{"product_id":"national-model-1155e-acoustic-electric-guitar-1954-5720","title":"National Model 1155E Acoustic-Electric Guitar (1954)","description":"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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall 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.","brand":"National","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46852961108108,"sku":"5720","price":2500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_e50e708f-6546-4788-8396-06178be8abc5.jpg?v=1774328753","url":"https:\/\/retrofret.com\/products\/national-model-1155e-acoustic-electric-guitar-1954-5720","provider":"RetroFret","version":"1.0","type":"link"}