Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $3,278

High-end/Boutique

$499

$1300+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "National Style 0 Resonator". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 19, 2026.

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Description

The National Style 0 Resonator is a timeless icon in the world of acoustic guitars, embodying a rich legacy since its introduction in 1930. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this resonator guitar boasts a steel body with a striking Hawaiian etching, making it not only a musical instrument but also a work of art. Its unique design and resonant tone have made it a favorite among musicians who seek a distinct and powerful sound.

The Style 0 is available in both square neck and round neck configurations, catering to diverse playing styles. Its single cone resonator produces a clear and loud tone, perfect for blues, bluegrass, and folk music. The combination of its durable body and resonator design provides exceptional volume and sustain, allowing musicians to express themselves fully on stage or in the studio.

Whether you're a seasoned performer or an enthusiastic collector, the National Style 0 Resonator offers an authentic sound experience that harks back to the golden era of resonator guitars. It's more than just an instrument; it's a piece of musical history that continues to inspire and captivate artists around the world.

Key Features:

  • Steel body with intricate Hawaiian scene etching
  • Single cone resonator for clear, powerful sound
  • Available in square neck and round neck configurations
  • Ideal for blues, bluegrass, and folk music
  • Durable construction for exceptional volume and sustain

Product specs

Available since April 2011
Body Brass, Nickel Plated
Fretboard Ebony
Neck shape Roundneck
Pickup No
Nut width in mm 46,00 mm
Frets 19
Colour Silver
Incl. Case Yes
Incl. Gigbag No

FAQs

What materials are used in the construction of the National Style 0 Resonator?

The National Style 0 Resonator features a brass body with a nickel-plated finish and an ebony fretboard, providing a distinctive look and sound.

Is the National Style 0 Resonator suitable for slide guitar playing?

Yes, the National Style 0 Resonator is well-suited for slide guitar playing due to its resonator design and roundneck shape, which accommodates both slide and regular fingerstyle techniques.

Does the National Style 0 Resonator come with a pickup for amplification?

No, the National Style 0 Resonator does not come with a built-in pickup; it is designed as an acoustic instrument, but external pickups can be added for amplification if needed.

What is the neck shape of the National Style 0 Resonator, and how does it affect playability?

The National Style 0 Resonator has a roundneck shape, which is comfortable for players who use both slide and traditional fretting techniques, offering versatility in playing styles.

What is the nut width of the National Style 0 Resonator, and what does it mean for playing comfort?

The nut width of the National Style 0 Resonator is 46 mm, providing ample space for fingerstyle playing and accommodating larger hands comfortably.

opengee

opengee

1930 National Style 0 Resonator demo...Johnny Winter "I'm Yours And I'm Hers"

Video thumbnail for 1930 National Style 0 Resonator demo...Johnny Winter "I'm Yours And I'm Hers" by opengee

1930 National Style 0 Resonator demo...Johnny Winter "I'm Yours And I'm Hers"

opengee

opengee

Reviews

PROS

  • Iconic retro design with nickel-plated brass body and Hawaiian-themed decorations

  • Exemplary craftsmanship reminiscent of vintage instruments

  • Deep bass and brilliant treble ideal for Early Jazz and Ragtime

  • Long sustain adds richness to the sound

  • Versatile for different styles, from Delta Blues to Hawaiian

  • Comfortable neck for most players, though wide

  • Well-suited for slide playing with powerful resonance

  • Holds high value for collectors and players alike

CONS

  • Heavy build can be cumbersome for some players

  • Wide neck may be challenging for players with small hands

  • Limited access to higher frets due to 12-fret design

  • Requires adaptation to avoid sounding cacophonous

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about National Style 0 Resonator.

Comparisons

  • Newer National resonators are noted for easier playability due to more refined neck and fretting compared to vintage models.

