National resonators throughout the 20th century have been synonymous with blues & Hawaiian steel guitar playing, with the pre-war models especially being iconic symbols of Americana and greatly sought after among collectors and players. This 1930 National Style 0 is a beautiful first year example of one of Nationals most popular brass body resonators.
The Style 0 is one of the most iconic resonators designs made by National, and sat between the relatively inexpensive steel body resonators and the deluxe "German Silver' models within the National catalog. The Nickel plated brass body features a single cone design, that when paired with the brass body sits nicely between the smoother tri-cone sound and the brighter tone of Duolian or Triolian models. The body is sandblasted with a classic National style Palm Tree Hawaiian scene, paying homage to the companies pre-war association with Hawaiian guitar playing.
The body is paired with a Maple round neck that is 12 frets to the body, as opposed to the later 14 fret models, and features a slotted headstock and flat fingerboard radius that makes it ideal for both slide and fretted playing styles. This model also features the flat cut 'F' holes only found on the first two production years of the Style 0. These guitars have been played over the years by a number of influential blues guitarists, such as Bukka White and Son House, and the Style 0 most recognisably featured on the cover of the Dire Straights 1985 record "Brothers in Arms."
This 1930 Style 0 is an excellent example of a pre-war brass body National, and is in excellent condition, with only very minor signs of play wear to the body. The neck sports the kind of play wear on the fretboard and the rear of the neck that you would expect to see from a National of this age, and certainly adds to its charm. The instrument is all original and includes a non original case.
As with all our instruments, this guitar has been given a full service and appraisal by our luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 3 year warranty.
