2008 National Style 0 20th Anniversary Edition Resonator.
This 2008 National Style 0 resonator is in very good condition. I would rate it near excellent but for the flaking neck finish where the neck joins the body, which I photographed. This is apparently a common issue with the National resonators of that era resulting from a reaction between the finish and the nickel plating. It's only cosmetic, but it's there.
I purchased this instrument for a blues album I was recording. I wanted to add that authentic and historic tone to the songs, and this instrument delivered more than I had hoped. The sound was even better than I expected. There is a smooth elegance to the sound. The brass is very musical. And it’s loud. I used it for slide on four songs, and it made those songs sound like authentic blues. No other instrument can duplicate the sweet, unique tone of these brass bodied beauties. It also gets attention like no other instrument I have owned. If the group had stayed together, I would be keeping this remarkable time capsule.
The nickel plating is in excellent condition with only a few light finish scratches on the top that are barely visible. The frets have no visible play wear. The back and sides are in excellent condition as is the neck and headstock. There is one tiny blemish at the bottom of the neck which I photographed. I have only used in the practice room. The case is in excellent condition but has a few smudges from being in my closet. All the case candy that I received is included.
I do not know much about how the 20th Anniversary Edition specs differ from the standard Style 0. I read that the standard Style 0 of that period did not have the Hawaiian etching on the sides of the instrument, but the Anniversary Edition does. This resonator also has the classic "chicken foot" grill pattern rather than the diamond. Also, I have never adjusted the action so it is stock which is on the higher side. It is great for slide, but it can still be fretted. It's an amazing instrument, but since my group broke up, I have focused on a different style and have not played the resonator for a while, so I am letting it go.