resonator · wood-body
El Trovador
| Maker | National Reso-Phonic |
|---|---|
| Origin | United States |
| Type | resonator · wood-body |
| Price | USD 5300 (2026-09) |
| Maker founded | 1928 (original) / 1989 (revival) |
| Status | current |
A wood-body single-cone resonator from National, built for players who want warmth over bark.
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Why it matters
National is the name that kept the resonator alive, and the El Trovador is one of its wood-body models rather than the steel-bodied designs. The wood body softens the attack compared with a metal instrument, which suits blues, folk and slide work where a harsher tone would be too much. It is hand-built in California in small numbers, and the price reflects that.
Note
Wood-body resonator line.
Specifications
- Scale length: to be confirmed
- Neck shape: to be confirmed
Before you buy
- Hand-built instruments mean waiting lists and limited stock
- Setup matters more on resonators, since cone seating affects the sound
- The wood body is quieter than a steel-bodied resonator
Other opinions
One video is one opinion. These are the other videos for this entry, most-viewed first. The order is the view count, not a ranking of ours.
Peghead Nation · 2014-09 · 26,129 views
“Guitarist Mike Dowling discusses and demonstrates his National Reso-PhonicEl Trovador and ResoRocket N guitars.”
Mike Dowling plays a National El Trovador and a ResoRocket N for Peghead Nation.
Chicago Music Exchange · 2013-07 · 22,078 views
“National El Trovador Shop Guitars at chicagomusicexchange.com The El Trovador is based upon an early 30's National that was actually made for them at that time by the Kay Instrument Co.”
Chicago Music Exchange plays a National El Trovador resonator.