National Reso-Phonic Guitars


National Reso-Phonic Guitars is a manufacturer of resonator guitars and other resonator instruments including resonator mandolins, and resonator ukuleles. Though the name, branding, and product line resemble the original National String Instrument Corporation, this company bears no historical connection to the prior company.

History

The company was formed in 1989 by Don Young and McGregor Gaines in a California garage. They began producing resonator guitars under the name "National Reso-Phonic Guitars".
Since 1990, the factory has been located in San Luis Obispo, California. It produces over 1000 instruments annually, in more than 50 different models. The company repairs almost any vintage National guitar to original condition.
In 2008 Don Young and Eric Smith, an employee of the company since 1991, bought McGregor Gaines' interest out. In 2012 Smith became a 50% owner, and in 2014 sole owner.

Products

National Reso-Phonic Guitars model range includes not only the tricone and biscuit mechanisms used on the original National instruments, but also the inverted cone design used on the Dobro. National also builds and finishes small parts for other North American guitar makers.