Part One: Some history and background on the National Steel. Covering the orgins of the resonator principle, from the early phonographs to development of the tricone and single-cone Nationals. Discusses the reasons for the founding of the Dobro Company. Read the article

Part Two: Discussion of the various styles that were made, from the earliest prototypes to the various styles that emerged. Also, a list of Blues artists who played Nationals. Read the article
 
Part Three: Tampa Red and Son House are the first two Blues artists discussed. Includes both bio material, and detailed information on the type of Nationals they both played. Read the article

Part Four: Black Ace, Sol Hoopii, and the Hawaiian Slide Style. Read the article

About the writer:

Al Handa is the Publisher and Editor of the Delta Snake Daily Blues and the Delta Snake Blues Review. The Daily Blues is a web publication that is a daily newspaper for the Blues, and the Review focuses on CD and classic reviews.

Special Thanks:

These articles rely heavily on the classic book, "The History and Artistry of NATIONAL Resonator Instruments" by Bob Brozman. Brozman is also one of the foremost National Steel Guitar players in the world.

Check out Bob Brozman's web site. Also, a series of this depth wouldn't be possible without the cooperation of the National Reso-Phonic Guitar company, who have provided advice and materials in the research phases. The photos used in this piece are courtesy of National Reso-Phonic. Special thanks to Peter Bachner, Don Young, and Marie Gaines of National Reso-Phonic for their help and cooperation in creating this series.

Copyright © 1998 by Al Handa. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission from the author.