National ResoRocket

[Rich T]

Hi Michael,

I've always wanted a National and have decided to plump for a new one to replace my Dobro DM33.

The difficulty has been choosing the model, it seems a bit of a mine field for the uneducated.

Anyway, I'm basically a budding slide guitar playing and want it primarilty for delta blues type stuff. I had originally opted for a Delphi as it seems the closest new thing to Duolian. However, I have since been persuaded to opt for a ResoRocket.

My concern is I've ordered a nickel/brass version without having realised the difference between steel body and brass body. What sort of sound difference is there, and is the brass body still a good delta blusey instrument?

It's a shame that nobody seems to have one that I can try before I buy so to speak so I'm kind of going blind... or should that be deaf.

Any advice much appreciated.

And many thanks for the week I spent with you at Blues Week a year ago now.

Cheers,

Rich T

[Michael Messer]

Hi Rich,

The ResoRocket is a great instrument - The brass body has a very characteristic delta blues tone. There are many great delta blues recordings with brass bodied instruments, one that immediately springs to mind are the Son House recordings produced by John Hammond Senior in the late sixties. Death Letter - Preaching Blues...etc played on a 12 fret Style O.

I am sure you will be very pleased with your ResoRocket and once it arrives, you will probably not think about steel bodies again. That is ....unless you pick up an original 1930s National Duolian! Somebody else's grass is always greener......enjoy your ResoRocket!

Keep in touch and let me know when your guitar arrives. It's always good to get a message from people with their new toys :-)

Was that a year ago....it flies by too quick for me!

Shine On,
Michael

[Rich T]

Thanks for your reassurance Michael and here's to counting down the months!!!

Also a hearty thanks and well done on a great site.

Keep on keepin' on...

Rich T.