The National Dueco Silver 12-Fret Resophonic Guitar model is a re-creation of an almost lost art. The frosted finish effect found on some pre-WWII National guitars was the result of an additive to Duco finish, creating a random crystalline pattern. The effect was uncontrollable and no two finishes are the same.
The National Resophonic Guitar company has re-discovered the technique and for some time offered the ‘Dueco’ finish in silver, gold and eventually ‘Black Rust’. Though it was not always a regular production item – because of the complexity of the finishing process – National sent us some every once in a while. Here is a brand new National Dueco Silver in the 12-fret configuration.
This is one of the last National Dueco models available as new, anywhere; the finish has been discontinued and references to it removed from the National website.
Like all Nationals, it is extremely well built and the tone and finish are fantastic. The Dueco effect is distinctive and very attractive.
However, this is the last of the National Duecos we have available as new, and as National discontinued them some time ago, more new models are not in the cards.
DETAILS:
- The National Dueco Silver, along with other Dueco finishes, has been discontinued and this is the last one!
- Mahogany neck with unbound ebony fingerboard.
- 12-fret neck with 25-inch (635 mm) scale.
- nut width is 1.825 inches.
- Fingerboard width at the 12th fret is 2.3 inches.
- Frets 19 medium frets, 14 to the body.
- Steel body with Dueco finish.
- Finish: Clear lacquer on neck; silver crystalline or ‘frosted’ finish on body.
- Maple Biscuit bridge, 9.5 inches (241.3 mm).
- Hand-spun resonator.
- Nickel plated tuners with white buttons.
- Bone nut.
- Case Hardshell National case included.
