2010 National RM1 Resonator Mandolin w/Hotplate

Overview: I've had a number of RM1s through the shop for setups but this is the first one with a Hotplate installed. It's also the first one with the infamous "clearcoat flake" that some Nationals get from this era as they age. I've worked-on and sold a few in just the same situation over the years. Apparently, a bad batch of grain filler was the culprit! In any case, post-minor-repairs, this is a big-sounding, great-playing mandolin and has a voice all its own. I've worked on a dozen or so 1930s National resonator mandolins but they're a lot different from these new Nationals -- where the old ones are brash and ringy and have extra-long scales and metal bodies, these new ones have wood bodies, handling and scale length similar to a typical A-style mandolin, and a woodier, warmer, more direct sound. They're just as loud, though!

Interesting features: This particular RM1 has the "Hotplate" coverplate installed which gives the instrument a magnetic pickup fit at the neck position and volume, tone controls, and a jack right on the coverplate. We've fit stainless-steel-wound strings on it to suit the pickup, too, as normal "acoustic" strings would have weaker output on the wound strings.

Repairs included: Jose gave it a level/dress of the frets and setup and I helped seat the cone and compensate the bridge. It's playing spot-on and has a quick, easy feel.

• Weight: 4 lbs 6 oz
• Scale length: 14"
• Nut width: 1 17/64"
• Neck shape: medium C
• Board radius: 14"
• Depth at first fret: 13/16"
• Depth at seventh fret: 55/64"
• Body width: 11 1/4"
• Body depth: 2"
• Body: flamed maple
• Cone type: single cone, biscuit-style
• Bridge: biscuit, compensated saddle
• Fretboard: ebony
• Neck wood: maple
• Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 36w-10
• Truss rod: adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: narrow/smaller

Condition notes: While the instrument is structurally sound and plays a treat, the clearcoat chipping, flaking, and falling-off is the main detractor. I have taken some photos in glared conditions to highlight just how bad it is -- sections have fallen-off in places and there are "fault lines" here and there all over with a bit of milkiness in spots. National quoted a refinish job in the $600+ range for one of these. There's also some playwear/usewear in evidence on the coverplate in the "usual picking zone." Otherwise it's in good shape, ready to go, and all-original.

It comes with: It's got an original hard case.

Consignor tag: BGJO