1960 National New Yorker Black
Description
The National New Yorker (Model 1000) is one of the most iconic and visually striking lap steel guitars ever produced. Introduced in 1935 and manufactured until the late 1960s, it is famous for its "Stepped" body design inspired by the Art Deco architecture of the Empire State Building.
Here is a breakdown of what makes this instrument a legendary piece of Americana:
Design & Aesthetics
The "Empire State" Look: The body and headstock feature a unique stepped "skyscraper" silhouette.
Finish: Early models were typically black with white or cream celluloid/plastic overlays. Later versions (post-war) often featured colorful Roman numeral fret markers and Lucite (transparent plastic) fingerboards.
Longevity: It was the only instrument produced continuously throughout the entire lifespan of the National-Dobro and Valco companies (with a brief pause for WWII production).
Technical Specifications
Scale Length: Typically 23 inches, which became a standard for many lap steels.
Electronics: It is famous for its three-way tone switch (often using "Chicken Head" knobs) with settings labeled:
Hawaiian: Full-frequency, bright, and cutting.
Chimes: A thinner, more treble-focused sound.
Harp: A warmer, bass-heavy tone.
Pickups: Most feature a high-output single-coil pickup. Some rare pre-war versions supposedly featured a "3-pickup" configuration (one visible, two hidden), though the classic Valco single-coil is what defined its sound.
Key Features
1960s
Quality and design simplified slightly as Valco moved toward more modern production methods before closing in 1968.
Why Players Love Them
The National New Yorker is prized for its sustain and "growl." Because it was made by Valco (who also made Supro and Airline), it shares the same high-output pickup DNA that blues and rock players like Ry Cooder made famous.
World Wide Shipping
Dayton Vintage Guitars
Call 937-613-0690
Here is a breakdown of what makes this instrument a legendary piece of Americana:
Design & Aesthetics
The "Empire State" Look: The body and headstock feature a unique stepped "skyscraper" silhouette.
Finish: Early models were typically black with white or cream celluloid/plastic overlays. Later versions (post-war) often featured colorful Roman numeral fret markers and Lucite (transparent plastic) fingerboards.
Longevity: It was the only instrument produced continuously throughout the entire lifespan of the National-Dobro and Valco companies (with a brief pause for WWII production).
Technical Specifications
Scale Length: Typically 23 inches, which became a standard for many lap steels.
Electronics: It is famous for its three-way tone switch (often using "Chicken Head" knobs) with settings labeled:
Hawaiian: Full-frequency, bright, and cutting.
Chimes: A thinner, more treble-focused sound.
Harp: A warmer, bass-heavy tone.
Pickups: Most feature a high-output single-coil pickup. Some rare pre-war versions supposedly featured a "3-pickup" configuration (one visible, two hidden), though the classic Valco single-coil is what defined its sound.
Key Features
1960s
Quality and design simplified slightly as Valco moved toward more modern production methods before closing in 1968.
Why Players Love Them
The National New Yorker is prized for its sustain and "growl." Because it was made by Valco (who also made Supro and Airline), it shares the same high-output pickup DNA that blues and rock players like Ry Cooder made famous.
World Wide Shipping
Dayton Vintage Guitars
Call 937-613-0690