Cost of an old National

[Deleted]

Obviously this question is as open to interpretation as it possibly could be but what could I expect to pay for a reasonably conditioned average sort of National circa 1930 and how big is the market, obviously instruments of this age dont come up every day, so where would I best keep my eyes posted?

Regards

Tommo

[mirrormist]

Hello Tommo:)

Well you don't see too many on ebay uk these days...that may have something to do with availability or more likely ebay USA guitars selling for something like half the cost...
prices from dealers seemed to have rocketed over recent months...and in some cases seem to want a lot for not very much

I tend to think the US ebay prices are about right in most cases...so a uk bought national for double the price in my book is too expensive...25% more would be more realistic but i doubt if that is gonna hapen and as i said is probably why ya don't see too many on ebay uk.

Good Luck all the same

[Michael Messer]

Hi Tommo,

In your message about old Nationals you have not mentioned which model your are looking for?

For more information about prices - visit the websites of the people who deal in vintage National guitars. In the UK go to www.frets.co.uk. Ron at Frets has some of the best connections in the business and can usually find what you are looking for. In France try R & F Charle at www.rfcharle.com. In the US try Vintage Nationals at www.vintagenationals.com. Unless you know what you are doing, I would be careful of eBay, unless you are dealing with a reputable dealer.

Shine On,
Michael

[mirrormist]

Hello Tommo

a 1934 Trojan went for less than £800 on ebay US today....it looked a little ragged to me...also today i saw a nice looking Trojan 1937 £2250 from a dealer in the uk...so I would suggest lots of research with a helping of caution will hopefuly get you what you want whether it be from a dealer or private individual...if you can see before you buy though that has to be of benefit and I guess you are less likely to get stung.
It is an unfortunate fact of life though that there are rogues out there ready to part you from you cash...dealer or individual alike ;D

best wishes

[Deleted]

Thanks for the guidance, I have had a look at the vintage national site and wondered what your opinions are regrding tthe replacement necks (original square for new round), obviously it will help to keep some of the instruments in the market place and I would imagine that it would be reflected in a cheaper instrument price, but how do you think that it would affect their investment value, because if I am considering investing some fairly serious money in an old instrument I would hope that it would retain at least its original cost / value, although of course I am aware that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and that there is usually a price to pay somewhere for the joy of owning and playing such an instrument.

Thanks

[Michael Messer]

Hi Tommo,

This is probably a controversial answer - but I do not agree with taking a 1934 square-neck National Style O and putting a National Reso-Phonic round-neck on it. Soon there will be no square-neck ones left.

As an investment, I would not pay top money for a 1931 guitar with a 2007 neck. It is hard to sell single cone Nationals with square-necks, but ultimately the guitar will be worth more money with its original neck. Does anyone know if the replacement neck was done before the dealer bought it, or was it the dealer's decision?

Shine On,
Michael.

[Anders]

Well, at least with a replacing the neck and keeping the original, you can always put the squareneck back on. But even worse are the squarenecks that have been "shaped" into roundnecks...

I know that some dealers do replace the neck themselves, since I've seen them include the original neck. It's just a question of cost for them.

But if there is something that really annoys me, it's the practice of butchering perfectly working (vintage) guitars and selling the parts. If the price of the parts are more then the complete guitar, some people will chop it up and sell the parts. It's more of a problem with electric guitars then reso's, especially on eBay, but still get angry when I see it.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

-Anders

[Michael Messer]

Hi Anders,

Most of the 'Exploding Palm Tree' (it's probably a solar system) Tricones that I have seen have been converted into round neck guitars and it really ruins them. The neck angle is totally different.

Too much fixing goes on these days!

Shine On,
Michael

[mirrormist]

Hello Tommo

there is a 35 duolian for sale in tin can alley...and i note that the guy selling has pulled out of a sale for 33 duolian cause it hasn't got an original neck...so i guess it does make a big difference to some folk and i am in agreement with Michael re sq necks...keep em as beautiful as they are...anything original will almost always be a better investment than something not in original kit I would say.

good luck

[Deleted]

Gents
Thanks very much for your input, I must say that if I want an original guitar I dont want a new neck on it, especially if it will restrict the investment value (should it ever have to go). Your input to those of us that are clearly not reso savvy is great and much appreciated.

Tommo