National Model 1155E Model Acoustic-Electric Guitar (1954), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # X-40261, sunburst top, natural back and sides finish, Spruce Top, Mahogany Back and Sides, Mahogany Neck, Rosewood Fingerboard, black chipboard case.
This electrified flat top guitar is a result of the intertwining of Gibson and National/Valco with the CMI (Chicago Musical Instrument) empire in the 1940's and '50's. As National had no high-quality wood shop, a deal was struck for them to purchase Gibson-made bodies "in the white" (unfinished) for their better grade instruments, to be fited out with National necks and hardware. This Jumbo flat-top Model 1155 is built on a Gibson J-45 body with the neck block bearing a 1953 Gibson FON (factory order number) Y-5840-48. The bolted-on National "Stylist" heelless neck has a deep "C" profile, the headstock is covered in black plastic. The bolt-on, adjustable neck joint sports a screwed-on cream plastic plate retained by the strap button.
The pickguard is a translucent "leopard striped" celluloid peculiar to National, which gives the guitar a typically 1950's "Populuxe" tinge. The triple-bound sunburst top is a bit less artful if more dramatic than the period Gibson style and the heavy rosewood bridge has a point on the bottom end and three securing screws left in plain sight (Gibson covered theirs with pearl dots!). The electrified "E" model carries a pickup mounted under the end of the fingerboard with controls on the side above the neck-this guitar dates to the first year of this optional feature. These are very good sounding guitars with a distinct 'retro-cool' look rather different the typical Gibson. As early J-45's become ever more costly these "half Gibson" Nationals look better and better!
Overall length is 40 1/2 in. (102.9 cm.), 16 5/16 in. (41.4 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 3/4 in. (12.1 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 25 in. (635 mm.). Width of nut is 1 9/16 in. (40 mm.). This National electric flat top is a nice and good playing example; all original except the tuners are repro Klusons. Some pickwear to the top and heavier bucklewear to the back, the back of the neck is missing a lot of finish and feels nicely worn-in. The black/red/orange top finish is particularly vibrant on this one; the glued-on plastic National logo has lost bits at each end and now reads "Vashiona". Overall this is a cool guitar with a good vibe! Excellent - Condition.
