National Style O 14 Fret Resophonic Guitar

The National Style O 14-fret model dates back to the early days of Resophonic guitars, as banjo players migrated to guitar and wanted access to more fret.

The 14-fret to the body Style O was introduced in 1935 by the National Stringed Instrument Corporation. It came with either the Traditional Sieve pattern cover plate or the newly introduced Chicken Foot cover plate. in 1935 this guitar had a slotted headstock with a decal.

In 1936 the National Style O went to the solid peghead style with a rosewood overlay, inlaid with a pearloid banner logo and was produced until 1938. From 1939 to 1941 it had what was called a paddle headstock with a black phenolic overlay and a metal shield logo. This instrument originally sold for $62.50 and in 1939 the price was increased to $65.00!!!

Responding to many years of requests, National re-introduced the 14-fret Style 0 in 2006.

Here is what National has to say about the new National Resophonic Style O 14 Fret models:

“National’s 14-Fret Style “O” became an icon when Mark Knopfler began using a late 1930s model and pictured it prominently on the cover of Dire Straits’ Brothers in Arms album released in 1985.

Our reproduction is true to the vintage original. The smaller, 14-fret body allows versatility and ease of access for reaching those higher notes. The brass-bodied instrument is polished to a mirror-like shine, nickel plated, and then etched with the exotic Hawaiian palm-tree scenes.

The maple neck is finished in a traditional sunburst. An ivoroid-bound ebony fretboard and vintage-style engraved tuners complete the look of this enduring classic.”