Strings For Vintage National Resonator Mandolin 489

[mrmando]

Well, National's marketing-spiel for the RM1 claims it's based on a rare old instrument. These here wood-body Triolians, if that's really what I've got, are the only National mandos I've ever seen with a standard scale. I've seen only four of these or so. Mine has no shield decal or evidence of ever having one ... but it does have a serial number and the National cover plate with the patent dates.

[Verne Andru]

I remember reading similar things said by Wade Hampton Miller when I was erased arching my National RM-1: http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=291775.

Hah - can't say for absolute sure, but sure sounds like the same guy reading that.

They're nice instruments. I hope to get play time on one someday.

[Jim Garber]

Very Cool article, pheffernan. It is interesting that they did go with the more std mandolin scale but left the wide fretboard. Personally, I would have preferred the std 1-1/8" at the nut neck width, but that is just me. In any case, I do love the tone and volume.

[s11141827]

I think some Savarez Argentine Mandolin strings would be cool.

[s11141827]

Because these mandolins have a longer scale length, I think tuning it down a couple steps to like E, B, F#, C# might help.

[Phil-D]

Since National is located in Ca. Why not try calling them and see if they can steer you in the right direction in finding the gear.

[Jim Garber]

As usual, Oscar always prefers to reply to old threads. This was originally about their 10 year old son playing a National mandolin but by now the boy is 19. If they haven't dealt with the gear by now... OTOH they may have sold the mandolin to pay a small fraction of their son's college tuition. Either that or he is now a blues mandolin virtuoso ...

[s11141827]

How about Magma MA100 Strings?

[lflngpicker]

I remember reading similar things said by Wade Hampton Miller when I was erased arching my National RM-1: http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=291775.

Thanks for the link, Pat. I enjoyed spotting my late 1st cousin Don's name. I am glad his legacy continues as we appreciate his instrument innovations in the resophonic tradition he and his partner Gains restored in the late '80's.