|
Post by billyclaire on Oct 22, 2015 14:53:15 GMT
Hello again! Now that I have my Triolian sorted (thanks to much help on here) I haven't been around much. Until now. I bought a used National Lap Steel and wondered if anyone had any more information than I could find. The guitar is in beautiful condition, a little chip at the head, flocking on the back is in good shape, and the case is almost mint. As far as I can tell, it's a unnamed model that George Gruhn refers to as a "Woodbody" as well as the Vintage Guitar Price Guide. It has no visible serial number but I think I might find one when I remove the bridge to access and replace the built-in cord which "works" in the right position but all the rubber coating is cracking off. It also needs tuner buttons but I already have those on order and it's a quick and easy fix. The plates for the volume and tone are put in with round headed nails so I can't easily see the backs of the pots for a manufacture date. From what I've read, it was introduced in 1941 and discontinued when we entered the war - but does anyone have more info than that? Thanks - here is a link to the gallery: www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153586928640351.1073741958.658280350&type=1&l=1871bd73a9
|
|
|
Post by Brad Bechtel on Oct 22, 2015 17:49:15 GMT
Gruhn's Guide to Vintage Guitars has as much information as I've been able to find about this particular model. It's relatively rare.
|
|
|
Post by billyclaire on Oct 22, 2015 18:06:56 GMT
Yeah, I just know how much National loved to name their guitars so there has to be a missing name somewhere out there waiting to be discovered!
|
|
|
Post by snakehips on Oct 22, 2015 23:54:40 GMT
Hi there !
Yet again, the "New Testement Bible" on Nationals (ie. Mark Makin's book) should tell you what you need to know.
In my mind, that headstock badge pretty much dates the lap steel to early 1940's - which is the close to the year you have already stated.
Quick wee look at my copy of Mark Makin's book shows : Indeed the info you have been given is pretty accurate. They must have copy of Mark's book !!! It is from 1941 and is indeed an early Valco made lap steel, called "Woodbody" - the first model to sport this body shape.
Everyone is an expert these days (if they have Mark's book anyway) !!!!!!!
|
|
|
Post by billyclaire on Oct 23, 2015 6:32:34 GMT
Yeah, I have Mark's book, too, but "Woodbody" is not an official name - it's the name George Gruhn chose to identify it in his book, "Field Guide to Vintage Guitars."
|
|
|
Post by Mark Makin on Oct 23, 2015 10:09:33 GMT
Hi Billyclare I'm afraid you'll have to settle for that model name. "woodbody" is the way it is always described between collectors. Any 'proper' name can only exist if it is catalogued as such by the company. Take it from me, this model is NOT catalogued in either 1940, 1941, or 1942. The Chicago, Princess, Dynamic, Waikiki and other similar instruments ARE catalogued but this is not. I suspect that bottom end models sometimes were not allowed to waste space in catalogues. Most bottom end instruments also do not have serial numbers, like this one.
Sometimes names of instruments have to acquire a 'familiar' name not an accurate one. A good case in point is the National "Exploding Palm Tree" Tricone. Again, because it does not exist in catalogues, it has acquired this namethrough discussions, by way of description. Best Mark
|
|
|
Post by mitchfit on Oct 23, 2015 19:04:36 GMT
perhaps to differentiate from earlier metal and/or bakelite body laps?
Mark said:
"Sometimes names of instruments have to acquire a 'familiar' name not an accurate one"
try to find a fender "woody" amp from ~period correct~ late 1940's catalogs.
then try fender "Model 26".
even corporations bend to the will of nick name slang.
there WAS a fender "woody" amp manufactured recently.
mitchfit
|
|
|
Post by billyclaire on Oct 23, 2015 20:47:53 GMT
Hi Billyclare I'm afraid you'll have to settle for that model name. "woodbody" is the way it is always described between collectors. Any 'proper' name can only exist if it is catalogued as such by the company. Take it from me, this model is NOT catalogued in either 1940, 1941, or 1942. The Chicago, Princess, Dynamic, Waikiki and other similar instruments ARE catalogued but this is not. I suspect that bottom end models sometimes were not allowed to waste space in catalogues. Most bottom end instruments also do not have serial numbers, like this one. Sometimes names of instruments have to acquire a 'familiar' name not an accurate one. A good case in point is the National "Exploding Palm Tree" Tricone. Again, because it does not exist in catalogues, it has acquired this namethrough discussions, by way of description. Best Mark Thanks Mark. I suspect that this model could very well have been for a specific catalog in the same way they made instruments for Montgomery Ward, Sears, etc. One of these days I'll bet we stumble across a random catalog with it in it.... It was stated above that it's a fairly rare model, although there's one on ebay right now! When I replace the cord, I'm going to try to see if I can make out the date codes on the pots. If there is a serial number, it's lurking underneath something. I'll report back when I have more info.... Billy
|
|
|
Post by kitkatjoe on Nov 26, 2015 14:11:49 GMT
What you have is a very basic economy guitar. The pickup on these guitars was a real winner. You should enjoy playing it. Most of the ones I have seen are covered in mother of toilet seat and look rather good. To have a wood body guitar from the late 30s that looks this good is rare. I really like your guitar.
|
|
|
Post by charliechitlins on Dec 3, 2015 14:19:26 GMT
I have a Supro with the same pickup. It's a KILLER. Through a cranked tweed Princeton, it gives me chicken skin! I found the pole adjustment to me crazy sensitive compared to any other pickup I've dealt with. Once I got the string balance dialed in, it's a real treat. Enjoy!!!
|
|