The History and Artistry of National Resonator Instruments

If you want to know more about the history of resonator guitars and learn about each style, this is a great book.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in guitars, music, American history, fine craftsmanship, patent law...I could go on. It's chock full of historical details and photos...page after page of details and stories about National Resonator guitars. I'm not a musician but have always loved the sound of resonator guitars and was interested in creating a graphic design project about them. Thought this book would help me get the illustrations right. This book has done so much more than expected. Brozman's passionate interest in these guitars is infectious. The stories around their history are fascinating and full of drama. I was a resonator fan before but I'm like a super fan now.

OK, first of all, Bob is a great player and knows more than anything about pre-war Nationals. I really hope he puts out a revision and adds more information about single cone guitars as it is very top heavy towards tricones. I would LOVE to see more color pictures of the different duco finishes and maybe a picture of a Collegian. It is the #1 resource for serial numbers and I would love to see him gather even more info from owners.

A great read. The history of National includes immigration, wars, legal battles, inventors angst and finely a rebirth in California. This book has an excellent serial number chapter as well. I just obtained a 1931 National Duolian Reso and felt owning this information was an imperative addition. I was right.

Concise history in a well written volume having plenty if information about the origins of the instrument personalities of its creators and evolution of this fascinating type of uniquely Americana music......whatever the reason an individual had for purchasing my feeling is that no disappointment would follow! Thoroughly satisfied with my purchase....

Bob Brozman has dedicated a considerable amount of time and resources in researching this subject. It provides a comprehensive history of the development of the resonator guitar and the company, from its inception to its modern reincarnation. Brozman has collected many fine examples of the artistry employed by the company and these examples are beautifully photographed within the text. A satifying and educational book that I recommend to anyone interested in the resonator guitar, or those who love the history of American guitars.

Well written and well researched. Had a question on a guitar, emailed the publisher and he called back to answer my questions.

If you are interested, it provides a look at how the industry worked, and the many players. You can follow up and listen to different styles of play on mp3 samples and purchase what appeals to your style. Thanks Bob for this informative book-ebook.

Warning: Only covers the pre 1940 period!This is a wonderful book. Detail? Galore!From the very first inkling of a metal guitar through to development and execution, this book looks at all the individual players in the much storied history of national... and later formation of Dobro.Fantastic!

My son had been searching for this book for a long time, he is an accomplished guitar player and has a collection of historic and rare guitars. This was exactly the tome he wanted, a 'bible' of the history of guitars. On top of that, delivery (internationally) was swift, simple and economical. And the book just happened to be delivered on his birthday!

If you're hooked on tin cans, ignore all the hearsay and get this book. Then get Mark Makin's labour of love too. Actually no! get Mark Makin's book first and if you have any money left then go ahead and buy this book too.Poor old Bob! Gone but never forgotten...too big a splash.

This is a must-have book for anyone with an interest in National Guitars, but be prepared for something that made it to the Outside World without being proof read, and that has an odd structure. However, nothwithstanding the pleasantly amateurish construction, it contains a wonderful mixture of facts, pictures (of variable quality) and history. It's a delight, but Bob is a guitarist, not a writer.Go on, buy it. It's ok.

Beautiful book, well worth the money and arrived a week before expected.