Early 60's National Westwood 77 "Map" Cherry

Early 1960's National Westwood 77 "Map" Guitar Cherry

Although the National Glenwood series of "Res-O-Glass" (fiberglass) bodied guitars tend to steal the limelight from this 1962-1965 era of National-branded guitars produced by Valco of Chicago, it is the more traditionally built Westwood maple-bodied guitars that, dare we say, "sound" better than their more expensive fiberglass counterparts! (Of course, the Res-O-Glass instruments are still as cool and collectible as they come - we have enjoyed many over the years!) We would have loved to date this guitar to a specific year using pot codes but unfortunately solder has obscured part of the numerical stamp on each pot!  The fretboard width at the nut is 1 5/8ths inch. Scale length is 25 inches.
The "77" portion of the model name pegs it as the very rare top of the line version of the Westwood series - the 3-pickup version, including 2 normally placed single coil pickups and one of National's many innovative designs... An under-the-bridge transducer pickup, one of the earliest developed before the War! Each of the 3 pickups has its own independent Volume and Tone controls, as well as a larger Master Volume knob and pickup selector 3-way toggle switch. These guitars have such a lively and distinctive punch and snarl that is unique all unto them. All 3 of these original vintage pickups, including the discretely placed bridge transducer, is highly coveted by open tuning slide players among others - just ask David Lindley and Ry Cooder! .
The small narrow frets definitely lend 60's vintage feel to the playability, and show varied but not extreme wear throughout the neck. The fingerboard binding has shrank and yellowed, showing cracks in places along the length of the neck but no pieces are missing whatsoever. Original "double libe" Kluson Deluxe tuners function quite well for their age, with all 6 plastic buttons intact, one is a bit bent. All electronics inside the cavity, as well as the pickups, switches, and knobs are all original and function correctly. The switch tip for the pickup selector does appear replaced, however... Looks like a black Telecaster one has been used in its place. Wood bridge and tailpiece are also original.
The maple wood body shows plenty of wear of the usual sort (refer to pics) but bears no structural damage. This example is most notably missing its original pickguard and backplate. If one had the means and desire to secure vintage appropriate parts, the value would rise in the eyes of potential future buyers. We did commission the local professional production of a new plastic black backplate that fits perfectly by Mike Crocker of C-Rocker Guitars here in Santa Cruz county. However, we've chosen to leave it alone and sell it as is at the current price.
Please reach out for further information or call for an in-hand description!
Non-original hardshell case available - inquire within!