NGD National Trojan with a bit of story behind!
Oct 2, 2022 16:57:45 GMT
Pickers Ditch, Mike B, and 1 more like this
Post by thinline72 on Oct 2, 2022 16:57:45 GMT
Hey everyone,
Recently, I got lucky to acquire a National Trojan. It's my first vintage resonator, so adventures are just getting started after the purchase. Although Trojans aren't the fanciest Nationals, this one has some interesting story behind it with old photos. And a couple of features I'd love to learn more about! So I thought I'd share it here.
The previous owner bought it from Oasis Music somewhere early in 2019. He was provided with a back story by the shop:
There are also two photos of the earliest owner: one with him in uniform and a display of his medals and one with him holding this guitar (most likely a few years later).
The guitar came with a surprisingly good vintage case made by Cheney England/U.K. There is also a gilded plate on it with initials(?). The tag attached to a handle indeed suggests that it was owned by someone Simon Johnson and that the guitar was serviced by Bill Puplett sometime in the past.
Condition-wise, the guitar had some real playing through the live! And hopefully will see even more!
The tuners were replaced at some point, but the original ones were left in the case. I cannot say if the cone is original as I haven't opened it. Frankly, I don't even know how to identify that
I can see a patent number and "other pat. pend." inscription on a biscuit though.
There is no logo on the headstock, or it got worn out. Moreover, it doesn't seem to have a serial number on the top of the headstock (or it got worn out as well?). It all made me wonder if it's a "National" Trojan. The f-holes don't look like those on Supertones, so I'd assume it is a National unless someone more knowledgeable can prove otherwise!
Apart from a few carved letters(?) on the back of the headstock, there is a hole. I'd love hearing your ideas on what it could be for!
It plays nicely with a slide, but the action at the 12th fret is about 5mm, which is quite high for me. The neck by itself doesn't seem to have a bow if I check its relief. I'd greatly appreciate advice on lowering the action and what would be required for it!
Hope you enjoyed checking this post!
Thanks,
Sava
Recently, I got lucky to acquire a National Trojan. It's my first vintage resonator, so adventures are just getting started after the purchase. Although Trojans aren't the fanciest Nationals, this one has some interesting story behind it with old photos. And a couple of features I'd love to learn more about! So I thought I'd share it here.
The previous owner bought it from Oasis Music somewhere early in 2019. He was provided with a back story by the shop:
The earliest owner we know of won the guitar in a card game during the second world war. The guitar was then passed down through the family until the unfortunate passing of the last owner. There was no one else in the family to pass it on to and so we were asked to sell it for the family.
The last owner before you was Simon Johnson who currently is part of Sir Tom Jones' band and featured heavily on Cliff Richard's album Rise Up.
The last owner before you was Simon Johnson who currently is part of Sir Tom Jones' band and featured heavily on Cliff Richard's album Rise Up.
The guitar came with a surprisingly good vintage case made by Cheney England/U.K. There is also a gilded plate on it with initials(?). The tag attached to a handle indeed suggests that it was owned by someone Simon Johnson and that the guitar was serviced by Bill Puplett sometime in the past.
Condition-wise, the guitar had some real playing through the live! And hopefully will see even more!
The tuners were replaced at some point, but the original ones were left in the case. I cannot say if the cone is original as I haven't opened it. Frankly, I don't even know how to identify that
I can see a patent number and "other pat. pend." inscription on a biscuit though.
There is no logo on the headstock, or it got worn out. Moreover, it doesn't seem to have a serial number on the top of the headstock (or it got worn out as well?). It all made me wonder if it's a "National" Trojan. The f-holes don't look like those on Supertones, so I'd assume it is a National unless someone more knowledgeable can prove otherwise!
Apart from a few carved letters(?) on the back of the headstock, there is a hole. I'd love hearing your ideas on what it could be for!
It plays nicely with a slide, but the action at the 12th fret is about 5mm, which is quite high for me. The neck by itself doesn't seem to have a bow if I check its relief. I'd greatly appreciate advice on lowering the action and what would be required for it!
Hope you enjoyed checking this post!
Thanks,
Sava
