1950 National 1100 California – £1399

NEW ARRIVAL  National guitars have become a bit of an institution for making resonator guitars, but it’s less known that for a short period they made archtops, and these have become quite desirable amongst collectors and players alike. Only in production between 1949 – 1955 the 1100 California is based on the Gibson L5. It’s 17” body features a Spruce top with Maple back and sides in a natural finish which really shows off the flame of the Maple. It has a typical National chunky neck which fits the left hand very snugly, and has a comfortable playing action. It also features very cool enclosed tuners and the iconic headstock badge. The finishing touch has to be the Bakelite tone and volume controls mounted on the pickguard. Unplugged the guitar sound bright and punchy, and plugged in the neck pickup can take you from jazz and blues to rock ’n’ roll. The guitar’s in excellent condition, just a few nicks and dings that you’d expect from a 70 year old guitar. It comes in a non original hard case.