
( Brand: National ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 21986 ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States )
The 21986 National Reso-Rocket Wood Highlander is an exquisite and finely crafted acoustic hybrid guitar molded from a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.Originally introduced by the National Reso-Phonic Company in 1933, the Rocket series has been a long-standing favorite due to its unique, resonant, and versatile sound. The Wood Highlander model, however, elevates the Rocket's classic design with the addition of a solid wood body, offering a more refined tone and improved projection.
At the heart of the 21986 National Reso-Rocket Wood Highlander lies a carefully selected, solid, wild cherry wood body. Known for its warm and rich tonality, wild cherry delivers a balanced voice with robust lows, clear mid-range, and sweet, singing high-end. This solid wood construction, coupled with the instrument's shallow, body depth and narrow waist, results in a lively, open resonance that blooms when strummed or picked with a delicate touch.
Complementing the beautiful tonewood is a 14-fret, retro-style mahogany neck. Measuring a comfortable 1 11/16" width at the nut and 2 5/16" bandwidth at the 14th fret, the neck is ideally suited for players with average to larger hand sizes. Its silky-smooth, satin finish encourages hours of play, while the 12-inch radius and nicely dressed frets facilitate easy, effortless barre chord formations and intricate soloing.
The 21986 National Reso-Rocket Wood Highlander is further embellished with a set of open-gear, gold-plated Grover Sta-Tite tuning machines. These premium tuning keys deliver unmatched tuning stability and smooth, precise action, ensuring your instrument remains in perfect pitch not only during a performance but also as you transition between songs.
Boasting an eye-catching, vintage-inspired appearance, the guitar flaunts elegant herringbone rosette and body binding, a black pickguard, and a custom-engraved, multi-ply tortoiseshell pickguard, all of which exude timeless class and sophistication.
Furthermore, the unique 5-string split-diamond bridge a trademark feature of National Reso-Rocket guitars serves not only as a visual accent but also as a highly efficient means of communicating the strings' vibrations to the body, contributing to the well-known resonant tone the Reso-Rocket series is renowned for.
Lastly, the 21986 National Reso-Rocket Wood Highlander is an excellent workhorse for both flatpicking and fingerstyle playing styles making it the perfect addition to every musical journey, be it in a live setting, in the studio, or simply in the comfort of your own home. This versatile instrument enables you to effortlessly traverse various musical genres, from traditional folk and bluegrass to jazz, rock, and even contemporary singer-songwriter material.
In summary, the 21986 National Reso-Rocket Wood Highlander is an exquisite, solid wood, acoustic hybrid guitar celebrating the rich tradition of the Reso-Rocket series while delivering a more modern, refined tone and improved projection. Its carefully curated features, such as the solid wild cherry wood body, mahogany neck, elegant tuning machines, traditional design elements, and vintage-inspired bridges, harmoniously blend to create an extraordinary instrument that exudes timeless style and impeccable sound quality. For the discerning musician seeking a unique alternative to traditional acoustic guitars, the 21986 National Reso-Rocket Wood Highlander is a must-try.
The 21986 National Reso-Phonic Rocket Wood Highlander is a unique and highly-regarded resophonic guitar that has gained popularity among musicians. Here are some pros and cons to help you make an informed decision about purchasing this instrument.
Pros:1. Authentic Resonator Sound: The Rocket Wood Highlander produces a rich, warm, and resonant sound that is characteristic of premium resonator guitars. This is thanks to its hand-spun aluminum cone and high-quality wooden body.
2. Versatile Playability: This resophonic guitar can handle various playing styles, including blues, folk, country, and rock, making it an all-around great investment for a diverse range of musicians.
3. Attention to Craftsmanship: The National Reso-Phonic Rocket Wood Highlander is made from quality materials and demonstrates a high level of attention to detail. Each guitar is handcrafted, which results in an instrument with superb aesthetics and excellent sound quality.
4. Versatility: Coming with a removable mahogany neck, the Rocket Wood Highlander offers the versatility of switching between a 12-fret and a 14-fret neck configuration. This caters to different personal preferences and playing styles.
5. Engineered for Sustainability: The engineering behind the Rocket Wood Highlander's design provides enhanced sustain and volume, allowing for greater dynamism and expressiveness in your playing.
Cons:1. Price: Given the premium materials and craftsmanship involved, the National Reso-Phonic Rocket Wood Highlander is an investment-grade instrument with a relatively higher price point compared to other resonator guitars in the market.
2. Learning Curve: As a resophonic guitar, the Rocket Wood Highlander requires a little more time and effort to get used to playing compared to traditional acoustic or electric guitars. This learning curve may be a turnoff for some musicians.
Conclusion:The National Reso-Phonic Rocket Wood Highlander represents a superior investment for musicians seeking a high-quality resophonic guitar with authentic tone, versatility, and craftsmanship. While the higher price point may be a deterrent for some, the long-lasting durability and timeless design readily justify the investment for serious guitar enthusiasts and professional musicians.
Recommendation:If you're set on buying a high-end resonator guitar and appreciate exceptional craftsmanship and sound quality, the National Reso-Phonic Rocket Wood Highlander should definitely be on your shortlist. However, if you're new to resonator guitars or have a more limited budget, it might be worth exploring mid-range options or reso-phonic instruments with a slightly less pronounced focus on premium materials and craftsmanship.
00-lower 48 only on bass 'e'and treble 'e' for great finger style action. National polishing cloth and unsigned warranty card. One pin head ding at jack.
Close to mint but i'll call it excellent. You'll want medium strings for slide. I ship promptly. National wood rocket with factory highlander pickup and external preamps for the best acoustic setup reso's.
Ohs is minty with raised-embossed National shield. Ask questions.