Too bad it's a square neck. (And nearly four thousand dollars.) Apparently it's the twin of a custom one-off made for Ben Harper:
Many years ago, skilled guitarist, singer / songwriter & Grammy Award winner Ben Harper conspired with the team at National ResoPhonic to design & build a custom lap steel to his personal specifications. When one of our builders takes on a project for such a revered artist, they sometimes build twin instruments, just to offer them the opportunity to choose between two guitars.
The design elements that Ben Harper submitted included the need for a short scale square-neck lap steel, akin to his trademark Weissenborn lap guitars. That is where any similarity ceased.
This custom resonator utilized a traditional single cone Triolian laminate Mahogany wood body, custom fitted with a knee bevel for comfort during extended play. Incorporating a custom rope-pattern wood binding borrowed from their iconic Western D model, luthiers at National also added a matching rope-pattern purfling inlay which outlines the bright nickel cover plate.
Stored in its case for more than 10 years since it was 1st built, this custom one-of-a-kind guitar is already a 'closest classic', and in perfect condition. If you're a Ben Harper fan, you might relish the fact that you can purchase this new National, built exactly like Ben's in every detail - with the comfort & knowledge that this unique custom build will never be repeated.
Offered new with factory case and warranty, step back in time with this beautifully crafted National... A wonderful addition to any steel guitar collection!
