A mahogany resonator guitar with deep, warm projection.
The National El Trovador resonator guitar brings vintage charm and modern craftsmanship together in an instrument steeped in musical history. Originally introduced in 1932, this reissue was designed in collaboration with renowned blues and swing guitarist Mike Dowling, capturing the essence of the original while refining its tonal and structural integrity. The large 4"-deep mahogany body offers warmth and depth, while the internal wooden soundwell enhances projection, creating a uniquely resonant voice perfect for soulful melodies and intricate fingerpicking. With an ebony fretboard and solid mahogany neck, this resonator delivers smooth playability and a rich, balanced tone. From its classic coverplate to its mother-of-pearl fret markers, every detail reflects National's dedication to premium craftsmanship. Its single-cone resonator ensures clear, focused sound that stands out in ensemble settings, making this guitar a true troubadour's companion.
Resonator Guitar With Mahogany Body With Wooden Soundwell For Rich Projection
The El Trovador's 4"-deep mahogany body is key to its warm, full-bodied tone. Mahogany is revered for its exceptional sonic properties, providing a rich midrange and smooth low-end response. This guitar's wooden soundwell, which houses the resonator, further enhances its projection and resonance, delivering clarity and depth in every note. The multi-layer celluloid binding adds durability while providing a sophisticated aesthetic. Whether strummed or picked, this model's construction ensures a dynamic and resonant tone that fills the room, making it ideal for both solo performances and ensemble playing.
Single-Cone Resonator For Focused Tonal Clarity
At the heart of the El Trovador's distinctive sound is its 9.5" single-cone resonator. National's design captures every nuance of your playing, producing a focused and articulate tone with exceptional volume. The compensated bridge further enhances intonation, ensuring that chords and single notes sound precise and clear across the fretboard. Whether you're exploring blues slide riffs or intricate fingerstyle patterns, the resonator's design guarantees a lively, responsive sound that cuts through mixes without overpowering other instruments. This guitar's resonator design provides the tonal clarity that players demand in live and studio settings.
Ebony Fretboard And Mahogany Neck For Smooth Playability
The El Trovador features a solid mahogany neck paired with an ebony fretboard, delivering a silky playing experience and a rich tonal character. Mahogany offers stability and warmth, while ebony's dense surface ensures smooth fretting and enhanced sustain. Ivoroid binding adds a touch of vintage elegance to the fretboard, complemented by mother-of-pearl dot markers for easy navigation. The slotted headstock design, with National-brand tuners and a bone nut, ensures reliable tuning stability and effortless string adjustments. With a 1.75" nut width and a scale length of 25-25/32 inches, this neck is crafted for comfort and precision, making it an excellent choice for long playing sessions.
Durable Construction With Classic Aesthetic Details
National's attention to detail shines through in the El Trovador's construction and design elements. The rosewood headstock overlay, paired with a decal logo, adds a touch of vintage authenticity. Multi-layer celluloid binding and purfling around the coverplate showcase the level of craftsmanship that defines this instrument. Weighing in at 7 pounds 2 ounces, this guitar balances durability with comfortable handling. Its included TKL hardshell case ensures that this resonator remains protected during transport and storage, making it a reliable choice for touring musicians or studio professionals. Built to stand the test of time, this instrument is as visually striking as it is structurally sound.
A Resonator Guitar Built For Tonal Purists
The National El Trovador resonator guitar is a perfect fit for musicians seeking vintage-inspired tone and modern playability. Its mahogany body, single-cone resonator and ebony fretboard make it an exceptional choice for players who value clear, resonant sound and smooth fretting action. Designed to excel on stage or in the studio, this guitar offers the craftsmanship and tonal depth needed to inspire creativity and elevate your performance.