National Triolian 1931 | HOLD | (v2234) The Triolian was National's initial single-cone resonator offering in the late 1920s, likey prompted by slow sales of the pricey tri-cone and a looming depression. The initial batch of Triolians were wooden, but the company quickly moved to steel. This is an early steel example produced in 1931. The Triolian, with its attractive price and loud sound, became a popular model for National and was favored by many country, hillbilly and blues guitarists of the era.
The body is made from steel and features the flat-cut 'f'-holes and walnut sunburst finish. The 12-fret neck is maple, carved in a comfortable 'C' shape, and features a black-painted maple fingerboard, bound in white celluloid.
The body measures 14" across at the lower bout, and scale length is ~ 25". The fingerboard is 1 13/16" across at the nut, with string spacing ~ 2 1/4" at the saddle.
The guitar came to us with decades of 'honest playing wear', and blues approved! The guitar previously had a neck reset, and a crack glued that runs through the D tuner hole area. We replaced the mis-matched replacement tuners with a set of StuMac vintage tuners; sent the body to National Resophonic to correctly and safely solder a 4" open seam where the back joins the side at the lower bout; raised the action a bit with a shim under the original saddle; dressed the frets. It's obvious that the guitar was played! It's finish exhibits extensive play wear, nicks, dings and scratches. But the body remains essentially dent free, and the original cone/bisquit remain in excellent shape! The paint on the cover plate was removed by a previous owner. But for the tuners, one of the neck stick support 'mushrooms' and three pearl dots (removed/replaced during the reset) the guitar is original.
It's evident why the early players favored the Triolean; it's loud, brash and can be finger picked or played with slide to great effect! This one fits the blues bill with great tone, playability and no extraneous rattles or buzzes .. set up and ready to go.
Comes with a soft case.
Check out the two sound clips .. one Spanish and one with slide.
The body is made from steel and features the flat-cut 'f'-holes and walnut sunburst finish. The 12-fret neck is maple, carved in a comfortable 'C' shape, and features a black-painted maple fingerboard, bound in white celluloid.
The body measures 14" across at the lower bout, and scale length is ~ 25". The fingerboard is 1 13/16" across at the nut, with string spacing ~ 2 1/4" at the saddle.
The guitar came to us with decades of 'honest playing wear', and blues approved! The guitar previously had a neck reset, and a crack glued that runs through the D tuner hole area. We replaced the mis-matched replacement tuners with a set of StuMac vintage tuners; sent the body to National Resophonic to correctly and safely solder a 4" open seam where the back joins the side at the lower bout; raised the action a bit with a shim under the original saddle; dressed the frets. It's obvious that the guitar was played! It's finish exhibits extensive play wear, nicks, dings and scratches. But the body remains essentially dent free, and the original cone/bisquit remain in excellent shape! The paint on the cover plate was removed by a previous owner. But for the tuners, one of the neck stick support 'mushrooms' and three pearl dots (removed/replaced during the reset) the guitar is original.
It's evident why the early players favored the Triolean; it's loud, brash and can be finger picked or played with slide to great effect! This one fits the blues bill with great tone, playability and no extraneous rattles or buzzes .. set up and ready to go.
Comes with a soft case.
Check out the two sound clips .. one Spanish and one with slide.