The Complete National Resonator Guitar Price Guide 2026: The Sound Before Amplification

Last updated: February 2026

Before amplifiers existed, before microphones could capture a guitar's whisper, John Dopyera solved the problem with metal and physics. In 1927, he patented the tricone resonator—three aluminum cones nested inside a guitar body, mechanically amplifying string vibration into a sound that could cut through a dance hall. Advertisements called it "The Greatest Musical Sensation of the Age." They weren't exaggerating. The resonator guitar didn't just make acoustic guitars louder; it created an entirely new instrument with a voice that defined delta blues, bluegrass, and roots music for generations.

The original National String Instrument Corporation closed in 1942. The designs lay dormant for decades. Then, in 1989, Don Young and McGregor Gaines founded National Reso-Phonic Guitars in a Southern California garage, reviving the craft. Today, their San Luis Obispo factory produces over 300 handcrafted instruments annually—tricones, single-cones, wood bodies—each one a direct descendant of Dopyera's revolution. Dire Straits' "Brothers in Arms" album cover features a National. So does the sound of American music.

National Resonator Guitar Market Overview 2026

The National market spans two distinct worlds: handcrafted modern instruments and pre-war originals that have become collectible artifacts.

Key Market Statistics:

• Average Used National Price: $2,200 (up 3% from 2025)
• Active Listings: Approximately 500 guitars currently for sale
• Monthly Sales Volume: Around 60 guitars sold per month
• Price Range: $500 (entry wood-body) to $15,000+ (pre-war tricones)

National Reso-Phonic's small annual production (300+ instruments) creates scarcity that supports strong used values. Handcrafted modern Nationals typically retain 75-90% of new price. Pre-war originals operate in a separate collector market where condition and provenance drive value more than any price guide.

The National Story: From Dopyera to Don Young

1927: The Invention That Changed Everything

John Dopyera didn't set out to invent a new instrument. He was trying to make a guitar loud enough for Hawaiian music performances. His solution—three spun aluminum cones acting as mechanical amplifiers—produced a tone unlike anything before: smooth, choral, with exceptional sustain. The tricone became the premium resonator design.

The Single-Cone Revolution (1929): Dopyera's brother Rudy developed the single-cone biscuit-bridge design—louder, grittier, more aggressive. This became the blues resonator. Son House, Bukka White, and every delta bluesman who needed to be heard chose single-cone Nationals. The two designs served different purposes: tricone for smooth, complex tone; single-cone for raw projection.

1989: The Revival

Don Young and McGregor Gaines didn't just copy old Nationals. They studied original instruments, reverse-engineered the cone designs, and built a manufacturing process that honored the craft while meeting modern standards. The San Luis Obispo factory opened in 1990 and remains the sole source of National Reso-Phonic production today.

Core Philosophy:

1. Handcrafted Only: No mass production—every instrument built by skilled craftspeople
2. Material Integrity: Steel, brass, German silver—each metal produces distinct tone
3. Heritage Honored: Designs trace directly to 1927 patents
4. Raw Series Innovation: Minimal wax finish that develops unique patina—each guitar ages with its player

Tricone Series Pricing: $2,800-$5,000

The original design—three cones creating smooth, choral tone with exceptional sustain.

Style 1 Tricone (Steel) (~$3,200-$3,800)

Specifications:

• Body: Steel, hand-formed
• Cones: Three aluminum resonator cones
• Bridge: Biscuit-style bridge
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fingerboard: Ebony or rosewood
• Scale: 25"
• Nut Width: 1.75"
• Finish: Polished or matte steel

Tonal Character: Darker, more immediate than German silver. The classic tricone voice—smooth highs, rich mids, defined bass. Ideal for Hawaiian, jazz, and fingerstyle.

Style 2 Tricone (German Silver) (~$4,000-$5,000)

Specifications:

• Body: German silver (nickel-silver alloy)
• Cones: Three aluminum, premium grade
• Premium appointments throughout
• Brighter, more resonant than steel
• Highest tricone tier

Tonal Character: Brighter and more complex than steel. German silver produces exceptional harmonic overtones—the most "alive" tricone voice.

Raw Series Tricone (~$2,800-$3,500)

Specifications:

• Minimal wax finish
• Develops unique patina over time
• Fingerprints become part of the guitar's character
• Available in steel, brass, or German silver
• Each instrument ages differently based on player chemistry

Why Raw Series Matters: These are living instruments. The patina that develops—from handling, humidity, oxidation—creates a one-of-a-kind appearance. No two Raw Series guitars age identically.

Tricone Cutaway (~$3,500-$4,200)

Specifications:

• Full tricone with cutaway for upper fret access
• Same cone configuration
• Extended range playing
• Modern convenience, vintage tone

Used Tricone Values: $2,200-$3,800 (excellent condition)

Single-Cone Series Pricing: $1,500-$3,200

The blues machine—biscuit-bridge design for gritty, projecting tone.