    Source
  • Mule resonators are highly praised, with some owners suggesting they may sound superior to old Nationals.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The National Style O resonates well beyond blues, offering diverse musical possibilities.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners find both vintage and modern resonators challenging to keep in tune compared to traditional wooden guitars.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Keith Richards uses National Style 0 Resonator

Keith Richards

Singer, Guitarist

The Rolling Stones

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture, one of a famous series taken backstage at Madison Square Garden, Keith can be seen playing a National Style 0 resonator guitar. The solid headstock (as opposed to a slotted headstock), as well as the 14th fret (as opposed to 12th fret) neck joint place it as a late 1930s model. Keith used this guitar when performing "Prodigal Son" (from Beggar's Banquet) live. Photos exist (http://alldylan.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/rolling-stones.jpg) of Jagger and Richards performing the song during a pair of concerts at Madison Square garden that yielded most of the material for the live album Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out - though the song did not make the final cut for the album.

See how Mark Knopfler uses National Style 0 Resonator

Mark Knopfler

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

At 9:41 story of Mark's National Style 0 starts. At 13:47 you will see the picture of the guitar. Everybody knows (well... like to think so) Romeo And Juliet song. So you know what i am talking about :)

He got this resonator guitar in Wales, he borrowed the money for it. Actually, the guy next to him in the video (Steve), sold this guitar to him.

See how James Bay uses National Style 0 Resonator

James Bay

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Facebook

In this videoclip from Facebook, you can see James playing that guitar with the annotation: "Slow, quiet day in a hotel room messing around on this beautiful new instrument. #National #Resonator ????"

In New York in the store he bought the guitar http://media.virbcdn.com/cdn_images/resize_1600x1600/51/33764d3578e1db31-JamesBay_NewYork2015_RachaelWright-1.jpg

See how Dallas Green uses National Style 0 Resonator

Dallas Green

Singer, Guitarist

Alexisonfire

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video by Alternative Press, Dallas Green is seen warming up with a National Style 0 Resonator before Alexisonfire's set at the Warped Tour 2009.

See how Ray Davies uses National Style 0 Resonator

Ray Davies

Singer, Guitarist

The Kinks

...
Verified via YouTube

In this quote from https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lola_Versus_Powerman_and_the_Moneygoround,_Part_One Ray Davies says "I remember going into a music store on Shaftesbury Avenue in London when we were about to make 'Lola'. I said, 'I want to get a really good guitar sound on this record. I want a Martin.' And in the corner they had this old 1938 dobro [resonator guitar, in this case a National Steel] that I bought for £150. I put them together on 'Lola' which is what makes that clangy sound: the combination of the Martin and the dobro with heavy compression."

See how Billy Bragg uses National Style 0 Resonator

Billy Bragg

Singer, Guitarist

Billy Bragg and the Blokes

...
Verified via Facebook

Talks on his Facebook page about his O Style Resonator: "I bought this National 'O' Style resonator from a friend in 1986. Its serial number is S788 which suggests it dates from 1930, when the model was first introduced. I keep it tuned to open D. It can be heard on a number of my performances from the Mermaid Avenue sessions such as 'Black Wind Blowing', 'Bug Eyed Jim' and 'Eisler On The Go'" You can see him use it in "The Man in the Sand" documentary also

See how John Paul White uses National Style 0 Resonator

John Paul White

Composer

The Civil Wars

...
Verified via Photo

In the image, John Paul White is seen playing a National Style 0 Resonator guitar.

See how Gary Lucas uses National Style 0 Resonator

Gary Lucas

Guitarist, Music Producer

Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band

...
Verified via Photo

Gary Lucas has often used a National Style 0 Resonator, as seen in this photo.

See how Bob Brozman uses National Style 0 Resonator

Bob Brozman

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Bob Brozman made his signature sound to play resonator guitar, especially original vintage National guitars which he collects. He later became an ambassador for the company revival under "National Resophonic" brand.

See how Miguel Talavera uses National Style 0 Resonator

Miguel Talavera

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Miguel Talavera uses the National Style 0 Resonator, equipped with a Highlander pickup, to achieve an incredible natural tone akin to microphone quality. This is showcased in a user-uploaded photo.

See how Joie Calio uses National Style 0 Resonator

Joie Calio

7Horse

...
Verified via Photo

Joie Calio uses a National Style 0 Resonator, as seen in a user-uploaded photo on YouTube.

Genre Usage

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

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