2000 National Delphi Resonator Guitar

These National Delphis were basically an updated version of an early-'30s 12-fret Triolian. This one has an absolutely-cool "hammered" finish like you'd see on your favorite shop tools and equipment cases. I love hammered finishes so this one certainly floats my boat.

This guy sold before I could even get this blog post up (in-shop) and now my buddy Jim will be picking on it for at least a good while. He's a ruthless guitar churner (like myself) so you never know -- it might wind-up back here at some point!

For a 22-year-old National, it needed surprisingly-little to get it up to snuff. I just needed to level and dress the frets a hair and compensate and adjust the saddle. Otherwise it was pretty-much ready to go and it's cleanish to boot.

Compared to the "silver" modern National that was also hanging on the wall next to it this morning, this Delphi has a more midsy, brighter sound overall. It's less bassy and more reminiscent of the '30s tone that I think of in my head. That doesn't mean better but it does mean different. The modern "silver" Nationals have a lot more lower-mids and bass grunt which suits a player with a brighter attack while a guitar like this suits a player with a darker attack. It was pretty funny to see the "night and day" difference in preferences (for one or the other) when people were trying them side-by-side in the shop the last couple days.

Repairs included: a fret level/dress, restring, and setup.

Body: painted steel

Bridge: maple biscuit and saddle

Cone: National Hot Rod-style

Fretboard: rosewood

Neck wood: mahogany

Action height at 12th fret: 3/32” bass 1/16” treble (fast, spot-on)
String gauges: 54w-12 lights

Neck shape: medium-big C/V

Board radius: ~12"

Truss rod: adjustable

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: medium

Scale length: 25"

Nut width: 1 13/16"

Body width: 14"

Body depth: 3 3/4"

Weight: 8 lbs 11 oz

Condition notes: it looks just slightly "shopworn" with a little surface grunge on the tailpiece finish and a few light scuffs to the finish on the body. There are a few scratches on the back of the headstock, too.

It comes with: its original hard case.