National El Trovador Baritone Model Resophonic Electric Guitar (2009), made in Chicago/Los Angeles, serial # 15563, brown lacquer finish, laminated mahogany body, mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
During the Depression era the El Trovador was National's first -- and finest -- resonator guitar built on wooden bodies jobbed-out to the usual Chicago suspects: Kay and later Harmony. Production of this model began in 1932 with Kay supplying the bodies and necks to National in Los Angeles who then fitted the resonator hardware. This was originally a very short-lived model, lasting only into 1933 and period examples are rare today. The modern National company revived the El Trovador as a close reissue of the original but also offered several variations, of which this 27" scale baritone set up to play in B standard tuning is the most unique and interesting. The guitar is labeled under the upper F-hole as a Mike Dowling signature model, with the additional serial # 293 on the label.
Like the originals these modern El Trovadors have a laminated mahogany body with a mahogany neck and bound rosewood fingerboard. The standard National single-cone resonator is set into the body. The extended-scale neck is topped with a rosewood-veneered slotted headstock is fitted with vintage-style strip tuners and the vintage style "National El Trovador" crest decal on the face; the nut is extra wide at 1 7/8". The single cone resonator, coverplate, upper bout f-holes, and trapeze tailpiece follow the original 1932 pattern. The main difference of course is the longer neck and baritone tuning, which actually sounds great with a powerful deep yet still clear tone.
This guitar has been modified for use as an acoustic-electric outfitted with the excellent aftermarket Highlander resophonic cone biscuit bridge pickup system optimizing it as a performance instrument. These El Trovador re-issues are very fine guitars that are still available from National, though this baritone variant is a rare offering. This is one of the more enjoyable low tuned, long scale acoustics of any type we have handled, an splendidly unusual and surprisingly versatile instrument.
Overall length is 40 1/8 in. (101.9 cm.), 14 3/8 in. (36.5 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 in. (10.2 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 27 in. (686 mm.). Width of nut is 1 7/8 in. (48 mm.).
This Baritone Trovador appears seldom played at all, remaining original with the exception of modifications for performance use: A professionally installed Highlander pickup and 1/4" output jack, and a strap button added to the treble side of the heel.. A few scuffs and scratches can be found if examined very closely but really the guitar looks as though it just came from the factory. There are a couple of tiny finish flaws along the neck heel joint from the factory.
All hardware is original and the guitar itself is in healthy playing condition, with a surprisingly smooth and comfortable action despite the heavy-strung baritone tuning. It resides in its original black Tolex National-branded hardshell case with all the case candy inside including the instructions and necessary components for the Highlander pickup and an absolutely lovely little book of illustrated cards from National. Excellent + Condition.
