Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $4,770

High-end/Boutique

$499

$1300+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "National El Trovador". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Discover a piece of musical history reimagined for the modern era with the National El Trovador resonator guitar. Originally introduced in 1932, this reissue captures the timeless elegance and rich tones that have made it a favorite among blues and swing musicians. Crafted with a 4"-deep mahogany body, the El Trovador resonates with warmth and depth, while the internal wooden soundwell enhances its projection, creating a uniquely resonant voice ideal for both fingerpicking and strumming.

The El Trovador's standout feature is its 9.5" single-cone resonator, which delivers a focused and articulate sound. This design ensures that every nuance of your playing is captured, providing a clear and dynamic tone that easily cuts through ensemble mixes. Whether you're performing solo or with a band, this guitar's resonator guarantees tonal clarity and exceptional volume.

Complementing its sonic prowess is the silky playability offered by the solid mahogany neck and ebony fretboard. Together, they provide a smooth playing experience with enhanced sustain, perfect for long sessions. The slotted headstock design, paired with National-brand tuners, ensures stable tuning and effortless string adjustments.

The National El Trovador is not just an instrument; it's a testament to craftsmanship and design. With classic aesthetic details like mother-of-pearl fret markers and multi-layer celluloid binding, this guitar is as visually captivating as it is sonically impressive. It comes with a TKL hardshell case for protection, making it a reliable companion for both the road and the studio.

Key Features:

  • 4"-deep mahogany body with wooden soundwell for rich projection
  • 9.5" single-cone resonator for focused tonal clarity
  • Solid mahogany neck with ebony fretboard for smooth playability
  • Slotted headstock design with National-brand tuners
  • TKL hardshell case included for secure transport and storage

Product specs

Body material Mahogany
Upper bout width 10.0"
Lower bout width 14.5"
Depth of body 4"
Overall length 39.25"
Weight 7 lbs 2 oz
Neck material Mahogany
Scale length 25-25/32"
Width at nut 1.75"
Width at 12th fret 2.25"
Fretboard wood Ebony
Fretboard markers Mother-of-pearl dots
Tuners National brand
Nut material Bone
Bridge type Compensated
Resonator 9.5" single cone
Headstock style Slotted
Headstock overlay Ebony
Case TKL hardshell
Orientation Right handed

FAQs

What type of tone can I expect from the National El Trovador's mahogany body?

The mahogany body of the National El Trovador delivers a rich, warm tone with enhanced projection, making it ideal for resonator-style playing and providing a full-bodied sound.

How does the single-cone resonator affect the sound of the National El Trovador?

The 9.5" single-cone resonator provides a focused sound with unique projection, offering the characteristic punch and clarity that resonator guitars are known for.

Is the National El Trovador suitable for slide guitar playing?

Yes, the National El Trovador is well-suited for slide guitar playing, thanks to its resonator design and warm, projecting tone, making it a favorite among blues and folk musicians.

What are the benefits of the ebony fretboard on the National El Trovador?

The ebony fretboard offers smooth playability and a dynamic response, enhancing the guitar's overall feel and allowing for precise finger placement and articulation.

Does the National El Trovador come with a case?

Yes, the National El Trovador includes a TKL hardshell case, providing premium protection during transport and ensuring your guitar remains safe and secure.

National Reso-Phonic Guitars

National Reso-Phonic Guitars

Mike Dowling compares a M-1 Tricone to an El Trovador

Video thumbnail for Mike Dowling compares a M-1 Tricone to an El Trovador by National Reso-Phonic Guitars

Mike Dowling compares a M-1 Tricone to an El Trovador

National Reso-Phonic Guitars

National Reso-Phonic Guitars

Video thumbnail for National El Trovador Fingerstyle by National Reso-Phonic Guitars

National El Trovador Fingerstyle

National Reso-Phonic Guitars

National Reso-Phonic Guitars

Video thumbnail for National El Trovador Resonator | CME Gear Demo by Chicago Music Exchange

National El Trovador Resonator | CME Gear Demo

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for National El Trovador Demo by davekingacoustics

National El Trovador Demo

davekingacoustics

davekingacoustics

Video thumbnail for National Reso-Phonic El Trovador: Acoustic Centre by Acoustic Centre

National Reso-Phonic El Trovador: Acoustic Centre

Acoustic Centre

Acoustic Centre

Video thumbnail for National Reso-Phonic El Trovador Resonator: Acoustic Centre by Acoustic Centre

National Reso-Phonic El Trovador Resonator: Acoustic Centre

Acoustic Centre

Acoustic Centre

Video thumbnail for National El Trovador at The Fellowship of Acoustics by The Fellowship of Acoustics

National El Trovador at The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The National El Trovador's tailpiece and body shape are key identifiers distinguishing it from newer National Resophonic models.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The tonal character when played through a magnetic pickup differs significantly from its natural resonator sound, losing much of its acoustic qualities.

    Source

Build quality

  • The original 1934 model can be identified by its Harmony body, as opposed to a Kay body, which affects its overall construction and sound.

    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 Johnny Flynn uses National El Trovador

Johnny Flynn

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Johnny plays an early 20s/30s National El Trovador, you can see his National in the source image.

His National is a late 20s/early 30s model (you can tell from the tailpiece). You can see this guitar on the bottom of this National Guitars webpage.

http://www.nationalguitar.com/learn/all-about-national-guitars

Johnny has customized his National with a pickup.

See how C.W. Stoneking uses National El Trovador

C.W. Stoneking

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

On Stoneking's website, he says, "The El Trovador is the first National Reso-Phonic guitar I purchased, it’s a reissue of a model that was only manufactured for about 1 year in 1933. This guitar has a cool old parlour guitar type shape and a deeper than usual mahogany body also a slightly narrower neck than the other National guitar models, sounds real good and loud."

Genre Usage

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

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