National style O

[washboardchris]

Hi,Michael, I have a 1934 12fret Style O (which is wonderfull) I just wondered if you or any other forum member had done a comparison with a modern National resophonic style O. Thanks Chris

[blueshome]

I have an NRP Style 0 from 1995 which I have compared to a number of vintage Style 0's over the years (steel and brass, 12 & 14-fret). It has stood up well to about 50% of the old ones but the rest left it for dead in terms of the richness of their sound, none as loud though.

When I bought my guitar (ordered in 1994) there were no cheap Far Eastern metal resos around and the few originals I saw all had issues so I plumped for the NRP. Today, in the same situation, I would go to Mike Lewis at Fine Resophonic for a guitar, as I did in 2004 when "needing" a triplate. It doesn't have to old to be good.

What NRP does give you is consistency, and, once you accept the sound for what it is (still great! but not the same as an old 'un), you have an instrument that is really well built and should last a lifetime or two. They are excellent instruments, I suppose that's why I've kept mine.

[washboardchris]

Thanks Phil, I have a vintage style O and a national resophonic M2 which are set up the same,same break angle same gauge strings& same action but however I find the old one much easier to play & far more responsive& much louder & although I do not expect to get the same sound from a wood body I just find that there seems to be a lot more string tension& find that I seem to have to play it a lot harder to get the best from it.What I would like to know is will I find the same with a NRP stle O.Thanks in advance for any info Chris

[Michael Messer]

Hi Chris,

Blueshome has given you a good answer.

An original National Style O from 1934 is a very different instrument to a modern National Reso-Phonic Style O. Which one you prefer is a personal thing, but IMO a comparison should not be made as there are many differences in the construction and in what the instrument is designed to do.

Shine On
Michael.

[blueshome]

Chris,
Yes my NRP is quite tough to play with a "hard" action as have been others I've tried.
I suppose this accounts for the volume. Most original Nationals I have tried have had a much easier action.

[washboardchris]

Hi Michael, my problem is this. I am having problems with my right arm ( I hate getting older) and, although I have three other resos ( two old Beltonas and a NRP M2), I find that they tend to hurt me as, when I play, I find that the sharp edge where the top meets the body cuts into my arm. I find that the Stlyle O does not do this, as the join between the sides and the top is rolled, and the angle is less acute. I don't want to take the Style O out to all the gigs that I do (drunks vomit and spilt beer), so I was thinking of maybe selling some of the guitars that hurt me and getting a newer style O to use for gigging. My only problem is that, living at the end of the world (Lowestoft), I have no chance of trying a NRP, and the only person I ever see who has one is Ashley Dow of Rag Mama Rag, and his is strung for a southpaw. If there is anybody in East Anglia who has one that I can try, please let me know. All the best Chris

[Michael Messer]

Hi Chris,

I understand exactly what you are saying. My attitude might be different to yours, but I would take the Style O out to gigs and enjoy it. IMO a guitar should be used and played by its owner. I doubt if anything will mark or damage it - as long as you are careful.....take it out!!!!

Shine On
Michael.

[washboardchris]

Hi, I agree that it should be used and I do but I have quite a lot of work coming up for the Adnams brewery which involvs playng outside in quite a salty atmosphere. I was in conversation with Seaums Brady yesterday & the subject came up and he was of the impresion that salt air can play hell with the plaiting.In some respects I could wish that the guitar was in worse condition but as it is in such good condition I want to do my best by it. All the best Chris

[blueshome]

I've been taking a nickel plated reso on holiday to the seaside for more than a dozen years, sitting outside to play. Never had a problem due to that. I know other forum members live by the sea and I bet they have no problem. I polish my guitars once or twice a year with either Turtle wax or Mer, I'm sure this helps give some protection.
If the worst should happen, finish blemishes and dings are just part of a guitar's life and history IMO, otherwise put it in a bank vault where it'll be safe.

[gouranga]

I agree with the assembled Blues heads.
Go and enjoy your guitar. Play your heart out. That's what it's for!!!
Sorry to say, but most nationals have lasted longer than their owners and we aint getting any younger.
Play your heart out and don't worry.
Take care all the best

Gouranga