This page about National Model D is a stub. You can help improve it:

Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Introducing the National Model D, a resonator guitar that merges classic craftsmanship with modern playability, ideal for both enthusiasts and professional musicians. Known for its distinctive voice, the Model D offers a rich, metallic sound that is perfect for blues, bluegrass, and slide guitar styles. The guitar's design is a nod to the iconic resonator instruments of the 1930s, featuring a single-cone design that produces a loud and clear tone with impressive sustain.

Crafted with precision, the National Model D showcases a steel body and a biscuit bridge, ensuring durability while contributing to its unique tonal character. The mahogany neck, paired with an ebony fretboard, provides smooth playability and a comfortable grip, making it easy to explore the fretboard during intricate solos or rhythm playing. The Model D is an exceptional choice for musicians seeking an instrument with a vintage aesthetic and a voice that stands out in any ensemble.

Whether you're performing on stage or jamming in your living room, the National Model D is designed to deliver an engaging musical experience, making it a versatile addition to any guitarist's collection.

Key Features:

  • Single-cone resonator design for a vibrant, metallic tone
  • Steel body construction for durability and sound projection
  • Biscuit bridge for enhanced sustain and tonal quality
  • Mahogany neck with an ebony fretboard for smooth playability
  • Classic design inspired by 1930s resonator guitars
Julian Socha

Julian Socha

Tears Django Reinhardt Julian Socha Dobro Tribute National Model-D

Video thumbnail for Tears Django Reinhardt Julian Socha Dobro Tribute National Model-D by Julian Socha

Tears Django Reinhardt Julian Socha Dobro Tribute National Model-D

Julian Socha

Julian Socha

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The Model D Western includes a flamed maple top, curly walnut body, upgraded headstock veneer, pearl fret markers, and intricate "rope" binding for a deluxe feel.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Notably loud with a spider bridge, the Model D delivers impressive volume without fingerpicks, surpassing many other acoustic steels.

    Source
  • Brass-bodied resonators are praised for their ability to produce a more pleasing tone compared to steel-bodied options.

    Source

User experience

  • The tone difference between wound and unwound strings is pronounced, requiring adjustments in picking technique for optimal sound.

    Source
  • Metal resonators, especially those made of brass, are notably heavy, and adjusting to their playability may take over a year.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for live performances, the Model D projects sound effectively even in poorly set up monitor situations, making it a reliable gig choice.

    Source
  • Resonators are traditionally played fingerstyle with slides, and using a pick is often frowned upon among purists.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Republic duolian or tricone resonators are recommended over Rogue, which are criticized for poor resonator sound quality.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Converting an acoustic guitar to a resonator is feasible; using Paul Beard cones is recommended for superior sound.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Butler uses National Model D

John Butler

Guitarist

The John Butler Trio

...
Verified via MusicRadar

In his interview for Music Radar, Butler said :

“A square-neck lapsteel; this one has a mic pickup, and a magnetic pickup. This goes in everything from G tunings to D tunings to low tunings.”

See how Butch Walker uses National Model D

Butch Walker

Singer, Guitarist

The All-American Rejects

...
Verified via YouTube

At 18:44 in the YouTube video titled "EPIC HOME STUDIO Setup 2022 | Butch Walker (studio tour)" by Andrew Masters, a National Model D resonator guitar is visible in Butch Walker's guitar rig.

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 Model D, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More National Resonators

Regal RD-40 Resonator

$615.00 - $644.41

# 18

Rank

Rockette Morton Deniz Tek
2 artists using

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    kkolar
    kkolar

    Gear IQ 120856