I've played the Bobtail, the Honeydipper, a Republic brass body, a couple of new Nationals, and one vintage National. Do not recall the model, or even the type of the Nationals, sorry.
All were set up well, and I enjoyed each one. Definitely different sounds coming from different instruments. That might be one of the things that slowed me down - I am not sure which I thought suited me the best, because I really liked them all for different reasons.
Because of that, I would call the Bobtail the best value - just lots of $$$ less than the others. The Republic brass body sustained for days, and had a HUGE voice - loads of fun to play. Not sure what I think of the weight, definitely have to pay attention to how you sit and hold it.
Enjoy the search. I gave up on mine, but I am sure I will embark on one again at some point, they were all so much fun to play!
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Emerald X20 woody (Pao Ferro), Journey OF660, RainSong APLE, Martin 0-15sm - LA Guitar custom, Recording King RO-06M, Gretsch 5422TG, Epiphone Elitist Casino, G&L ASAT Tribute, Pono cedar/macassar tenor uke, Lanikai SMP-TC tenor uke - and a level of ability that lets each of these down oh so often... but loving it every time I play!
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