2, 2015 18:22:26 GMT
Hi JB,
Here is an edited paragraph from Mark Makin's wonderful Bible of all things National/Dobro/Supro etc.. 'Palm Trees, Senoritas & Rocket Ships'
The brass bodied ‘Style 0’ appeared in July 1930 and continued in production until 1942. In its dozen year lifespan it went through various changes. Originally made of steel, they seem to be plain nickel finished for the first 50 or so instruments. The ‘Lightning Bolt’ pattern appeared next and the palm trees made an appearance around S200. As no instrument below S105 has been found, it is not known if they started at S1 or S100. Whether the Lightning Bolt is technically a first type of ‘Style 0’ is not known. But it is the first sandblasted nickel-plated single cone National guitar. Very few of these have been found.
Shine On Michael
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