The National Reso-Phonic 14-Fret Collegian in Aged Ivory is a beautifully distinctive American-made resonator guitar inspired by National instruments of the late 1930s and early 1940s.

Its thin-gauge steel body, single-cone resonator and maple biscuit bridge produce the powerful projection, metallic attack and characterful sustain associated with classic National guitars. The 14-fret neck joint provides easier access to the upper register than a traditional 12-fret resonator, making the Collegian especially versatile for blues, slide, roots, country and fingerstyle playing.

Finished in Aged Ivory with National’s distinctive “bullethole” coverplate and vintage-inspired appointments, it combines genuine old-school character with modern National Reso-Phonic build quality.

This Pre-Owned example is in Very Good condition, weighs an actual 7.44 lbs, and includes a hardcase.

AT A GLANCE

Detail	Specification
Brand	National Reso-Phonic
Model	Collegian 14-Fret
Finish	Aged Ivory
Type	Single-Cone Resonator Guitar
Body	Steel
Scale Length	25"
Weight	7.44 lbs
Condition	Very Good / Pre-Owned
Case	Hardcase Included

PRE-OWNED CONDITION REPORT

This is a Pre-Owned National Reso-Phonic 14-Fret Collegian in Very Good condition.

The Very Good condition grade reflects an instrument that has been well looked after overall while displaying the light signs of previous use expected from a Pre-Owned resonator guitar.

This individual guitar weighs 7.44 lbs.

A hardcase is included.

KEY FEATURES

• National Reso-Phonic Collegian

• 14-fret neck joint

• Made in the USA

• Aged Ivory finish

• Thin-gauge steel body

• Single-cone resonator design

• 9.5" hand-spun resonator cone

• Distinctive “bullethole” coverplate

• Maple biscuit bridge

• Maple neck

• 25" scale length

• Approx. 1.82" nut width

• Nickel-plated brass tailpiece

• National tuning machines

• Vintage-inspired construction

• Actual measured weight of 7.44 lbs

• Hardcase included

• Very Good Pre-Owned condition

WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT

The National Collegian has a sound and feel that conventional acoustic guitars simply cannot replicate.

Its steel body and single-cone resonator produce an immediate attack with plenty of projection, harmonic complexity and sustain. Played with a slide, it delivers the vocal, metallic character closely associated with Delta blues and traditional resonator music, while conventional fretted playing reveals a surprisingly versatile acoustic voice.

The 14-fret configuration also makes this version especially practical for players who regularly venture higher up the neck.

DETAILED FEATURES & BENEFITS

Thin-Gauge Steel Body

The Collegian uses a thin-gauge steel body rather than conventional acoustic-guitar tonewoods. This construction contributes significantly to its strong projection, metallic character and immediate response.

9.5" Hand-Spun Cone

At the heart of the guitar is a 9.5" hand-spun resonator cone. The cone mechanically amplifies the strings and is responsible for much of the volume, sustain and distinctive tonal character associated with National instruments.

Single-Cone Resonator Design

The single-cone format gives the Collegian a direct and punchy response with strong note definition, making it particularly effective for blues, roots and slide playing.

Maple Biscuit Bridge

A maple biscuit bridge transfers string vibration directly into the resonator cone, creating the immediate attack and distinctive resonance of the instrument.

14-Fret Neck Joint

The neck meets the body at the 14th fret, giving easier access to higher notes than a traditional 12-fret resonator guitar.

This makes the Collegian particularly useful for players who mix chord work, slide and melodic lead playing.

Maple Neck

The maple neck provides a stable foundation and is finished in the vintage-inspired style traditionally associated with the Collegian.

25" Scale Length

The 25" scale length offers a comfortable compromise between compact feel and sufficient string tension for slide, fingerstyle and conventional fretted playing.

Aged Ivory Finish

The hand-painted Aged Ivory finish gives the Collegian a distinctive period-inspired appearance that closely complements the vintage National design.

“Bullethole” Coverplate

One of the Collegian’s defining visual details is its special perforated resonator coverplate, designed to echo the appearance of original Collegian models.

7.44 lbs Actual Weight

This individual guitar weighs an actual 7.44 lbs, providing an accurate figure for this specific instrument rather than a general manufacturer estimate.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The National Reso-Phonic Collegian is particularly well suited to blues, roots, Americana, country, folk and slide players looking for the unmistakable response of a genuine steel-bodied resonator.

It will also appeal to collectors and players who appreciate American-built instruments with strong historical styling and a distinctive acoustic voice.

PLAYING STYLES & APPLICATIONS

The Collegian works particularly well for Delta blues, bottleneck slide, roots music, Americana, country blues, fingerstyle and acoustic lead playing.

The powerful resonator response helps individual notes cut through clearly, while the steel body gives chords a distinctive metallic richness and sustain.

It can be played conventionally or with a slide, making it considerably more versatile than its strongly vintage appearance might initially suggest.

HOW IT COMPARES

National Collegian vs Conventional Acoustic Guitar

A wooden acoustic guitar relies primarily on its soundboard for amplification. The Collegian uses a metal resonator cone, giving it a noticeably different attack, projection and tonal character.

