National Rocket One Ten Model Lap Steel Electric Guitar (1957), Chicago, serial # X77839.
Chicago's National/Valco operation fielded many super cool and stylish electric steels from the 1930s thru the '60s, and this Rocket One Ten is one stellar example. This is a simple but very stylish jet-age lap steel from the colorful postwar Populuxe era, a variant of the classic National Dynamic with the same rounded headstock sporting an enameled metal shield logo plate and Kluson tuners with proprietary shaped buttons. The difference is a striking tail-finned look to the two-tone red-and-white body capped with black Lucite plates. The ivory back-painted Lucite fingerboard marks the positions with elegant gold Roman numerals.
The National Dynamic is not only striking to look at but great sounding as well, with the large metal pickup/bridge assembly housing the celebrated Valco/Supro integral pickup much beloved of both steel players and assemblers of hybrid Stratocasters. The silver plastic tone and volume knobs are mounted on the treble side. Beyond making a fantastic visual statement, this National Rocket has a singing sound to match!
Overall length is 32 1/2 in. (82.6 cm.), 7 7/8 in. (20 cm.) across at the widest point, and 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 23 in. (584 mm.). Width of nut is 1 7/8 in. (48 mm.).
Overall this is a nicely clean steel, with some light wear and scuffing overall. The metal pickup cover and some of the bridge area have some heavier corrosion, and the knobs show some loss to the silver paint. Unfortunately the cool logo'd decorative plastic bridge cover is missing, although the securing bolts are still present. Otherwise the instrument is complete and fully functional, in the original brown HSC that is also fairly clean. Overall Excellent - Condition.
