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I had a 1934 Duolian that had a crushed cone, needed a neck reset & I was looking at buying a new Mule Resophonic steel with cutaway & elec mini humbucker. So, I didn’t want to go down the rabbit hole with the National & I ended up selling it. The person I sold it to restored it & it was beautiful when it was finished. I’m happy I did it.I ended up with the Mule & it’s incredible even if it isn’t vintage & without the mojo of the 1934 Duolian but, I never look back.
Congratulations on acquiring this vintage Duolian. I have a few of these, each with a Lace Sensor Slimline resonator pickup- which does respond best to nickel strings. In some settings I like the LR Baggs eq box before a solid state PA, but the guitar also sounds great direct into a standard guitar amp, like a Deluxe Reverb. Minimal permanent modification: I used the adhesive backing on the pickup, did indeed have a discreet jack installed on the underside of the guitar, and used the pre-existing f-hole in which to mount my volume pot. I like my dull silver finish better than my greenish-gold Duolian, so were it mine, I would not change this rusty guitar back. I would make all upgrades which improve playability; in one case I even had some excessive neck girth shaved down by an expert luthier. Rock on!
Hi Martin, It’s nice to have a brand new shiny resonator, as you play the first bit of damage really hurts, as you go on you start to build a history. Owning a really old guitar with rut dents and scratches is like playing a piece of history with all the wonderful musicians that have made it their own. As long as it feels good to play why change it. If you want an unblemished guitar.......
I love the rustic look. Hope to one day purchase a modern NRP with a rustic look. Not sure what to tell you what to do. It’s such a piece of history so I would feel conflicted about modifying it but at the same time putting some love into it to keep it going has its own appeal. I think you guys should hop on the Patreon train by the way.
Hey. It’s really difficult as both are good options with upshots. The NRP’s are super instruments! 😍 We looked at patreon and decided to do ko-fi because they don’t take a cut. We may change it to patreon yet. We haven’t added the exclusive stuff to ko-fi yet simply because we haven’t decided what to do and it’s only been up a couple of weeks. We’ll figure something on there soon and make it a place for people to get some interesting stuff.
Trigger is really cool. Ever seen Sting’s 1957 Fender Bass or the Rory Gallagher Strat? Similar levels of knackered-ness. This guitar definitely has a vibe. 🎯
@@TheWashboardResonators No not seen their instruments. It makes me laugh when friends bring out a mint guitar and are afraid to put it down, and as for asking to hold it, well, the look of horror on their face is priceless. Thanks for a lovely site.
Don't do either (except for a needed neck reset that is). That guitar has a history and its scars, rust and everything are well deserved, so no refinish as tempting as it may be to have it in gold Duco. No new holes for controls either - don't mess up a great vintage National where you can't bring it back to original. You need something for a distorted electric blues sound? Get a cheap archtop or something like one of those Danelectros reissues - they're cheap, cool, sound great and look the part. As for Nickel strings: I've tried them on my MM Blues and was quite disappointed with their (acoustic) tone. Other than that: nice video and that guitar sounds marvellous - instant Fulton Allen ;-)
Restore. You can graveyard blues up another “newer” resonator. They don’t make these old Duolians. There is more in this guitar to be found. Restore, not the finish but neck reset etc.
I respect the wear thru the years, but if it is in the budget I would have it restored back to its original state. If you are going to gig it, why not? That gold finish will trip the lights fantastic.
For me I either restore it to be part of my collection (and not gig it) or leave it except to drill it for a volume pot and gig it two or three times a week for twenty years. It’s got to be one or the other or there’s no point keeping it.
