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Topic: national double neck 8 |
Tom Vollmer
From:
Hamburg, Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 11 Mar 2006 4:10 pm |
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| Any ideas on value of a National double neck 8 string in good shape with case? |
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Ron Victoria
From:
New Jersey, USA
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Steinar Gregertsen
From:
Arendal, Norway, R.I.P.
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Posted 11 Mar 2006 6:26 pm
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I think I've seen National D8s go for around $7-800 on eBay, but I'm not sure...
Steinar
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www.gregertsen.com
[This message was edited by Steinar Gregertsen on 11 March 2006 at 06:26 PM.] |
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Billy Gilbert
From:
Texas, USA
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Posted 11 Mar 2006 7:02 pm
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| I bought one some time ago for $377. Billy |
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Steinar Gregertsen
From:
Arendal, Norway, R.I.P.
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Michael Winslow
From:
San Francisco, California, USA
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Posted 11 Mar 2006 8:40 pm
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National D-8 lap steels at current market prices generally sell in the $400-600 range. That would be an acceptable price. I’ve watched ebay over the years and have seen them sell for as low as $275.00 and as high as $900.00. For some reason, the price of the instrument does not necessarily reflect the quality of the instrument. When ebay is involved, there are sometimes bidding wars that bear no relationship to reality.
The cream/brown colored instruments seem to be more in demand and thus command higher prices. The black/white instruments are just as good quality-wise but generally sell for less. If color is no object that would be the way to go. Of course, these are generalizations. The black/white ones seem to be in better condition at a lower price...only my opinion....
That being said, purchasing from a dealer is no guarantee of an excellent instrument. In the past few months I’ve seen these instruments listed online by dealers that are not in that great of shape at very high prices.
When purchasing National D-8’s there are a number of things to be taken into consideration. (Please check SG Forums to verify my info) First, although we all like to purchase "older" vintage instruments, I think that any National D-8 made prior to 1953 does not have legs. If you’ve gotta have one with legs post ’53 should do. Also check the forums - search for National Serial Numbers….when in doubt about the age of the instrument.
Tuning pegs - many of the tuning pegs have deteriorated…..search SG Forums for info on replacing these.
Tuning peg covers - many Nationals are missing the plastic covers that are attached between the tuning pegs.
Pickup covers - quite often one of both of the plastic pickup covers is missing.
Knobs- often the plastic knobs for "tone" "string banks" or "volume" are missing.
Metal Plate with National Emblem - often subject to corrosion…....the chrome has been worn away and /or there is pitting of the metal in this area.
Legs - if it’s a post 1953 model make sure it has legs. And if it does….are they original? And expandable.
The original cases are very sturdy so if it's missing one latch you most likely would have no problem...the instrument is fairly heavy so if it's missing more than one latch el-problemo...!
The bottom line is that very few of these intruments are going to be in perfect condition. Various parts may be missing or there may be corrosion or both.....then it’s up to you to decide the price/quality point.....and how much you’re willing to spend. There are other issues re: purchasing National D-8’s, but these are the basics. Don't trust small, poor resolution/out of focus photos. When in doubt on ebay or elsewhere...contact the seller and ask for more documentation. Hope this helps…
[This message was edited by Michael Winslow on 11 March 2006 at 08:42 PM.] [This message was edited by Michael Winslow on 11 March 2006 at 08:54 PM.] |
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Harry Dietrich
From:
Robesonia, Pennsylvania, USA, R.I.P.
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Posted 11 Mar 2006 10:22 pm
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Hi Tom
Are you getting tired of pushing pedals and knee levers? LOL!!
Harry  |
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Tom Vollmer
From:
Hamburg, Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 12 Mar 2006 6:30 pm
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Thank you forumites,
Your replys have helped as I have not seen the instrument but am going to give it a look.Harry,I am not getting tired of pushing pedals and knee levers but thought it would be a change to get this guitar.I started on a Gibson E-150 and wished I still had it.If I buy it I will bring it to Wally,s next jam.Hope to see you there.
TV |
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Bill Creller
From:
Saginaw, Michigan, USA (deceased)
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Posted 12 Mar 2006 7:37 pm
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| Didn't National have a double that looked like two Newyorkers together? I seem to remember one like that. Don't know what the difference in value would be, if any. |
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