2000 National Estralita Woodbody Resonator Guitar

I mean -- I have to admit I'm a fan of these newer, woodbody National guitars. They're a dar- sight better-built and more functional than the old Trojans and the like and I often find their sound closer in many respects to the old metal-body Duolian and Triolian models than many of the new National steel/brass-body instruments do. They have that percussive, midsy, "snap" to their sound. It's duller on the back-end and lingering, reverb-like sustain, but the palette reminds me more of the '30s Nationals than the new National steel bodies, I suppose.

I digress, though. This guitar was sent-in by a customer for some neck-angle adjustments, fretwork, saddle compensation, and a replacement pickup -- all of which it got. I then also "rolled the edges" of the board a little bit so it's more comfortable on the left hand. It's currently wearing a set of 12s and is ready to roll.

Note that in the video's middle I move the mic so it's pointing at the bass amp and use it like an acoustic amp (tweeter engaged, mids slightly rolled-off and trebles raised) so you can hear what a K&K Twin Spot sounds like with its sensors glued to the biscuit's top right behind the saddle.












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