National Resonator

Jerryc41

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A friend is looking for a used National Resonator to buy, although he already has a "cheap imitation." I have a Gold Tone concert resonator, and I think it's great. I'm wondering how the National can be so much better that it commands such high prices.
 
In many, many ways.
- The cone itself is probably the main difference, and you could fit an NRP one in a chinese one, but you'll be up the price ladder a bit. It's the 'tonewood' of resonators, that bit of aluminium alloy, its gradients and lines...
- Most resonators come in concert size only, NRP makes them in others as well, including soprano format; same goes for the soundbox material, NRP offers a range of materials besides the standard brass (steel, 'german silver')
- The 'soundbox' affects the sound as well, being sturdy without buzzes, minimalizing the bounching around of the sound before it leaves the instrument are quite essential aspects, but the material of the soundbox also colours the sound.
- I agree, there is a bit of price that has gone into (A) being made in the US, (B) having a nicer design and style and (C) having a brand name that eases resale value. none of those affect the sound, but they do influence the price.

I've had a Johnson, a Beltona, a Dobro, an NRP, and I've played a Gold Tone, a Ron Philips, Kala, Gretsch and old National and probably a few more. Never tried a Argapa, alas. The expensive ones really are better, both from the sound they emit and from the playing comfort they offer.
 
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I have a Luna resonator which I just LOVE. It was set up when I purchased it and the strings were changed by Jason to PhD. It is a pleasure to play. That said, close your eyes and just listen to these reso comparisons on this link. You will know why. As much as I love the sound of mine, the National is sublime. I will be changing the cone on mine.
http://www.ukulelemag.com/gear-revi...r-ukuleles-destined-to-get-your-blood-flowing
 
I have a Luna resonator which I just LOVE. It was set up when I purchased it and the strings were changed by Jason to PhD. It is a pleasure to play. That said, close your eyes and just listen to these reso comparisons on this link. You will know why. As much as I love the sound of mine, the National is sublime. I will be changing the cone on mine.
http://www.ukulelemag.com/gear-revi...r-ukuleles-destined-to-get-your-blood-flowing

Thanks. I read that article several times before buying my Gold Tone. "The Best" isn't always either necessary or possible. I have about seven banjo ukes and four resonators, and I love the sound of all of them.
 
A friend is looking for a used National Resonator to buy, although he already has a "cheap imitation." I have a Gold Tone concert resonator, and I think it's great. I'm wondering how the National can be so much better that it commands such high prices.

A lot of the sound of a good resonator has to do with proper setup, which is much more difficult than on a regular uke. There is a great YouTube channel by a chap called Reso Uker who does a great job of explaining how you can improve the sound of any resonator, even if it isn't a National.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBXwSUQ20ms-xDH8aCg1AvQ/videos

This one is good place to start.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LRvFDwrp6k&t=70s
 
A lot of the sound of a good resonator has to do with proper setup, which is much more difficult than on a regular uke. There is a great YouTube channel by a chap called Reso Uker who does a great job of explaining how you can improve the sound of any resonator, even if it isn't a National.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBXwSUQ20ms-xDH8aCg1AvQ/videos

This one is good place to start.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LRvFDwrp6k&t=70s

Thanks. I'll take a look.
 
I bought a 2005 National Resophonics Vintage Steel and it has been my number one uke since the day I got it. It's a concert scale, tuned up to D. I play it with fingerpicks, banjo-style. It has a bell-like tone, plays easy, in-tune and is LOUD. I don't have any other resonator ukulele experience to compare it to, but in my 50+ years of playing stringed instruments there's nothing else like it.
 
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