The Model 1104 Town & Country by National

The National Model 1104 Town & Country is a vintage solid-body electric guitar built in the United States by National (under Valco) during the mid-1950s and into the late ’50s and early ’60s. It was National’s answer to early solid-body guitars like the Gibson Les Paul and occupies a unique place in American guitar history as a rare and collectible instrument. Featuring a solid maple body and maple neck with a bound rosewood fingerboard, it has a distinctive vintage look and feel with a comfortable scale and substantial weight. The guitar typically sports two ceramic magnetic pickups that are sized similarly to humbuckers, offering a punchy tone with clear highs and rich mids that work well for rock, blues, and classic styles. One of its standout design features is an advanced control layout with individual volume and tone controls for each pickup plus a bank switch that allows for unique preset combinations. Its bolt-on or set neck (varies by year) and vintage hardware add character both visually and tonally. Today it’s prized by collectors and players looking for unusual vintage American guitars with a classic feel and distinctive sound. Examples in good condition command attention at vintage guitar shows and in private collections.

Specs:

• Model: National Model 1104 Town & Country (solid body electric)
• Era / Year: Mid-1950s to early 1960s (e.g., 1955, 1957, 1958, 1960 examples noted)
• Country of Origin: USA (Chicago, IL)
• Body Material: Solid maple
• Neck: Maple with bound rosewood fretboard
• Scale Length: ~24¾″ (varies slightly by year/model)
• Nut Width: ~1⅝″ to 1⅚″ (varies by instrument)
• Pickups: Two ceramic magnet single coils (humbucker-style covers)
• Controls: Individual volume and tone for each pickup + 3-way bank/preset switch
• Bridge: Rosewood-based bridge with compensated saddle (vintage design)
• Tailpiece: Trapeze tailpiece (vintage style)
• Finish: Natural or sunburst lacquer (varies by instrument)
• Number of Frets: 20 (typical for the era)
• Weight: ~7.5–8+ lbs (solid maple body)