2000s Regal RC-2 Duolian Resonator Guitar (w/National Cone)

I was given this recent Regal resonator guitar in trade. It's a nice model -- I've had several through the shop in recent memory for setup -- but the secret sauce for this particular guitar is that it has a National Hot Rod cone (and National compensated biscuit/saddle) installed! That brings the tonal "wow factor" up about 10 notches compared to the factory cones that are usually installed in these. It's also a fairly hefty financial upgrade to the instrument.

I'm not sure when this one was made but I would guess it's around 10-15 years old. Saga (the Regal brand owner at the moment) still makes the model but considering the light usewear in evidence I'm thinking my guesstimate is about its age. The Hot Rod cone, however, is relatively recent as I don't think National has been making the compensated saddle biscuit for all that long. 

Jose and I went through it and it's now playing spot-on, quick and easy, and it has a great, punchy tone that's quite reminiscent of the '30s guitars it emulates. It has tons of volume and snap. The strings are quite old in the video demo and we left them that way because it's a nice sound for these guitars -- a little mellower. With fresh strings it would be a lot spankier and snappier out the gate.

Repairs included: a fret level/dress, one additional mushroom/shim-brace fit under the dowel near the neck joint internally (gives the neck joint a tighter fit), cleaning, cone seating adjustments, and setup work.

• Weight: 9 lbs 2 oz
• Scale length: 24 3/4"
• Nut width: 1 11/16"
• Neck shape: medium C
• Board radius: 14"
• Body width: 14"
• Body depth: 3 1/8"
• Body: metal (factory says brass)
• Cone type: single biscuit-style (upgraded National Hot Rod cone)
• Bridge: maple w/compensated saddle
• Fretboard: rosewood
• Neck wood: mahogany
• Action height at 12th fret: 3/32” bass 1/16” treble (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 54w-12 lights
• Truss rod: adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: medium

Condition notes: it's in very good shape except for some "hazing" to the plating on the lower-bout-top where the arm comes over the body, a little on the upper-bout-top, a little where you'd expect the pick or fingers to land, and a little around the sides. It looks great overall, though, and I know that these could be buffed-up and cleaned-up if you are a polishing neat-freak. There may be light scratching here and there, too, but I'm not noticing it.

It comes with: sorry, no case. It's possible I might have something on hand to pop it in, though, for shipping.

Consignor tag: JW