Rogue metal body vs National ??

[Jim Bates]

I would appreciate any advice anyone might have on the quality of the Rogue metal body guitar similar to the National O style. Can get the Rogue fairly cheap compared to National. Any thoughts or experiences??

Thanx,
Jim

[Mike D]

Sorta like a new Epiphone Vs. a Martin. The National is a quality intrument, well set up and using the best materials. The Rouge is basically a Johnson/Regal/etc. and they vary greatly from decent to unplayable.
However, if you get one with a decent neckset you can replace the cone, biscuit, saddle and nut, do a good set and you'll end up with a pretty good guitar for the money.

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Half-assed bottleneck and lap slide player. Full-assed Builder of resonator instruments.

[Brad Bechtel]

You get what you pay for. The Rogue metal body guitars I've seen are rough in construction and don't have the sound you'll get from a National.
They can be good utility guitars when set up properly, but I haven't seen one yet that doesn't need work. The price is right, however.

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Brad's Page of Steel
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars

[Jim Bates]

Thanks guys for your advice. Looks like I will save up for a new National, probably the O style.

I am currently tinkering around with a Johnson metal tri-cone to improve sound. Have tried all the advice so far, and it still sounds crappy, but I didn't pay much for it. So, I didn't get much!

Thanx,
Jim