The Vintage National Val-Pro 82 Guitar

The National Val-Pro 82 is one of the most iconic and visually distinctive electric guitars of the early 1960s. Built by Valco in Chicago, it features the famous "Map" body shape made from Res-O-Glass (fiberglass), giving it a futuristic Space Age appearance and a unique tonal character. The single oversized pickup delivers warm, rich, and surprisingly powerful tones, while the innovative Val-Trol circuit allows players to instantly switch between preset bass, normal, and treble voicings. Its lightweight hollow-body construction produces excellent resonance and sustain, making it a favorite among collectors, vintage enthusiasts, and alternative-rock players. Today, original Val-Pro 82s are highly sought after for their rarity, distinctive sound, and unmistakable 1960s styling.

Specs:

• Manufacturer: National Guitar
• Model: Val-Pro 82
• Production Years: Approximately 1961–1965
• Country of Manufacture: United States (Chicago, Illinois)
• Body Style: Double-cutaway "Map" body
• Body Material: Res-O-Glass (fiberglass) semi-hollow construction
• Finish: Scarlet Red (most common), other finishes occasionally available
• Neck Material: Maple
• Fingerboard: Bound Rosewood
• Scale Length: Approximately 24.75"–25"
• Frets: 20
• Nut Width: Approximately 1 11/16"–1.75"
• Pickup Configuration: 1 oversized Valco single-coil pickup
• Controls: Master Volume, 3 preset tone-volume controls (Val-Trol system)
• Switching: 3-way Bass / Normal / Treble tone selector
• Bridge: Adjustable floating rosewood bridge
• Tailpiece: Decorative Art-Deco style metal tailpiece
• Hardware: Nickel-plated
• Original Case: Map-shaped hardshell case (on many examples)
• Weight: Approximately 7–8 lbs (3.2–3.6 kg)
• Notable Feature: Revolutionary Res-O-Glass body construction and unique Val-Trol tone circuit.