Lightning Bolt Style N

[Matt]

I was browsing the Notecannons site (a fantastic site I might add), when I came across the Lightning Bolt Style N. FIrstly, I hadn't realised that the MM Lightning's sandblasted design was based on an old National design, and adds a nice touch that you've used a National design without going for the more 'obvious' beach scene.

I was also wondering, purely from a 'things to get when I'm rich' fantasy perspective, what sort of price range would you expect one of those to sell for? I suppose for the sake of argument if another in the same condition as the one on the site appeared. Are we talking a couple of thousand more than a good condition style 0, or ten times that?

[Michael Messer]

Hi Greedyostrich,

A National Lightning Bolt is a very rare guitar and in good condition would probably be worth three or four times the value of a Style 0 in similar condition.

Shine On
Michael.

[Colin McCubbin]

Although the one at notecannons isn't for sale, one in similar condition sold last year for #16,500.00(!)

[DaveRed]

Colin, Is that in dollars or pounds because it does make a difference as to whether I buy one or not

[Deleted]

I remember an article in an old magazine that said of a particular resonator model that there were only 4 in the world and one had been seen in Windsor castle. (This was pre-fire) Sorry I don't know the model.

[Michael Messer]

I don't know about the 'only four in the world', but apparently there is a collection of National guitars in vaults at Windsor Castle.

Many years ago, via a friend who worked for Princess Anne, I tried to track down the National guitars at Windsor Castle. The Royal collection of gifts, souvenirs and bric-a-brac, is absolutely enormous and unless an item is of particular importance or value, it is very hard to trace.

I did find out that Edward VIII fancied himself as jazz musician and did have some National guitars, but what models they were and where they are now, is virtually impossible to find out.

Shine On
Michael

[Matt]

I'd say they're of particular value! Maybe not by royal standards. That being said, I hear money's tight even for the Royal family, maybe if they track them down we could pick up some bargains!

[washboardchris]

Hi, I have a fancy old Alvin Keech Tenor uke banjo which is called the Prince of Wales Model.I had wondered why it was called this & in researching it I found mention of a Steel guitarist named Juan Akoni , a freind of Tau Moe ,s teaching the Prince of Wales,later to be the Duke of Windsor the uke& poss the steel guitar.this came from an article in a 1932 copy of the BMG.

[Colin McCubbin]

Nov 25, 2010 9:44:46 GMT DaveRed said:

Colin, Is that in dollars or pounds because it does make a difference as to whether I buy one or not

Actually Australian $, but all dollars are pretty much at par just now.. If you find a 'bolt let us know!

And an old friend of mine is (was? We're all getting older..) 'Keeper of the Queen's Collection' at Windsor. I'd never heard about any Nationals, (never thought to ask!) but I'll give him a holler..

[Matt]

I got Bob Brozman's book for christmas, and it says that apparently the Style 4 tricones were described in the original advertising as having been sold to 'Royal families worldwide', which would seem to give weight to the suggestion that there's some in Windsor.