Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $3,959

High-end/Boutique

$499

$1300+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "National NRP Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 7, 2026.

* 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

Step into a world where vintage charm meets modern craftsmanship with the National NRP Guitar. This resonator guitar is a true testament to the fusion of tradition and innovation, offering musicians a dynamic and rich sonic palette. Whether you're a blues enthusiast or a folk aficionado, the NRP Guitar promises to elevate your sound with its 9.5" Single Cone Resonator, delivering clear, resonant tones that cut through any mix.

The body, crafted entirely from steel, resonates with a unique timbre that’s both powerful and articulate. Its roundneck construction ensures comfortable playability, while the mahogany neck and ebony fingerboard provide a smooth and responsive touch. With 19 frets and a distinct neck/body junction at the 12th fret, this guitar caters to intricate fingerstyle playing and soulful slide techniques alike.

Designed and made in the USA, the National NRP Guitar embodies a legacy of quality and durability. The perloid acrylic dot inlays add a touch of elegance to its robust build. This guitar doesn't just sound great; it looks and feels like a piece of history in your hands. Whether on stage or in the studio, the NRP Guitar is a versatile companion for any musician seeking an authentic and vibrant sound.

Key Features:

  • Construction: Roundneck
  • 9.5" Single Cone Resonator
  • Steel back, sides, and top
  • Mahogany neck
  • Ebony fingerboard
  • Perloid acrylic dot inlays
  • Neck/body junction at 12th fret
  • 19 frets
  • Nut width: 46.2 mm (1.82")
  • Scale length: 635 mm (25")
  • Factory stringing: John Pearse 790NR .013 - .056
  • Included case
  • Made in USA

Product specs

Available since February 2012
Body Nickel plated
Fretboard Ebony
Neck shape Roundneck
Pickup No
Nut width in mm 46,00 mm
Frets 19
Colour Nickel plated
Incl. Case Yes
Incl. Gigbag No

FAQs

What materials are used in the construction of the National NRP Guitar?

The National NRP Guitar features a nickel-plated body and an ebony fretboard, offering a unique combination of durability and tonal characteristics.

How many frets does the National NRP Guitar have?

The National NRP Guitar has 19 frets, providing a solid range for playing various styles of music.

Does the National NRP Guitar come with a pickup installed?

No, the National NRP Guitar does not come with a pickup installed, making it a purely acoustic resonator guitar.

What is the neck shape of the National NRP Guitar?

The National NRP Guitar features a roundneck shape, which is comfortable for both slide and standard playing styles.

Is a case included with the purchase of the National NRP Guitar?

Yes, the National NRP Guitar comes with a case included, ensuring protection and ease of transport.

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

National NRP Resonator Slide Guitar | CME Gear Demo | Jeff Lyman

Video thumbnail for National NRP Resonator Slide Guitar | CME Gear Demo | Jeff Lyman by Chicago Music Exchange

National NRP Resonator Slide Guitar | CME Gear Demo | Jeff Lyman

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for National NRP 12-Fret Resonator Guitar | Elderly Instruments by Elderly Instruments

National NRP 12-Fret Resonator Guitar | Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional tone for delta blues enthusiasts

  • Louder than most other resonator guitars

  • Aggressive, punchy sound with bell-like clarity

  • Excellent playability for both fingerpicking and slide

  • High-quality craftsmanship noticeable in sound and feel

  • Unique, authentic resonator sound best captured with microphones

CONS

  • Coated strings like Elixirs negatively impact sound

  • Lacks built-in pickup, limiting amplified performance

  • High price may be prohibitive for some buyers

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • Wood body resonators are typically made from thick, 4-ply mahogany laminates for durability and to support the cone structure.

    Source
  • The National NRP B features a "black rust" finish, reminiscent of the vintage duco finish used on original duolian models.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Metal bodies on resonators are designed to hold the cone securely, contributing to their increased volume and sustain compared to regular acoustic guitars.

    Source
  • Tricone resonators, like those from National, provide a distinct tonal difference compared to single cone models, which can't be fully appreciated through video or audio alone.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners find that resonator guitars allow for unique slide techniques and sustain, making them ideal for music styles that benefit from these features.

    Source
  • Despite owning it for 10 years, an owner reports that their National NRP B still maintains its aesthetic appeal and structural integrity.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Resonator guitars, especially those with steel bodies, are praised for their distinctive "clangy" sound, enhancing the musicality of open D tunings.

    Source
  • Resonators are often dedicated to open tunings, especially for slide playing, enhancing their use in blues and similar musical genres.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have successfully installed Kirvo pickups on the National NRP B for enhanced amplified sound.

    Source
  • Highlander pickups are used by some players on National tricone resonators, indicating a preference for specific amplification solutions.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The National is considered the benchmark for resonator guitars, but Recording King offers more affordable alternatives with similar tonal qualities.

    Source
  • Despite being less costly, Ozark resonators are noted for lower build quality; it's recommended to try a few before purchasing.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Nathaniel Rateliff uses National NRP Guitar

Nathaniel Rateliff

Singer, Guitarist

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats

...
Verified via reverb.com
Color/Finish: Yellow Year: 2010s

This National Resonator trio poly (reissue) is owned by Nathaniel Rateliff

See how C.W. Stoneking uses National NRP Guitar

C.W. Stoneking

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

On Stoneking's website, he says, "The National NRP is a painted finish steel bodied single cone guitar, I have the ivory finish one, it’s basically a duolian which is the archetypal blues resonator guitar used by artists like Bukka White, Son House, Tommy McClennan, Blind Boy Fuller."

See how Charlie Parr uses National NRP Guitar

Charlie Parr

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Charlieparr

There are 2 Nationals that I've been playing nowadays, a steel NRP that Brother Dave gave me in California, it's light and responsive and just sings right along with itself.

See how Guy Forsyth uses National NRP Guitar

Guy Forsyth

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this performance of "Things That Matter," Guy Forsyth plays a National NRP.

Used With

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

More National Resonators

Regal RD-40 Resonator

$485.64 - $615.00

# 19

Rank

Deniz Tek Rockette Morton
2 artists using

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    austinmw
    austinmw

    Gear IQ 5227