This 2015 National El Trovador combines the unmistakable voice of a resonator with the warmth of a wooden body. Its mahogany body and single biscuit cone give it a punchy, direct tone with a sweet, woody depth, making it a natural choice for blues, slide and roots music.

National's story goes back to the late 1920s, when the resonator was invented to give guitarists enough volume to be heard alongside louder instruments. In 1989 Don Young and McGregor Gaines revived that tradition with National Reso-Phonic Guitars in San Luis Obispo, California, where Nationals are still built today. The El Trovador takes its name from a wood bodied National model of the 1930s.

The biscuit bridge rests on the cone and passes the vibrations of the strings straight through to it. This gives the El Trovador its strong attack and clear projection. The mahogany body adds warmth and rounds off the metallic edge you might expect from a resonator. The mahogany neck with its V profile fills the hand nicely and gives you a solid grip for both fingerpicking and slide. Ivoroid binding and a rosewood headstock overlay complete its classic look.

This 2015 El Trovador is in excellent condition. There are some signs of play on the hardware, along with a few light scratches and dings, mostly on the back. The originally satin neck has started to gloss slightly, which is completely normal with use over time. It comes with a hardshell case and a TFOA Passport.

This guitar has been carefully inspected for condition and playability, then set up to our Gold Standard by a luthier. We make sure it arrives in your hands exactly as it should: sounding its best, playing effortlessly and ready to be enjoyed from the very first note.