2008 National RM1 Resonator Mandolin

First-off -- a matching NRP "Hotplate" resonator coverplate (~$400) with pickup is included with this instrument at the moment. I can install it if desired or, if you're looking for a discount and don't want it, we can talk about that. Photos of the 'plate down below... now back to the post... 

Hey, it's an NRP resonator mandolin! ...and they fixed all the weirdness of the '30s original, pear-shaped, steely-sounding charmers to create an instrument that fires on all cylinders and handles more like what you'd expect a modern mandolin to handle like as well. Don't get me wrong -- I love the originals, but their near-mandola scale lengths and big, reverb-tank bodies definitely make them their own thing. I think this A-style, Gibson-ish format is a lot more practical for the average player and it sounds killer as well.

This one has a 2008 build date scrawled on its insides and I've gone through it and given it the work it needed to play its absolute best -- a minor fret level/dress, compensation added at the saddle, and setup work.

The bodies of these are solid walnut (with a flamed maple cap) like an electric guitar but routed/chambered on the inside to create enough airspace for it to both sound good and also spread the sound around forward as well. It's a sturdy build that feels really nice in the hands -- like a boutique A-style regular mandolin but with more heft.

Just like other resonator mandolins, the absurd amount of extra volume means you can string it lighter and still get tons of power out of it, so that's just what I've done here -- using lighter 32w-9 gauges to take advantage of that. It plays "electric-y" in this format and slinky/fast.

Repairs included: a very minor fret level/dress and setup work.

Body: walnut with flamed maple cap

Cone type: single cone

Bridge: maple

Fretboard: ebony

Neck wood: maple

Action height at 12th fret: hair-under 1/16" overall (fast)
String gauges: 32w-9 extra lights (10s fine, 11s probably ok)

Neck shape: medium C/soft V

Board radius: ~8"

Truss rod: adjustable

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: medium/narrow

Scale length: 14"

Nut width: 1 1/4"

Body width: 11 3/4"

Body depth: 1 3/4" + arching

Weight: 3 lbs 15 oz

Condition notes: it's essentially new but does show very minor scuffs/scratches here and there in the finish.

It comes with: a nice original hard case. There's also a National Hotplate available for this in the same finish if you'd like to bundle it with the instrument (or have me fit it to it) at an extra cost.