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 1927 National "Style 2 1/2" is a wonderful example of one of the rarer Style 2 variations from the companies 1920's heyday.
Like other Style 2 resonators, this guitar features the typical German Silver body constructed from a solid nickel alloy with nickel plating. The Nickel plated brass body features the National Tricone design, with a smoother, richer response than other metal body resonator models in the National line up at the time. The Style 2 featured the ornate Wild Rose body engraving, although this model is one of a smaller number to also have a rose engraved cover plate, marking it as a model that has come to be known as the 'Style 2 1/2," with these largely dating to between 1927 and 1929.
The body is paired with a metal neck that was the standard for Hawaiian square neck Style 2's produced at the time, with a mahogany headstock featuring the National crest emblem. The neck features a slotted headstock along with a bound ebony board with period inlays.
This 1927 Style 2 1/2 is an excellent example of a pre-war metal body National square neck, and is in excellent condition, with only very minor signs of play wear to the body. A Highlander pickup has been fitted previously, and the original cones have been replaced. This instrument is otherwise in original condition, 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.
