National Model 1155 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar, c. 1949, made in Chicago, sunburst top, natural back and sides finish, mahogany body, spruce top, maple neck, blond tolex original chipboard case.
This interesting guitar is a result of the intertwining of both Gibson and National/Valco with the CMI (Chicago Musical Instrument) empire in the 1940's and 50's. The National company didn't have a high-grade wood shop, so a deal was struck that they would purchase Gibson-made bodies "in the white" (unfinished) for some of their better instruments and fit them out with National necks and hardware.
This Model 1155 is a Gibson J-45 body (FON 1542-11, 1948) with a bolt-on neck National "Stylist" heel-less neck and typically National cosmetics. The pickguard is a translucent "woodgrain" celluloid, and the rosewood bridge is slightly thicker than the Gibson version.
The sunburst finish is lighter and more subtle than the typical period Gibson finish. The bolted-on maple neck is rather thick with a deep "C" profile, the headstock covered in laminated celluloid and bearing a gold and white embossed/enameled metal "National" logo plate. The heel-less neck joint sports a screwed-on black plastic plate covering the empty dovetail joint.
This is a great-sounding guitar with more "bite" than the typical '49 era J-45; a bit less warm woodiness, but an almost archtop response in the high end. As early J-45s become ever more costly, these "half Gibson" Nationals look better and better!
Overall length is 41 1/2 in. (105.4 cm.), 16 in. (40.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 7/8 in. (12.4 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.).
Very nice original condition. Tuners are proper period Klusons but possibly replaced. Some light average playwear, mostly to the back of the neck. Bridgepins are shrunken but still functional. Original chipboard case a bit worn but in good usable shape.
Plays very well and is the best-sounding example of this model we have ever had. Excellent Condition.