@@TheWashboardResonators Congratulations on a very cool vintage National w a lot of local history! The patina is very cool, but untreated steel will continue to tarnish/rust [especially in damp UK climate]. I'd consider have it repainted to the orginal gold, but not worrying about dents, etc. Remove what tarnish you can n go for it and use it as a unique gigging guitar. It will look cool in your collection, but I doubt it will ever have much "collector's" value, too much has been done to it already. Reset the neck, install the electric pickup and volume pot [which will change the acoustic tone n resonance], consider adding a pickup specially made for reso guitars [and possibly and 2nd "tone" knob for blend] and gig the heck out of it. Best of both worlds rather than either/or. But on the other hand, if you have a newer reso that has pickups n vol knob already that you like to gig with.... then it might be better in your collection - but that's just money hanging on a wall or sitting in a case - doesn't really get you down the road to someplace new. Best wishes and good luck!
DO IT. Full paint job, pots etc. Neck re-sent, new cone for peace of mind. You're a showman and you need a showman's piece. Doesn't matter, it's still evolving. Do it, you'll get the guitar that you need!
Its seems very playable and sounds great. Forget the refinishing and other fussiness about how it looks. Even though someone has messed with it, it still is more original than it will be if you refinish it. Keep it raw, and give a street beggar some money.
It’s been sometime since this was filmed. It stayed raw and had a pickup put in. Does lots of gigs now. It’s become like one of my limbs. So much love for this guitar. Thanks! 🎯
Im pretty sure it’s your pronunciation but can’t remember the evidence I was told for why it’s the other pronunciation! It’s been a while. It’s part of the struggle of what to do. In many ways it’s earned its ‘new’ rusty finish and it would be a shame to loose it. 🎵
Leave it the way it is , except for the neck set , a refinish wouldn't mean anything to a player . What was done was done , making it look original may make it pretty but could and probably will change its tone . I'd you're happy with the way it sounds leave it alone . Been there done that . God Bless brother .
I’m more inclined to leave the finish. It’s like developed a whole new patina and life from those that came before. It’s then a case of fitting a volume pot. It’s no good without it.
It’s one or the other sadly. Many vintage collectors said o shouldn’t worry about drilling it because it’s such a basket case. It needs to be used or restored. 🎵
How come you say Vaudevillians rather than Music Hall? Funny how the Brits want to sound American and we Yanks want to sound more British. We’ve cross pollinated one another.
It’s partly because in the UK the music hall has a reputation for a kind of low-brow singalong. Even though vaudeville was the same thing it has a more ‘upbeat’ reputation.
Hey Chris. It’s got to be one or the other. It was bought to play with a pickup and have a volume pot added, then it occurred that it was a candidate for restoration. Staying as it is means it’s unusable. Shame, but both are good options. It’s developed a lovely patina and will be giggable. Restoration would be nice but means it’s more of a ‘collector’ piece that would go into the collection pile. 🎵
Help us by clicking the description above and...
🎯Put something in the tip jar.
🎯Subscribe to the mailing list.
🎯Find us on other social media.
Thanks all!
❤️❤️❤️
I had a 1934 Duolian that had a crushed cone, needed a neck reset & I was looking at buying a new Mule Resophonic steel with cutaway & elec mini humbucker. So, I didn’t want to go down the rabbit hole with the National & I ended up selling it. The person I sold it to restored it & it was beautiful when it was finished. I’m happy I did it.I ended up with the Mule & it’s incredible even if it isn’t vintage & without the mojo of the 1934 Duolian but, I never look back.
We all of our different needs. Hopefully the Mule is kicking ass for you!
I would leave it! That guitar is amazing!
It’s looking that way! Cheers for the comment!
Congratulations on acquiring this vintage Duolian. I have a few of these, each with a Lace Sensor Slimline resonator pickup- which does respond best to nickel strings. In some settings I like the LR Baggs eq box before a solid state PA, but the guitar also sounds great direct into a standard guitar amp, like a Deluxe Reverb. Minimal permanent modification: I used the adhesive backing on the pickup, did indeed have a discreet jack installed on the underside of the guitar, and used the pre-existing f-hole in which to mount my volume pot. I like my dull silver finish better than my greenish-gold Duolian, so were it mine, I would not change this rusty guitar back. I would make all upgrades which improve playability; in one case I even had some excessive neck girth shaved down by an expert luthier. Rock on!