Style O (~$2,200-$2,800)

Specifications:

• Body: Steel or brass
• Cone: Single aluminum, biscuit bridge
• Louder, more aggressive than tricone
• Classic delta blues configuration
• Slide guitar specialist

Tonal Character: Grittier, brighter, more cutting. This is the Son House sound—the resonator that defined blues before amplification.

Delphi (~$1,800-$2,400)

Specifications:

• Wood body with resonator cone
• Warmer than metal bodies
• Acoustic blend—resonator character with wood warmth
• Better for unamplified settings

NRP-B (Brass Body) (~$2,500-$3,200)

Specifications:

• Brass body construction
• Single-cone biscuit bridge
• Tonal character between steel and wood
• Distinctive visual appeal

Used Single-Cone Values: $1,400-$2,500 (excellent condition)

Wood Body Series Pricing: $800-$2,000

Resonator tone with traditional acoustic guitar construction.

El Trovador (~$1,500-$2,000)

Specifications:

• Top: Solid spruce
• Back/Sides: Mahogany or rosewood
• Resonator cone: Single, biscuit bridge
• Body: Dreadnought or OM size
• Warmer, more acoustic character

Reso-Phonic Jr. (~$1,200-$1,600)

Specifications:

• Compact wood body
• Single-cone resonator
• Comfortable for smaller players
• Balanced projection

Pioneer Series (~$800-$1,200)

Specifications:

• Entry-level resonator
• Wood body construction
• Genuine National cone
• Gateway to resonator playing

Used Wood Body Values: $600-$1,600 (excellent condition)

Pre-War Vintage Nationals: $2,000-$15,000+

Original instruments from 1927-1942 operate in a collector market.

Pre-War Tricone: $5,000-$15,000+

• Condition, originality, and provenance drive value
• Restored instruments typically 60-80% of all-original
• Expert authentication recommended

Pre-War Single-Cone: $3,000-$10,000

• Duolian and similar models
• Original cones critical for value
• Blues collector demand strong

Duolian (Single-Cone): $2,000-$8,000

• Entry to pre-war National ownership
• Variable condition affects pricing significantly

Where to Buy National Resonator Guitars: Platform Comparison

Online Marketplace Analysis

Reverb (Average Price: $2,400)

• Best selection of modern and vintage Nationals
• Knowledgeable resonator community
• 4.0% price appreciation year-over-year
• Best for: Tricones, single-cones, vintage examples

eBay (Average Price: $2,000)

• Good for vintage finds and auctions
• 3.0% price trend
• Best for: Pre-war originals, budget finds

Specialty Dealers (Average Price: $2,600)

• Resonator specialists with expertise
• 3.5% appreciation
• Best for: High-end tricones, authentication

National Direct (Average Price: $3,000)

• New instruments only
• Full customization options
• 2.0% growth (retail)
• Best for: New purchases, custom orders

Tips for Buying Used Nationals

1. Cone Condition: The resonator cone is the heart. Check for dents, warping, or rattles. Damaged cones dramatically affect tone and value.
2. Handcrafted Retention: Modern Nationals hold 75-90% of new value—used prices reflect quality
3. Vintage Authentication: Pre-war instruments require expert verification. Fewer fakes than standard guitars, but condition grading is critical
4. Material Verification: Steel vs. brass vs. German silver affects both tone and value—confirm body material
5. Raw Series Patina: On Raw Series, patina is expected—don't treat wear as damage

National vs. Competitors

How National compares to other resonator brands:

National Advantage: Handcrafted American construction, direct heritage to 1927 design, small-batch quality. The only brand building tricones at scale. Raw Series patina development is unique.

When Others Make Sense: Dobro for bluegrass spider-bridge tradition. Republic/Gold Tone for budget entry to resonator playing.

Famous National Players

Artists who have defined the National sound:

• Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits): "Brothers in Arms" album cover, iconic National imagery
• Son House: Delta blues legend, single-cone Nationals
• Bukka White: Pre-war National master
• Taj Mahal: Blues and roots resonator virtuoso
• Jerry Douglas: Dobro master (spider-bridge, related tradition)
• Kelly Joe Phelps: Contemporary blues resonator
• Bob Brozman: Resonator historian and performer
• Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars): Modern roots resonator

Investment Potential: Which Nationals Hold Value?

Strong Value Retention

Tricone Series:

• Handcrafted construction ages well
• Small production supports scarcity
• Pre-war tricones appreciate with collector demand

Raw Series:

• Unique patina development creates one-of-a-kind instruments
• Growing recognition of aging character
• Limited production

Collector Tier

Pre-War Originals:

• Finite supply, no new production
• Blues and roots music heritage drives demand
• Condition and originality paramount

Guitars for Playing

Wood Body / Pioneer:

• Excellent players, typical depreciation
• Entry-level models serve as gateway instruments

Note: Nationals are instruments first. Their value is in the sound—mechanically amplified tone that existed before electricity. Investment potential exists for tricones and pre-war originals, but the real return is in the music.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right National

For Beginners ($800-$1,500)

