"Sweet sustain that flows like a river." That’s how John Dopyera described the resonant, dynamic voice of his designs - a sound that still defines National Reso-Phonic guitars today.
National Reso-Phonic Guitars has a legacy that stretches back to the 1920s, when John Dopyera first developed and patented the resonator guitar. Originally founded as the National String Instrument Corporation, the company later became National Reso-Phonic Guitars, carrying forward nearly a century of innovation and craftsmanship.
We’ve been proud to represent this iconic maker for decades, bringing their distinctive sound and timeless style to our community of players.
A Sound Like No Other
National resonators deliver the bold, metallic voice that defined early blues and slide guitar—a tone that’s as distinctive today as it was in the 1920s.
Craftsmanship With Heritage
Every instrument is built with meticulous care, blending historic designs with modern precision to ensure playability, reliability, and unmistakable character.
Timeless Durability
From hand-spun cones to rugged metal and wood bodies, Nationals are built to last - guitars that grow richer in sound and character the longer they’re played.
National Resophonic Guitars FAQ
Common questions about National resonator guitars - the history, the sound, and where to try one near Boston.
Where can I try a National resonator guitar near Boston?
The Music Emporium in Lexington, Massachusetts has been proud to represent National Reso-Phonic Guitars for decades and keeps their instruments at our showroom near Boston. Players from across New England come to try these distinctive guitars in person - there is no substitute for hearing a National played live. We are open Monday through Friday 11am–5pm and Saturday 10am–5pm.
What is the history of National Reso-Phonic Guitars?
National's story begins with John Dopyera, who invented and patented the resonator guitar in the 1920s through the original National String Instrument Corporation. His breakthrough - amplifying sound through a spun metal cone rather than a traditional wooden top - produced what he described as "sweet sustain that flows like a river," and defined the sound of early blues and slide guitar. The company eventually became National Reso-Phonic Guitars and continues today from San Luis Obispo, California, carrying forward nearly a century of that tradition.
What makes National resonator guitars sound different from regular acoustics?
A National resonator amplifies sound through a hand-spun metal cone (or cones) built into the body, rather than through the vibration of a wooden top. The result is a loud, cutting, metallic tone with distinctive sustain - the sound that defined early blues, delta slide, Hawaiian lap steel, and Americana. It is louder and more focused than a standard acoustic, with a voice that projects differently in a room and sits differently in a mix. Once you've heard a National played in person, the sound is immediately recognizable and unlike anything else.
What is the difference between a metal-body and a wood-body National?
National builds both metal-body and wood-body resonators, and the material has a significant tonal effect. Metal-body Nationals produce the bright, cutting, highly reflective tone most associated with the classic resonator sound - immediately recognizable in blues and slide playing. Wood-body Nationals are warmer and more acoustically complex, blending resonator projection with the natural tonal characteristics of wood. Players looking for the "pure" National sound typically reach for metal; those who want more tonal versatility or acoustic warmth often prefer wood.
Who plays National resonator guitars?
National resonators have been central to the sound of blues, slide guitar, Hawaiian music, and Americana for nearly a century. The original instruments were played by the foundational figures of Delta blues, and today Nationals remain the choice of slide players, roots musicians, and anyone drawn to their irreplaceable voice. If you've heard the distinctive metallic tone on a blues recording, there's a good chance you were hearing a National or an instrument directly inspired by Dopyera's original design.