Sounds like a fab setup. Perhaps using the f-hole for volume is a good idea.
That thing is awesome, sounds really cool with the distortion on it, I'd love to hear some heavy metal played on it!
🎼🎯🎼
Hi Martin, It’s nice to have a brand new shiny resonator, as you play the first bit of damage really hurts, as you go on you start to build a history. Owning a really old guitar with rut dents and scratches is like playing a piece of history with all the wonderful musicians that have made it their own. As long as it feels good to play why change it. If you want an unblemished guitar.......
Very true. Many thanks!
I love the rustic look. Hope to one day purchase a modern NRP with a rustic look. Not sure what to tell you what to do. It’s such a piece of history so I would feel conflicted about modifying it but at the same time putting some love into it to keep it going has its own appeal. I think you guys should hop on the Patreon train by the way.
Hey. It’s really difficult as both are good options with upshots. The NRP’s are super instruments! 😍 We looked at patreon and decided to do ko-fi because they don’t take a cut. We may change it to patreon yet. We haven’t added the exclusive stuff to ko-fi yet simply because we haven’t decided what to do and it’s only been up a couple of weeks. We’ll figure something on there soon and make it a place for people to get some interesting stuff.
Love this guitar! Also I wouldn't restore it, the way it is it tells a story
Super! It’s looking that way!
I love the old unrestored look. My favourite guitar of all time is Trigger. This one could be Trigger Two.
Trigger is really cool. Ever seen Sting’s 1957 Fender Bass or the Rory Gallagher Strat? Similar levels of knackered-ness. This guitar definitely has a vibe. 🎯
@@TheWashboardResonators No not seen their instruments. It makes me laugh when friends bring out a mint guitar and are afraid to put it down, and as for asking to hold it, well, the look of horror on their face is priceless. Thanks for a lovely site.
They’re equally as worn. I’ve got clean vintage guitars and they’re treated well. This guitar is for getting thrown around.
Don't do either (except for a needed neck reset that is). That guitar has a history and its scars, rust and everything are well deserved, so no refinish as tempting as it may be to have it in gold Duco. No new holes for controls either - don't mess up a great vintage National where you can't bring it back to original. You need something for a distorted electric blues sound? Get a cheap archtop or something like one of those Danelectros reissues - they're cheap, cool, sound great and look the part. As for Nickel strings: I've tried them on my MM Blues and was quite disappointed with their (acoustic) tone. Other than that: nice video and that guitar sounds marvellous - instant Fulton Allen ;-)
It all makes sense!
GIG IT!
That’s what it was bought for! It’s just if putting a volume pot in it is morally acceptable!
Restore. You can graveyard blues up another “newer” resonator. They don’t make these old Duolians. There is more in this guitar to be found. Restore, not the finish but neck reset etc.
Thanks Brian.
I respect the wear thru the years, but if it is in the budget I would have it restored back to its original state. If you are going to gig it, why not? That gold finish will trip the lights fantastic.
For me I either restore it to be part of my collection (and not gig it) or leave it except to drill it for a volume pot and gig it two or three times a week for twenty years. It’s got to be one or the other or there’s no point keeping it.
@@TheWashboardResonators You have great gig guitars already, go for it and restore her back to her glory. It earned it.
@@TheWashboardResonators Congratulations on a very cool vintage National w a lot of local history! The patina is very cool, but untreated steel will continue to tarnish/rust [especially in damp UK climate]. I'd consider have it repainted to the orginal gold, but not worrying about dents, etc. Remove what tarnish you can n go for it and use it as a unique gigging guitar. It will look cool in your collection, but I doubt it will ever have much "collector's" value, too much has been done to it already. Reset the neck, install the electric pickup and volume pot [which will change the acoustic tone n resonance], consider adding a pickup specially made for reso guitars [and possibly and 2nd "tone" knob for blend] and gig the heck out of it. Best of both worlds rather than either/or. But on the other hand, if you have a newer reso that has pickups n vol knob already that you like to gig with.... then it might be better in your collection - but that's just money hanging on a wall or sitting in a case - doesn't really get you down the road to someplace new. Best wishes and good luck!
