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Pricing and availability

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Description

The National Duolian is a legendary choice for musicians who are serious about their sound. Revered for its distinctive resonator tone, this acoustic guitar is a staple for blues and slide guitarists seeking that authentic, vintage sound. Its steel body construction offers durability and a unique tonal quality that is both rich and projecting, making it perfect for both stage performances and studio recordings. The single cone resonator design ensures that every note you play is amplified with clarity and power, while the biscuit bridge contributes to its unmistakable voice.

Crafted with precision and attention to detail, the National Duolian is more than just an instrument; it's a piece of musical history. Its neck is built for comfort, allowing for smooth transitions and effortless playability. Whether you're strumming chords or delivering intricate fingerstyle passages, this guitar responds with a warmth and depth that captivates audiences.

Ideal for those who appreciate the nuances of traditional blues, the National Duolian is a testament to the enduring appeal of resonator guitars. Its timeless design and superior craftsmanship offer a playing experience that's as visually striking as it is acoustically satisfying.

Key Features:

  • Single cone resonator for enhanced sound projection
  • Steel body construction for durability and unique tonal quality
  • Biscuit bridge for a distinctive resonator voice
  • Designed for both blues and slide guitar enthusiasts
  • Comfortable neck for smooth playability

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about National Duolian.

Setup and maintenance

  • Heat treatment can correct neck warping; if not, removing and resurfacing the neck is a viable option to retain originality.

    Source
  • Tuning mechanisms can be stiff due to age; careful lubrication is advised to maintain functionality without damaging original parts.

    Source

User experience

  • Using a sliding nut allows continued use for slide guitar playing despite neck issues.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The original nut is typically not glued back in for slide use; sliding nut typically sits over it without adhesive.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

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See how Eric Clapton uses National Duolian

Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Christies

Eric Clapton recalls that he has owned this guitar for a long time - at least twenty years. He commented that he used this National for playing slide both at home and in recording sessions.

See how Taylor Swift uses National Duolian

Taylor Swift

Singer, Guitarist

Jack Leopards & The Dolphin Club

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture from Taylor's performance of Innocent at the VMA's in 2010, Taylor can be seen playing a National Duolian.

See how Justin Vernon uses National Duolian

Justin Vernon

Singer, Guitarist

Bon Iver

...
Verified via Photo

Justin's guitar tech posts this image of a National Duolian.

See how Johnny Winter uses National Duolian

Johnny Winter

Guitarist, Singer

Johnny Winter And

...
Verified via YouTube

A good shot of this guitar appears 17 seconds into the video.

See how Rich Robinson uses National Duolian

Rich Robinson

Guitarist

The Black Crowes

...
Verified via MusicRadar

"Because I lost all of my guitars in Hurricane Sandy, I don't have as many vintage guitars. Right now, my dad's Martin is the oldest, being built in 1953. I used to have a 1929 National Duolian, that was the oldest I've ever owned. I also had a couple from the 40s."

See how Tyler Bryant uses National Duolian

Tyler Bryant

Singer, Guitarist

Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown

...
Verified via Premierguitar

The National Duolian is from 1931 and has the Lollar pickup, which was installed by the Bryant himself, according to the Premier Guitar's rig rundown.

See how Taj Mahal uses National Duolian

Taj Mahal

Guitarist

Taj Mahal & the Phantom Blues Band

...
Verified via Photo

Around the time of his albums "Taj Mahal" "The Natch'al Blues" and "Giant Step / De Ole Folks at Home" Taj played a National Duolian resonator guitar: "I was playing a National Duolian, and I played banjo on “Farther on Down the Road.” When I was in college, a guy showed me around on the instrument. Eventually, I borrowed a banjo, locked myself in my house trailer for a weekend with a bottle of Jack Daniels, and went at it [laughs]. When I opened the door and came up for air, I could play!" (https://www.guitarplayer.com/miscellaneous/blues-legend-taj-mahal-talks-on-his-first-40-years-in-the-business)

See how Son House uses National Duolian

Son House

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via Photo

Son House is pictured with his National Duolian resonator guitar in a user-uploaded photo on Findagrave.

See how Luther Allison uses National Duolian

Luther Allison

Guitarist

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

During this interview, Luther said he "also has a 1930s 12-fret, slothead National Duolian".

See how David Immerglück uses National Duolian

David Immerglück

Guitarist

Counting Crows

...
Verified via Gimmyimmy

According to Immergluck's official website, he uses the 1931 National Duolian resonator guitar.

See how Miguel Talavera uses National Duolian

Miguel Talavera

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Miguel Talavera uses a National Duolian "Hula Blues" model resonator guitar, made in the USA. This particular guitar features a Highlander pickup from 1996 and is inspired by the 1930s vintage models. The ownership is evidenced by a user-uploaded photo.

See how Blind Boy Fuller uses National Duolian

Blind Boy Fuller

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Blind Boy Fuller is seen with a National Duolian resonator guitar in a user-uploaded photo on Themortonreport.

Album Usage

The National Duolian has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use National Duolian, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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