National Reso-Phonic Style O 1994

Built in January 1994, this National Reso-Phonic Style O is an early example from the modern National company that brought classic National resonator designs back into regular production.

The Style O itself dates back to 1930 and became one of National’s most recognisable single-cone models, combining a metal body with the palm-tree “Hawaiian” scene etched into the back. On a Style O the sound comes from a biscuit-bridge single-cone resonator, known for strong projection, fast attack, and a dry, direct midrange that works equally well for slide and for punchy rhythm.

This guitar is a round-neck, 12-fret layout with a slotted headstock, dot fingerboard inlays, and the familiar National coverplate and tailpiece hardware. A National Slimline pickup is installed at the end of the fretboard, which is a nice and useful upgrade.

There is lots of standard playwear across the body and along the back of the neck, but nothing structural. The frets look close to new. The neck is very chunky, as these always are. Weight is 4300g. The original hard case is included, it is quite worn but still works as it should.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Brand: National Reso-Phonic Guitars
• Model: Style O
• Year: 1994
• Date of manufacture: 01-1994 (factory label)
• Serial number: 196 (factory label)
• Guitar type: Metal-bodied resonator guitar
• Resonator system: Single-cone, biscuit-bridge design
• Resonator size: 24.1 cm
• Body material: Brass with bright nickel finish
• Body artwork: Hawaiian scene etching on back
• Sound ports: f-hole style cutouts on top
• Coverplate: National-style perforated coverplate
• Bridge: Maple biscuit bridge
• Neck type: Round-neck
• Neck joint: 12th fret
• Neck profile: Very chunky
• Neck wood: Maple
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Fingerboard binding: Ivoroid
• Inlays: Dot position markers
• Scale length: 635 mm
• Frets: 19
• Fret condition: Like new
• Nut material: Bone
• Nut width: 46 mm
• Headstock: Slotted with National shield logo
• Tuners: Vintage-style National tuners
• Pickup: National Slimline humbucking pickup mounted at end of fretboard
• Output jack: Fitted to upper bout
• Body condition: Lots of standard playwear, scratches and handling marks
• Neck condition: Some playwear on back of neck
• Structural condition: No structural issues reported
• Weight: 4300g
• Case: Original hard case, quite worn but functional