14-Fret vs 12-Fret Resonator

A 12-fret resonator places the neck joint further towards the headstock and can offer a more traditional feel. The 14-fret Collegian provides easier access to the upper register, making it particularly useful for lead playing.

Single-Cone vs Tricone National

A tricone National uses three smaller resonator cones and generally provides a more complex, sustaining voice. The Collegian’s single-cone design has a more immediate, direct and punchy response.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Specification	Details
Product Type	Resonator Guitar
Brand	National Reso-Phonic
Model	Collegian
Neck Joint	14-Fret
Finish	Aged Ivory
Country of Manufacture	USA
Body Material	Steel
Resonator Type	Single Cone
Resonator	9.5" Hand-Spun Cone
Resonator Cover	“Bullethole” Coverplate
Bridge	Maple Biscuit
Neck Material	Maple
Scale Length	25"
Nut Width	Approx. 1.82"
Body Depth	Approx. 3.125"
Tailpiece	Nickel-Plated Brass
Tuners	National
Electronics	Acoustic / Non-Electric
Weight	7.44 lbs
Case	Hardcase Included
Condition	Very Good / Pre-Owned

POWER REQUIREMENTS

None.

This National Collegian is an acoustic resonator guitar and requires no battery or external power supply.

FAIR DEAL MUSIC EXPERT VERDICT ★★★★★

Best suited for: Blues, slide, roots and Americana players looking for an authentic American-made steel-bodied resonator.

Customers usually upgrade from: Entry-level resonator guitars, conventional acoustic guitars and lower-cost metal-body instruments.

Most commonly paired with: Glass or brass slides, heavier acoustic strings and acoustic or resonator-friendly microphones for live performance.

Our tip: A National responds dramatically to changes in picking position and attack. Picking closer to the bridge gives a sharper metallic edge, while moving towards the neck produces a warmer and rounder voice.

Showroom feedback: The Collegian has real personality. The Aged Ivory finish and distinctive coverplate make it visually unusual, while the 14-fret design gives it noticeably more flexibility for conventional fretted playing than many vintage-style resonators.

WHY BUY PRE-OWNED FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

Buying a Pre-Owned National Reso-Phonic Collegian gives you access to a premium American-made resonator with distinctive construction and a genuine connection to historic National designs.

This example is in Very Good condition, weighs 7.44 lbs, and includes a hardcase.

Fair Deal Music has decades of experience buying, selling and part-exchanging acoustic, electric, resonator and vintage instruments.

WHY BUY FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Fair Deal Music combines a large Birmingham showroom with nationwide ecommerce and knowledgeable musician-led advice, helping customers choose instruments that genuinely suit their playing style and requirements.

Customers benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987

• Birmingham's largest independent music store

• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews

• Knowledgeable musician-led advice

• Extensive experience with premium and Pre-Owned guitars

• Large Birmingham showroom

• Secure online ordering

• Fast UK delivery

• Friendly customer support

• Part-exchange and trade-in service

• Request a Video Demo option

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Your current guitar or other musical equipment could help towards the cost of this National Collegian.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges acoustic guitars, electric guitars, resonators, basses, amplifiers, effects and a wide range of other musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.

PART EXCHANGE / TRADE-IN

If you already own a guitar or other equipment you are considering replacing, Fair Deal Music can assess it for part exchange against this National Collegian.

Trading in can remove the inconvenience of selling privately while allowing the value of your existing equipment to go directly towards your next instrument.

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Contact Fair Deal Music for a no-obligation valuation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this National Collegian used?

Yes. This is a Pre-Owned National Reso-Phonic Collegian in Very Good condition.

What finish does it have?

It has an Aged Ivory finish.

Is this the 14-fret version?

Yes. The neck joins the body at the 14th fret.

Where was it made?

National Reso-Phonic builds these instruments in the USA.

What is the body made from?

The body is made from thin-gauge steel.

Is it a single-cone resonator?

Yes. It uses a single 9.5" hand-spun resonator cone.

What bridge does it have?

It uses a maple biscuit bridge.

What is the neck made from?

The neck is made from maple.

What is the scale length?

The Collegian uses a 25" scale length.

Is it suitable for slide guitar?

Yes. Resonator guitars are particularly popular for bottleneck and slide playing.

Can it also be played like a conventional guitar?

Yes. This is a round-neck instrument designed for conventional fretted playing as well as slide techniques.

Is it suitable for blues?

Absolutely. Blues and roots music are among the styles most strongly associated with National resonator guitars.

What is the “bullethole” coverplate?

It is the distinctive perforated resonator coverplate design used on the Collegian and inspired by original vintage examples.

Does it need amplification?

No. The resonator produces substantial acoustic volume without amplification.

Does it require a battery?

No. This is an acoustic instrument and requires no power.

How much does this guitar weigh?

This individual guitar weighs 7.44 lbs.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. A hardcase is included.

What condition is it in?

This example is in Very Good condition.

Is the National Collegian suitable for recording?

Yes. Its strong projection, distinctive attack and rich harmonic character can give recordings a very recognisable acoustic voice.

Can I request a video demo?

Yes. A video demo can be particularly useful with a resonator guitar because its distinctive acoustic character is difficult to judge from photographs alone.

Can I part-exchange another guitar against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers guitars and a wide range of other musical equipment for part exchange.