National 1052 help

[John Roberts]

Recently purchased 1052 National and had this string raiser on middle neck. It raises strings 2 and 3. Can anyone help with more info on it and any suggestions on what tuning to put on the middle neck ? Thanks

[David Knutson]

Wow, that's a pretty clever looking mod. My guess is that it would partially mimic pedal A and B moves in some E tuning variant. B-C# and G#-A. Is there any evidence of foot or knee activation? Got any more pics?

[John Roberts]

David, I thought the same. It did not come with legs and there is no signs on bottom of steel if they could have been fitted with a knee lever or pedal. It seems to have been made very well and as you can see in the pic, it has rollers that the strings ride in. I did edit as I said strings 3 and 4, but pretty sure it raises strings 2 and 3. I am pretty sure that I would like to make functional and add 2 foot pedals to it. Also thank you for your suggestions on the tuning.

[David Knutson]

Ooh, the rollers are a nice touch. I'm picturing a pedal bar between the two tuner-side legs, kinda like the old Gibson electraharps. You just may have some fun ahead of you!

[John Roberts]

David, thank you for the reply and ideas. After looking at the pics again and going back to look at steel, I think they are for raising the 3rd and 4th string as there is a equal distance from roller center to tuning shaft. Guess I should put a bit more thought before posting.