50's National console 8-string - worth?

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 18 Oct 2005 3:48 pm

Hey guys,

I recently saw a nice one and was wondering how much I should pay. It's pretty much new, with the original case and legs. It's a beauty, but I've seen these go for varying prices. I think he's going to want to charge a lot. That's why I'm looking for a maximum amount here.

Any input or suggestions? Thanks....

Keith Cordell · Post by **Keith Cordell** » 18 Oct 2005 4:15 pm

I assume you mean the D8-
I paid $450 ish for mine, without legs and with the original case. I have seen them for slightly less, and a couple for a little more, but that seems to be about baseline. [This message was edited by Keith Cordell on 18 October 2005 at 05:32 PM.]

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 19 Oct 2005 5:11 am

I second Keith's statement. Sounds like market value to me.

Chris Walke · Post by **Chris Walke** » 19 Oct 2005 7:43 am

I bought a 50s National D6 console for $200.

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 19 Oct 2005 8:51 am

This one is a single 8, with three telescopic legs. I want it.....

I just don't want to pay too much for it, with all of these vintage dealers overcharging out there.

George Manno · Post by **George Manno** » 19 Oct 2005 9:22 am

Elderly has one a $650 and so does Gruhn.
Seems high, the last one I saw in a shop was $475 with a good case.

GM

Roy Thomson · Post by **Roy Thomson** » 19 Oct 2005 9:23 am

Chris,
I have a student who has one. He bought it
in Ca. before moving here to Nova Scotia
last year. It's a nice guitar and plays well.
I beleive he paid $600 US if I recall correctly. No legs on this fella tho.
I also sold a D8 National on behalf of another student two years ago for $500.
The same guitar practically but a D8. It was
also in very good condition.
So go figure?
I like the single 8, it's lighter and more portable. I think it should be worth $500
but only in good working condition with all the parts and body in good shape also.

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 19 Oct 2005 11:49 am

Roy,

I just found out they want $1,000 for it. Oh well, I'll keep looking. Nice chatting with you the other day. Hopefully I'll make it to a monthly jam in coming months.

Regards.....

Brett Habben · Post by **Brett Habben** » 20 Oct 2005 5:18 pm

Chris,
Did this one look sorta like a national dynamic, only with 8 strings? What color combo was it? Did it have a plastic fretboard? I'm curious 'cus I assembled my $15 basketcase in pieces long ago. I think mine's a late 40's model 'Hawaiian 8' or something like that. Bell brass fretboard, originally white with black sideboards. Missing serial number
Adios,
Brett

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 20 Oct 2005 9:32 pm

Brett,

This one was white with volume and tone both on the treble side. It had no other design, it just widened out nicely on the butt end and had some rounded edges. No pearloid or anything.

Regards,

Chris

Brett Habben · Post by **Brett Habben** » 21 Oct 2005 4:27 pm

Sorta shaped like this one?

This is a six string, but I think I've seen eights that had this body contour.
Brett

[This message was edited by Brett Habben on 21 October 2005 at 05:30 PM.]

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 22 Oct 2005 10:34 am

That's a beauty, Brett. The one I saw was a lot like this one, same body shape although a bit bigger. And it was all white, with the smaller Klusons on it.

Is that one yours?

Brett Habben · Post by **Brett Habben** » 24 Oct 2005 7:08 pm

Chris,
Nope, mine originally looked like an earlier version of this:

Adios,
Brett

Dave Boothroyd · Post by **Dave Boothroyd** » 24 Oct 2005 10:34 pm

There is a cream coloured National Console 8 standing on its three legs beside me as I write.
It's a lovely guitar. I keep it tuned to E6 and it is great for everything I have wanted it to do. I bought it on Ebay from a guy in Canada about five years ago. It cost about USD550 then.

------------------
Cheers!
Dave

Alan Rudd · Post by **Alan Rudd** » 26 Oct 2005 9:16 am

I thought the National console was a double 8. I personally own a console which is a double 8 made either in '39 or '40, I believe. I, however, do not know much about the history or value of these instruments myself.

D Schubert · Post by **D Schubert** » 26 Oct 2005 11:48 am

I have a Supro S-8 in the same color scheme as the six-string posted by Brett above. Bought it here 3-4 years ago for $200, with these repair issues: (1) most of the tuner buttons crumbled, and (2) tone switch non-functional, and (3) funky case odor. Fixed (1) & (2), still working on (3). Have seen a similar National -- reverse color scheme, mostly white -- on the web somewhere with an asking price of $999 as I recall. I'd guess that the fair market price is more like $400-500. Don't think I'd pay as much for the National/Supro as for an 8-string Fender.