National NRP B Series Black Rust (658)

The original Duolian arrived in 1930 as National’s basic steel-bodied, single-cone guitar and soon became famous for its musical sound. Our NRP B Series replicates the vintage Duolian — and these modern reissues surpass most old ones in quality, playability, and even tone. The thin-gauge steel body is period-correct, featuring flat-cut f-holes, traditional sieve resonator coverplate, and a formed back. Still, no two NRP guitars are alike: The bodies are finished with a multi-stage, hand-textured finish for an individual look and semi-smooth surface profile that emulates the original Duolians. The mahogany neck with truss rod is capped by an unbound ebony fretboard complete with mother-of-pearl position markers. Vintage-style plain tuners, ebony nut, and “National” stamped into the slotted headstock complete the look of this classic. But it’s the trademark sound that makes these guitars so special — almost like a ghostly evocation of the best vintage 1930s Duolian. The sound is powerful and loud, while still being deep and warm. Like the hallowed originals, the NRP is steeped in mojo.