National
Since 1927
National's story spans nearly a century—from the original National String Instrument Corporation founded in 1927 by John Dopyera, to the modern National Reso-Phonic Guitars established in 1989 by Don Young and McGregor Gaines in San Luis Obispo, California. Dopyera's revolutionary tricone resonator design—three aluminum cones amplifying the guitar's sound mechanically—was 'The Greatest Musical Sensation of the Age' before electronic amplification existed. Today, National Reso-Phonic handcrafts resonator guitars in metal and wood bodies, producing over 300 instruments annually. These are the instruments of blues, bluegrass, and roots music—Dire Straits' 'Brothers in Arms' album cover features a National.
99
Years in Business
15K+
Guitars Sold
$5M+
Annual Revenue
Complete National Guitar Guide
Comprehensive buying guide, price analysis, model comparisons, and expert insights to help you understand everything about National guitars.
National Price Overview
National covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$2,200
+3% vs last year
eBay Listings
500
Active listings
Sold This Month
60
+2% vs last month
Price Range
$500-$15,000
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
National Timeline
Original National Founded
John Dopyera patented the tricone resonator design—three aluminum cones to mechanically amplify the guitar before electronic amplification existed.
Single-Cone Biscuit Bridge
Introduced the single-cone biscuit-bridge design—louder, grittier, and more blues-oriented than the smoother tricone.
National & Dobro Merge
The Dopyera brothers' National and Dobro companies merged into the National-Dobro Corporation.
Original Production Ends
WWII ended National's original guitar production. The resonator designs lay dormant for decades.
National Reso-Phonic Founded
Don Young and McGregor Gaines founded National Reso-Phonic in a Southern California garage, reviving the resonator craft.
San Luis Obispo Factory
Established the factory in San Luis Obispo, California—still the home of all National Reso-Phonic production today.
Expanded Model Range
Expanded beyond tricones to include single-cone, wood-body, and hybrid resonator designs.
Raw Series Launch
Introduced the Raw Series—minimal wax finish that develops unique patina over time. Available in steel, brass, or German silver.
Jason Workman Era
Jason Workman became President/Owner, continuing the tradition of handcrafted American resonator guitars.
300+ Annual Production
Producing over 300 handcrafted instruments annually with expanded options for cutaway, baritone, and pickup configurations.
Complete National Product Lineup
National: the resonator guitar—mechanically amplified sound since 1927
Tricone Series
Three-cone resonator design—smooth, choral tone
Classic steel body at ~$3,200-$3,800
Premium silver body at ~$4,000-$5,000
Minimal finish at ~$2,800-$3,500
With cutaway at ~$3,500-$4,200
Single-Cone Series
Biscuit-bridge single cone—gritty blues tone
Classic single-cone at ~$2,200-$2,800
Wood body resonator at ~$1,800-$2,400
Brass body at ~$2,500-$3,200
Wood Body Series
Wood-body resonator guitars
Wood body at ~$1,500-$2,000
Compact wood body at ~$1,200-$1,600
Entry resonator at ~$800-$1,200
Vintage Originals (1927-1942)
Pre-war National instruments
$5,000-$15,000+
$3,000-$10,000
$2,000-$8,000
"National: the resonator guitar—mechanically amplified sound since 1927"
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
Tricone Guide
The Signature Sound
Tricones produce a smooth, choral tone with exceptional sustain—three aluminum cones creating harmonic complexity no electronics can replicate. At $2,800-$5,000, these are serious instruments for serious players
Material Matters
Steel bodies are darker and more immediate. German silver (nickel-silver) is brighter and more resonant. Brass sits between. Each material fundamentally changes the instrument's voice
Raw Series Patina
Raw Series tricones develop unique patina over time—each instrument ages differently based on the player's chemistry. Fingerprints become part of the guitar's character. A living instrument
Single-Cone Guide
Blues Machine
Single-cone biscuit-bridge Nationals are THE blues resonator sound—grittier, louder, more aggressive than tricones. Son House, Bukka White, and every delta bluesman's instrument
Wood vs Metal Body
Metal bodies (steel, brass) are louder and brighter. Wood bodies are warmer and more acoustic-sounding. For amplified blues, metal bodies cut through. For acoustic settings, wood bodies blend better
Slide Guitar Specialist
Nationals excel at slide guitar—the resonator's sustain and projection are perfectly suited to slide technique. Many players buy Nationals specifically for slide work
Used National Buying Guide
Handcrafted Retention
Handcrafted National Reso-Phonics hold value exceptionally well—used prices at 75-90% of new. The small annual production (300+) limits supply and supports strong resale
Cone Condition
The resonator cone is the heart of the instrument. Check for dents, warping, or rattles. A damaged cone dramatically affects tone and value. Replacement cones are available but affect originality
Vintage National Expertise
Pre-war National originals ($2,000-$15,000+) require expert authentication. The resonator guitar market has fewer fakes than standard guitars, but condition grading is critical at these prices