National Reso-Phonic NRP Steel Single cone

I had studied all the Youtube clips and sound samples for resonator guitars before buying and was convinced that I would buy a Tricone model because of the better sustain for its slides. This NRP Steel single-cone I actually only for comparison alluded to and yet it has outrun all other models. Even if it comes visually unspectacular, their sound in the direct comparison is a little more aggressive, snottier, has more punch and can also "singing" bell clear at the same time. With their sound I think of a sultry summer evening outside on a terrace, deep in the American South - more Delta Blues sound is not really! It is always a joy to take this instrument in hand: the playability and the dynamics are a dream, both for finger picking and for playing in an open mood. Fingerpicks are a must for this instrument and coated elixir strings do not work! The latter unfortunately spoil the typical sound considerably! The national guitars are originally equipped with 13 phosphor bronze strings by John Pearse, but unfortunately this "790NR" set is hard to come by in this country.
The guitar has no pickup but that's not bad, because the characteristic resonator sound can be obtained only with microphone pickup. Magnetic or piezosystems and even the "Hotplate" distributed by the company National change the sound a lot. If you really want to play a resonator guitar via a pickup, a national is actually a shame! Otherwise, you get a perfect instrument directly from the case and realize what you have spent your money on. I had also tried the cheaper models of other manufacturers on the occasion, unfortunately, their sound is not even close to the National and often gives the feeling of playing on an old watering can.
It's just the (national) Cone, who makes the music here and the difference in quality of manual work - especially at the Cones - you hear in my opinion even more clearly with resonator guitars than with other acoustic guitars.
Anyone who plays with the idea of ??buying such an instrument, should test this in any case personally. Of course, the National guitars have a proud price but once you've played them, you immediately realize that the alternatives are not really.