Sound Pure's Take
Mega mojo for minimal moolah! "Ghostly evocation of the best vintage 1930s Duolian[s]," as per the folks at National themselves, pretty much covers it. Playability, build quality, and stability have all received tasteful updates (you don't have a problem with truss rods, right?) but that vintage look and sound are unchanged if not better for National's 21st century updates. We love how these get sent out with a setup that's viable for fingerstyle as well as slide (as much as that setup can be achieved) allowing you the player to dive headlong into whatever musical pursuits drew you to this fantastic instrument in the first place.
From National Resphonic
The original Duolian arrived in 1930 as National’s basic steel-bodied, single-cone guitar and soon became famous for its musical sound. Our NRP B Series replicates the vintage Duolian — and these modern reissues surpass most old ones in quality, playability, and even tone. The thin-gauge steel body is period-correct, featuring flat-cut f-holes, traditional sieve resonator coverplate, and a formed back. Still, no two NRP guitars are alike: The bodies are finished with a multi-stage, hand-textured finish for an individual look and semi-smooth surface profile that emulates the original Duolians. The mahogany neck with truss rod is capped by an unbound ebony fretboard complete with mother-of-pearl position markers. Vintage-style plain tuners, ebony nut, and “National” stamped into the slotted headstock complete the look of this classic. But it’s the trademark sound that makes these guitars so special — almost like a ghostly evocation of the best vintage 1930s Duolian. The sound is powerful and loud, while still being deep and warm. Like the hallowed originals, the NRP is steeped in mojo.
- Model
- NRP "B" Series
- Serial
- 23098
Weight
- Top Material
- Steel
- Back/Sides Material
- Steel
- Cone
- Single, 9.5"
- Scale
- 25"
- Nut Width
- 1.825"
- Frets to Body
- 12
- Finish
- Chipped Ivory
- Neck Wood
- Honduran Mahogany
- Fretboard
- Ebony
- Bridge
- Maple Biscuit
- Headstock Shape
- Slotted
- Headstock Inlay
- Stamped Logo
- Tuners
- National Brand
- Inlays
- Dots
- Nut Material
- Ebony
- Body Depth
- 3.125"
- Lower Bout Width
- 14"
- Upper Bout Width
- 10.25"
- Case
- Hardshell
Free 3-Year Warranty
In addition to the standard included manufacturer warranty, virtually all new products carry our exclusive, industry-leading, absolutely free Sound Pure 3-Year Warranty, which includes parts and labor. It's our way of adding real value to the personal touch our small, dedicated team brings to every purchase.
Coverage exclusions live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27. Read the warranty →
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Sound Pure Studios · Durham, NC
Come hear it in our control rooms.
Sound Pure is a working studio in Durham, NC — a 1,000 sq ft live room and two pro control rooms. Book a session to audition gear in a world-class acoustic space before you buy.