Airline Lap Steel Guitar Serial Numbers
Q:Old National Brand Lap Steel Guitar Identification(,)QuestionSubject:Old National Brand Lap Steel Guitar IdentificationCategory:Asked by:okie1-gaList Price:$10.00Posted:02 Mar 2004 17:57 PSTExpires:01 Apr 2004 17:57 PSTQuestion ID:312805I want to the know the model name and year of manufacture of aNational lap steel guitar and its approximate value in today's market(in very good condition). The registration card with it was addressedto National Guitar & Dobro, 400 So. Peoria St., Chicago, Il. There isno ZIP so it must be pre 1963. I would appreciate any referenceinformation as well.Request for Question Clarification byon02 Mar 2004 18:10 PST Hello okie1,There were numerous models made by National over the years. Can youpossibly upload and post a link to a picture and I will attempt toidentify your exact model and value for you.Thanks,-=clouseau=-Clarification of Question byokie1-gaon02 Mar 2004 18:55 PST National lap steel guitar has a serial number D487Clarification of Question byokie1-gaon03 Mar 2004 14:21 PST Hello clouseau,Thanks for your response. Don't have picture at this time and Iassume serial number is not enough information.
Airline Lap Steel Guitar Serial Numbers Prior To 1977
(d487) I will try toget picture and get back. May take some time.Thanks,okie1Request for Question Clarification byon03 Mar 2004 14:24 PST That would be most helpful.
The serial number is really not useful. Ifit were a Martin guitar, it would be but I don't think a Nationalserial number database can be found.I'll keep an eye out for your reply here and see where it takes us.-=clouseau=-Request for Question Clarification byon03 Mar 2004 14:29 PST okie1,It is.possible. depending on your guitar that this is accurate, butthen again, may not be:'.1970-79 - 'D' or 'B' followed by 3 or 4 digits (ranking) & lastnumber indicates year. (B - metal, D - wood).' So, if yours is wooden and a Dobro style rather than electric laptop,it would be made in 1977. I'm assuming from your description thatyours is a solid body electric lapsteel rather than a resonator.Correct me if I am wrong.-=clouseau=-Clarification of Question byokie1-gaon05 Mar 2004 15:03 PST Hello clouseau,You are correct that the instrument is not a dobro but is a solid bodylap steel.
I am working on picture, Sorry to take so long.Thanks, Okie1Request for Question Clarification byon05 Mar 2004 15:10 PST Not at all a problem, okie1. Take all the time you need.I'll look forward to the picture.-=clouseau=-Clarification of Question byokie1-gaon09 Mar 2004 19:55 PST Hello CLOUSEAU,I have picture I can attach to an email now, but am unsure of where tosend it or how I can get it to you. I don't know if google has a spotor not. Please advise.
okie1Request for Question Clarification byon09 Mar 2004 20:06 PST Unfortunately Google does not provide this service, at least right now.Try the free Yahoo service here:Be sure to set the pictures to be publicly viewable. Once done, placea link here to your picture and we'll see if we can help further.Thanks.-=clouseau=-Request for Question Clarification byon09 Mar 2004 20:39 PST Another researcher here also reccomends www.photobucket.com as analternate. You might find it easier to use.-=clouseau=-Clarification of Question byokie1-gaon09 Mar 2004 21:00 PST Hello CLOUSEAU, Well I think I got the photo up on yahoo atphotos.yahoo.com/oldokie1933I hope I did it right. Thanks - okie1Request for Question Clarification byon09 Mar 2004 21:18 PST You did perfect!I won't have a chance to search until tomorrow, but will let you knowwhat I find then.Thanks for posting the picture.-=clouseau=-Request for Question Clarification byon10 Mar 2004 09:08 PST Hi again okie1,Well, try as I could, I can't nail down your model National.
Hence,I'll post this is a clarification rather than the answer.As you will see, your model is similar to the Chicagoan's andresembles New Yorker's in some ways. But is distinctly different aswell.For a few examples:'National lap steel 'Chicago' model, early '40's. Excellent condition,missing bridge cover. With original case. Make offer.$400.00'Note: Missing bridge cover will lower the value. Your seems to bemissing it as well.
The $400 here seems to be on the high side ofasking prices for these models and it also includes the case.And, a 1951 Chicagoan with case for $200:'NATIONAL CHICAGOAN LAP STEEL GUITAR (c.1951)EC except needs work (replace crumbling tuner buttons, cleanelectronics, clean, restring and set up, etc. sold AS-IS), greypearloid body with matching headstock, clear fingerboard with creambacking and black musical note position markers, 'G' clef on firstfret, 23' scale, 1-15/16' nut width, screw-on jack cord connector,Supro pickup with black screw-on pickup cover, volume and tonecontrols, 3-on-a-plate Kluson Deluxe tuners with white plasticbuttons, headstock badge with blue 'National' logo, with tweed OHSC(SN:X3239)185U-203. $200.00 buy 'Note the serial number is obviously a different series than yours. Idon't believe this means that yours is significantly older than theearly 50's, however.