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Post by susiequeie on Jun 29, 2014 16:14:57 GMT
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Post by Mark Makin on Jun 29, 2014 18:16:20 GMT
Hello Susiequeue.
Here is part of the information that I posted on this forum about a year ago. There are other pieces as well. You need to search "Estralita" and my name as well.
I have National Estralita No 126 - same as yours but with a chicken feet pattern cover plate.
These guitars were made during 1934 as a 14 fret replacement for the Kay/Harmony built National El Trovador that was made during 1933. The 14 fret access on a guitar became a desirable function and the Estralita was one of the first to utilise it. The wood parts were made by the Harmony company and it was assembled at National.
The actual instrument has a VERY deep body (4 inches). This is to maintain the same volume in the instrument even though the body is shortened by 2 frets. One thing you have to be careful about - the sides are LESS THAN 2mm thick. They can be very fragile and puncture easily if you bang them.
You are correct that they are very rare - 14 are presently known and probably less than 100 were ever made. At the time (1934) they were expensive, costing $55 which is nearly double the cost of a Duolian metal body. They were intended as professional instruments with a 'grand concert' sized body for use in orchestras.
The earliest of them - numbered around N004 have Black/gold shield logos with the name spelled out as ESTRALIDA. Later ones have the red/gold logo with the correct spelling ESTRALITA (spanish for 'Little Star'). The little star name may be connected or attributed to the use of the star marker in the 3rd fret.
We don't normally value instruments on the forum here because, quality and condition need to be appraised first hand and secondly, it is very subjective. I would say however that they are more desirable and better built than the more usual National Trojan.
Any help?
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Post by Michael Messer on Jun 29, 2014 18:48:07 GMT
Hi Susiequeue,
Welcome to our forum.
I can't add anything to Mark's words, except that you have inherited a beautiful and very rare National guitar.
If you are thinking of selling it, be careful, because it is quite valuable. From what I can see in the photos, it has two things going for it that make it very collectable; firstly that it is extremely rare, and secondly that it is in very nice condition. Whatever the last one that turned up sold for, yours could be worth more. Don't rush into selling it.
Shine On
Michael.
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Post by thmpick on Jul 16, 2017 22:11:09 GMT
Hello Susiequeue. Here is part of the information that I posted on this forum about a year ago. There are other pieces as well. You need to search "Estralita" and my name as well. I have National Estralita No 126 - same as yours but with a chicken feet pattern cover plate. These guitars were made during 1934 as a 14 fret replacement for the Kay/Harmony built National El Trovador that was made during 1933. The 14 fret access on a guitar became a desirable function and the Estralita was one of the first to utilise it. The wood parts were made by the Harmony company and it was assembled at National. The actual instrument has a VERY deep body (4 inches). This is to maintain the same volume in the instrument even though the body is shortened by 2 frets. One thing you have to be careful about - the sides are LESS THAN 2mm thick. They can be very fragile and puncture easily if you bang them. You are correct that they are very rare - 14 are presently known and probably less than 100 were ever made. At the time (1934) they were expensive, costing $55 which is nearly double the cost of a Duolian metal body. They were intended as professional instruments with a 'grand concert' sized body for use in orchestras. The earliest of them - numbered around N004 have Black/gold shield logos with the name spelled out as ESTRALIDA. Later ones have the red/gold logo with the correct spelling ESTRALITA (spanish for 'Little Star'). The little star name may be connected or attributed to the use of the star marker in the 3rd fret. We don't normally value instruments on the forum here because, quality and condition need to be appraised first hand and secondly, it is very subjective. I would say however that they are more desirable and better built than the more usual National Trojan. Any help? |
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Post by thmpick on Jul 16, 2017 22:21:35 GMT
Hey Fella's...
I'm taking a shot in the dark here, I'd like to find a chicken foot cover plate and what I call a "Stirrup" style Trapeze bridge like in the photo above. I'd like to switch out my old El Trovador and put the correct hardware on it... Anyone have an idea where I might look to find these parts? Any info/help is greatly appreciated. I don't mind if these parts are new/modern...original parts would be hard to locate and probably a little more expensive.
Best,
mike
Louisville, KY, United States
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Post by creolian on Jul 17, 2017 4:23:37 GMT
I recall seeing a similar trapeze tail being used on mule guitars. Google : mule resophonic guitars
Hth, J
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Post by kiwi on Jul 17, 2017 6:58:27 GMT
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Post by gaucho on Jul 17, 2017 13:35:36 GMT
I have a vintage National chicken foot coverplate that is in very good condition. I'd sell it but they don't go cheap. I'd also consider trades. You can message me or email me at cphoto@gate.net
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Post by Stevie on Jul 17, 2017 18:04:58 GMT
I have a chicken foot plate, not for sale I hasten to add, I just wanted to say that someone on here once stated that the hole pitches are different, so plan on a slight modification being necessary?
e&oe...
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Post by gaucho on Jul 17, 2017 22:32:31 GMT
They are different between modern NRP and vintage Nationals. I think the vintage Nationals are fairly standard. I got an early Style 0 that had the original sieve hole cover cave inwards (as the early ones were prone to do) back in the 30's. The original owner replaced it with a chicken foot cover in '34 or so. I found an original sieve hole plate awhile back and put it on the guitar to make it more correct for the era. Lined up perfectly.
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Post by snakehips on Jul 18, 2017 23:21:02 GMT
Hi there !
I have a few of those "stirrup" style Kay tailpieces. I think I have 3 unused ones of that longer variety.
I'll need to photograph them.
I bought them trying to find the perfect match to the one Elmore James used on his Kay dreadnought acoustic guitar, to go with mysame-model guitar.
In the end :
1. I couldn't bear to make screw holes in my treasured guitar
2. I might damage the guitar irreversibly by using it on my guitar, guitar top caving in, or something
3. Maybe just taking things too far copying Elmore's guitar to that extent.
I'll keep the best condition one, at least, in case I change my mind.
If you are interested, I could sell one, or you will probably find one on ebay, as I am in the UK, and originally had to buy and import mine here from the US - which was not cheap over all !
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