National Style 0, 1936
Here we have a desirable Style 0 from the mid 30's. In this era National shcnaged to the solid peghead and a neck that joins the body at the 14th fret instead of the 12th. This is the type of National as seen on the cover of the Dire Straits album, Brothers in Arms.
From a player's standpoint the 14 fret neck is very desirable for upper fret access. The nut width is 1 3/4 inches. Action on the low string at the 12th fret is 1/8 inches. The weight of the guitar is 7 pounds 3 ounces. The cone appears to be original but I am not 100% certain. There is no buzzing or rattling in the cone when playing.
This particular National is as well playing as any of the dozen or so I've sold and the tone sounds right up there as well, it does need new strings but I'll just leave that up to the buyer.
The frets are replaced with appropriate sized frets. There is some evidence of the refret on the fretboard. The nut is replaced and there is a small piece of fretboard that appears to have chipped away there in the process. These small imperfections could be taken care of by a qualified luthier, or you could just play the heck out of the guitar and not worry about it. The tuners are changed. One plate of the original tuners is included. The back of the neck and headstock have been refinished. The serial number on the top of the headstock has been almoost completely removed. I have dated the guitar based on information from the previous owner and by the features which nail the guitar to a very tight range of possible years of maufacture. There are two spots on the back of the neck where the wood is worn down a little, maybe the original owner used a capo there a lot or perhaps rested the guitar against something over and over. This is not an irritation when playing. There are a couple dings in the body, nothing major. The case is a 60's Gibson hardshell that is pretty well worn.
Click on the pictures for greater detail. If you would like more info on this item or if you would like to sell me your vintage guitar-bass-parts etc, call or email Chuck at 877-894-2228. Outside the US call 530-894-2228. Email: s-source@pacbell.net
