The Steel Guitar Forum

EDIT: Searched after posting (as usual), found the link to National serial numbers:

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=117255

So now I know the Dynamic (also confirmed the model) is a '47 (s/n V5194) and the unknown (New Yorker?) is from '40 - '42 (s/n 3325G).

I recently bought another National lap steel to go with one I've had for a long time. Looks like the new one is a "Dynamic", although in a different color scheme to the one on Brad's page.

I'm not sure of the model number of the first one, so if anyone could help me out on that, as well as general dating, I'd really appreciate it.

First:





I've had this one for quite a while. For better or worse, it has Schallers which don't look so pretty but work much better than the stock tuners. It's in pretty nice shape and sounds great.

Second:





I think this one is a Dynamic; I got it just recently. I have to be careful with lap steels, as I think they're some of the coolest-looking things ever made - I could easily empty my bank account.

This one could use a second correct knob, so if anyone has any stashed away they could part with (for a price, of course), let me know. It also seems to have some electronic problem which I'll sort out.

Just thought I'd share these. Happy new year!

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http://www.lollarguitars.com/mm5/mercha ... ar-pickups

Hey Myles,
I have a string-thru Supro pup on my National Chicagoan, which just sounds great.
Just wanted to add that Jason Lollar makes an identical copy for $250. Never heard one but heard good testimonials.
Rob

They're both Dynamics. The model changed significantly when it was reintroduced as the #1025 after WWII:




The first catalog is from 1942, the second from 1951.

The National Dynamics are great.