National Double 8

James Brown · Post by **James Brown** » 8 Dec 2003 4:59 pm

I have a National Double 8 string,which has two pickups on each neck,it is black and white with gold colored fret markers and gold colored plate between the necks.It has adjustable legs.The serial number sticker is worn so I cannot see all the numbers.Is there any way I can tell the date it was manufactured?

Russ Young · Post by **Russ Young** » 8 Dec 2003 6:40 pm

It sounds like a Grand Console built between 1965 and 1968 -- Valco used stickers instead of plates for serial numbers during those years.

Does it have two round knob and a selector switch between the necks, and one knob at each bridge?

James Brown · Post by **James Brown** » 9 Dec 2003 4:45 am

Yes it has those knobs and one switch.

Charlie Fullerton · Post by **Charlie Fullerton** » 9 Dec 2003 6:24 am

Hi James:
I'm a little surprised that it has ALL those knobs. Roy T. told me about it, and according to him it only had one pick-up on each neck. On the one I had, the knobs at the right end of each neck was a "fader" between the two pick-ups on each neck. On mine, the "Tone control" on the plate in the middle was a short travel "du-aw" control. Hope you're planning to bring it to the Club session (Weather permitting) in January. Charlie

James Brown · Post by **James Brown** » 9 Dec 2003 8:04 am

Hi Charlie,I won't be bringing it to the club
but you can drop by my place anytime or I can send you some pictures if you like.

Roy Thomson · Post by **Roy Thomson** » 9 Dec 2003 11:57 am

Charlie,I was wrong on the pick-up
number. There are 2 per neck.
Your description of the controls fits
also.
I cleaned and strung the guitar for James and
it is a fine sounding axe let me tell you.
<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Roy Thomson on 09 December 2003 at 11:58 AM.]</p></FONT>

Chris Walke · Post by **Chris Walke** » 13 Dec 2003 3:00 pm

I have a D-6, very similar to what's described here - 2 p/u's each neck. Fret board is marked with black and silver, and there are no switches, only knobs:

between necks - tone, vol, neck
bottom of each neck - blend

I never see pictures of this exact model. Many similar, but none exactly like mine.

Larry Phleger · Post by **Larry Phleger** » 19 Dec 2003 12:36 pm

Does anyone know if replacement parts are available anywhere for these guitars. I have a T-8 Console. It has great tone, but the paint was coming off the back of the plexiglass fret boards. I retouched them by hand, but may wish to replace them later if this happens again

James Brown · Post by **James Brown** » 19 Dec 2003 12:51 pm

Hello Larry.I have not found any orginal replacement parts,I keep watching the auctions.I did fine some button tuner knobs at a local repair shop that matched my 6 string national.Good luck,and if you find any extras please let me know.