Recommended Models:

• Pioneer Series: Entry resonator at ~$800-$1,200
• Used Reso-Phonic Jr.: Compact wood body at $900-$1,300 used
• Used Delphi: Wood body single-cone at $1,400-$1,800 used

What to Prioritize:

• Playable setup (resonators need proper cone adjustment)
• Wood body for warmer, more familiar acoustic feel
• Solid construction

For Intermediate Players ($1,500-$3,000)

Recommended Models:

• Style O (Single-Cone): The blues sound at ~$2,200-$2,800
• Used Tricone: Entry to three-cone at $2,200-$2,800 used
• El Trovador: Wood body with resonator at ~$1,500-$2,000

What to Prioritize:

• Single-cone vs. tricone (blues vs. smooth)
• Metal vs. wood body (projection vs. warmth)
• Slide technique development

For Serious Players ($3,000-$5,000)

Recommended Models:

• Style 1 Tricone: The definitive tricone at ~$3,200-$3,800
• Style 2 Tricone (German Silver): Premium tier at ~$4,000-$5,000
• Raw Series Tricone: Living instrument at ~$2,800-$3,500

What to Prioritize:

• Material choice (steel vs. brass vs. German silver)
• Cutaway if upper fret access needed
• Raw Series for patina development

For Collectors ($5,000+)

Recommended Models:

• Pre-War Tricone: $5,000-$15,000+
• Pre-War Single-Cone: $3,000-$10,000
• All-Original Condition: Premium for unmodified examples

What to Prioritize:

• Expert authentication
• Original cone condition
• Provenance documentation

The National Sound: Understanding What You're Buying

Tricone Character:

• Smooth, choral tone with exceptional sustain
• Three cones create harmonic complexity
• Ideal for Hawaiian, jazz, fingerstyle, and nuanced playing
• Steel: darker, more immediate. German silver: brighter, more resonant

Single-Cone Character:

• Grittier, louder, more aggressive
• Biscuit bridge focuses energy
• The delta blues sound
• Metal bodies: cut through any mix. Wood bodies: warmer, more acoustic

Who Should Consider National:

• Slide guitar specialists
• Blues and roots musicians
• Players seeking pre-amplification tone
• Those who value handcrafted American instruments

Who Might Prefer Others:

• Bluegrass players (Dobro spider-bridge tradition)
• Budget-conscious beginners (Republic, Gold Tone)
• Those seeking standard acoustic guitar feel

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the difference between tricone and single-cone Nationals? A: Tricones use three aluminum cones for smooth, choral tone with exceptional sustain—ideal for Hawaiian, jazz, and fingerstyle. Single-cones use one cone with a biscuit bridge for grittier, louder, more aggressive tone—the classic delta blues sound. Different tools for different music.

Q: Why do Raw Series Nationals develop patina? A: Raw Series uses minimal wax finish instead of heavy lacquer. The metal oxidizes and reacts to handling over time—fingerprints, humidity, and player chemistry create unique patterns. Each Raw Series guitar becomes one-of-a-kind. This is intentional design, not neglect.

Q: Are National resonator guitars good for beginners? A: Wood body models (Pioneer, Reso-Phonic Jr., Delphi) offer a gentler entry—warmer tone, more familiar feel. Metal body single-cones and tricones have a steeper learning curve for technique (especially slide) but are achievable. Start with wood body or used single-cone if budget allows.

Q: How does National compare to Dobro? A: National builds tricone (three-cone) and single-cone biscuit-bridge resonators. Dobro uses spider-bridge design (single cone with spider assembly)—the bluegrass standard. Different designs, different traditions. National = blues/roots. Dobro = bluegrass. Both are valid; choose by music.

Q: Do vintage Nationals hold their value? A: Pre-war Nationals (1927-1942) have appreciated significantly as collectibles—finite supply, blues heritage, and historical significance drive demand. Modern handcrafted Nationals retain 75-90% of new value. Both tiers support strong resale.

Conclusion

The National resonator guitar exists because John Dopyera needed to be heard. In 1927, he solved the problem with three aluminum cones and changed music forever. The delta blues wouldn't sound the same without the single-cone's grit. Hawaiian music wouldn't have its voice without the tricone's smooth sustain. And when Don Young and McGregor Gaines revived the craft in 1989, they didn't just restore a brand—they restored a way of building instruments.

Today, National Reso-Phonic's San Luis Obispo factory produces over 300 handcrafted guitars annually. From the $800 Pioneer to the $5,000 German silver tricone, every instrument carries the same promise: mechanically amplified sound that predates electricity. The Raw Series develops patina that makes each guitar unique. The pre-war originals connect players to the instruments that defined American roots music.

Whether you're chasing the Son House sound or exploring the tricone's choral complexity, National offers something no other brand can: the sound before amplification. The greatest musical sensation of the age—still being built, one at a time, in California.

For the most current pricing and availability, check nationalguitars.com or authorized National dealers. Pre-war vintage prices vary significantly by condition, originality, and provenance.

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