DO IT. Full paint job, pots etc. Neck re-sent, new cone for peace of mind. You're a showman and you need a showman's piece. Doesn't matter, it's still evolving. Do it, you'll get the guitar that you need!
🔥🔥
Leave it as is - buy what you need
It’s been done with pickup two plus years now.
Keep the finish as is...please !
Thanks for the suggestion. It’s the winner so far.
Its seems very playable and sounds great. Forget the refinishing and other fussiness about how it looks. Even though someone has messed with it, it still is more original than it will be if you refinish it. Keep it raw, and give a street beggar some money.
It’s been sometime since this was filmed. It stayed raw and had a pickup put in. Does lots of gigs now. It’s become like one of my limbs. So much love for this guitar. Thanks! 🎯
Leave it as a rat rod . It will always hint to its mysterious history.
It’s a bit like classic cars. It’s nice to leave the patina perhaps... 🔥
Duke oh. I think DuPont made it. Yeah, leave the finish alone. I wouldn’t futz with it too much, but what do I know?
Im pretty sure it’s your pronunciation but can’t remember the evidence I was told for why it’s the other pronunciation! It’s been a while. It’s part of the struggle of what to do. In many ways it’s earned its ‘new’ rusty finish and it would be a shame to loose it. 🎵
Do nylon stringed resonators exist?
Probably. Never seen or heard one. Could be fun. 🎯
I think Delveccio made nylon string resonators.
Hmmm... rings a bell. Will look into it.
Don’t restore brother please!!!!!!!! Keep as it is sounds incredible 👌🤠🏴
Acquire a volume pedal perhaps so no knobs need to be drilled in 🤞🏼
I’m playing footdrums so need to control volume on the guitar. Thanks though. It’s helping getting all these suggestions.
@@TheWashboardResonators oh floor drums too! Awesome ! We need to hang brother, tune to open F# or open F! Octave pedal and groove 👌🏴🤠
All of the above!
Leave it the way it is , except for the neck set , a refinish wouldn't mean anything to a player . What was done was done , making it look original may make it pretty but could and probably will change its tone . I'd you're happy with the way it sounds leave it alone .
Been there done that . God Bless brother .
I’m more inclined to leave the finish. It’s like developed a whole new patina and life from those that came before. It’s then a case of fitting a volume pot. It’s no good without it.
Leave it as it. It’s a piece of history. Get the neck reset etc, but please don’t drill any holes in the body for the volume pot. 😬😬 Noooooo!!!
It’s one or the other sadly. Many vintage collectors said o shouldn’t worry about drilling it because it’s such a basket case. It needs to be used or restored. 🎵
don't change it
🙃
Send it to Besser
It’s tempting. 😁
Restore it!
I opted to keep it rusty and put an electric pickup on. It’s great.
i say restore it
It could so go either way! Thanks for taking the time. 🎯
How come you say Vaudevillians rather than Music Hall? Funny how the Brits want to sound American and we Yanks want to sound more British. We’ve cross pollinated one another.
It’s partly because in the UK the music hall has a reputation for a kind of low-brow singalong. Even though vaudeville was the same thing it has a more ‘upbeat’ reputation.
Martin. Don't restore or add anything to that guitar. Just keep it as is. You're playing a piece of history not a new paint job.
Hey Chris. It’s got to be one or the other. It was bought to play with a pickup and have a volume pot added, then it occurred that it was a candidate for restoration. Staying as it is means it’s unusable. Shame, but both are good options. It’s developed a lovely patina and will be giggable. Restoration would be nice but means it’s more of a ‘collector’ piece that would go into the collection pile. 🎵
Recharging batteries with resonators stuff 🪫
🎯