National Style 0 Replicon Resophonic Guitar (2008), ser. #13863, original black hard shell case.

National Style 0 Replicon Model Resophonic Guitar (2008), made in San Luis Obisbo, CA, serial # 13863, nickel plated finish, brass body, maple neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case.

The Style 0 is traditionally the most striking of National's single cone guitars, much flashier than the cheaper painted steel-bodied Triolian and Duolian models with its gleaming nickel plated and unusual decorated Hawaiian-scene etched graphics. In the 1930s the Style 0 was hard to beat for its combination of volume, tone, and sheer visual appeal in those economically tough times. The Style 0 remains an enduring classic to all lovers of resonator instruments; a favorite of many players then and now especially for period musical styles with the spotlight on early blues.

The modern reissue 12-fret Style 0 is one of the revived National Reso-Phonic company's flagship models. National Reso-Phonic created this lightly aged Replicon variation for players who find the mirror-like gleam of a brand new Style O a bit to shiny! The Replicon features a subtly distressed nickel plated finish that softens the bling, giving it the look and feel of a used but not abused vintage Style 0. Otherwise it is essentially the same as the standard reissue models with the traditional Style 0 single-cone brass body, 12-fret maple neck with a slotted headstock and bound, dot inlaid ebony fingerboard. One useful modern addition is an adjustable truss rod with access discreetly located just above the nut. This is a great playing, powerful sounding resonator with plenty of kick and a surprising depth even when played hard.

Overall length is 38 3/4 in. (98.4 cm.), 14 1/4 in. (36.2 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 25 in. (635 mm.). Width of nut is 1 7/8 in. (48 mm.).

Much of the wear on this guitar is deliberate from the factory, making it hard to say what actual play wear it has had since new in 2008. We can tell you it has seen some use, and per the original owner has had some work done over the last 18 years. A seam on the top/side joint of body just above the tailpiece was re-soldered, a very neat job. There is a scratch across the face of the headstock that looks like a crack, but is not!

The cone was replaced with a newer National factory cone early on, and the saddle re-worked a bit. A Highlander resophonic pickup was fitted and a jack added on the lower rim, but the outboard gear needed to make the pickup functional is not included. The original frets show some very light wear but this guitar plays very well with a powerful tone worthy of the best of its Depression era ancestors. It lives in a '70s-era Japanese HSC. Overall Excellent - Condition.