National ResoPhonic Collegian There is an art to reproducing guitars from a by-gone era in today's day and age. The folks at National have certainly proven that they can not only faithfully recreate models, but update them tastefully and even improve upon them. We gave them a challenge when we found a mere trace of an old National floating around the web. We saw a few pictures, found an old ad, and delved deeper in to the mystery. After months of research between San Luis Obispo and Nashville, National Resophonic and Artisan Guitars were pleased to re-introduce the National "Collegian" to the world! The Collegian was originally introduced in the late 30's as a student model, with a value price to match. It was essentially a Duolian with a simpler coverplate. Instead of a "sieve" coverplate featured on the guitars of the time, the Collegian had two concentric rings of holes with 18 holes in each ring. These "bullet-hole" cover plates made these resonators stand out from the crowd, also lending a unique sound to the instrument. When we opened the case to our first vintage white model, we marveled at how much it looked like the pictures we had sent them. Then we played it...there is some kind of magic going on here folks. There is a mojo to this guitar not seen since the days before the big War. Yes, it cuts like steel can only cut, but the Collegian has a roundness to it that echoes brass in its warmth. Chords are rich and complex with slight overtones, for a pronounced note quality that allows it to shine when played with one of our Diamond Slides. It sustains, and has a beautiful roundness to each tone. From National's 1941 Collegian ad: "Their tone quality and volume surpass that of any non-electric in this price field. They possess amazing sustaining power, with bell clear harmonics and smooth, vibrant volume: yet they really have commanding 'punch' for the professional." Be the first kid in your family to get to play the Collegian. Includes the Original Hardshell Case.Features :