Home / Instruments /Accessories / Ordering / Tips / Friends

archtop.com

2009 National Tricone Style 1

Status: Pricing and hold status for all instruments currently available is shown on our Instruments page here. If this instrument does not appear on the Instruments page it has been sold, and is no longer available. Photos and descriptions of Previously Sold instruments may be found here. To be notified of examples of this model or similar instruments in the future, please contact [email protected],. Please be specific on which instrument(s) you're looking for, and we'll be happy to contact you as soon as they become available. .

Serial #: 15144

Scale length: 25" Nut width: 1 13/16"

Materials: German silver body and coverplate; solid one-piece mahogany neck; grained ivoroid binding; solid bone nut; pearl dot fingerboard inlays.

Hardware: 100% original hardware includes nickel 3-on-a-plate tuners; nickel stamped tailpiece; spun aluminum cones; adjustable truss rod.

Notes: The original and most sought after of resonator guitars, the National Tricone was introduced in 1927. Though it was catalogued until 1943, very few were made after the mid- thirties. Many feel the original tricone design has never been surpassed for smooth sustain in bottleneck or Hawaiian steel playing. Round or Spanish neck example are much scarcer than square neck models, and are highly prized for their versatility. Out of production for over a half cenury, the National Tricones became an iconic find for players and collectors alike, with prices ranging well into five figures for good vintage examples.

Revived in California in 1988, the National Resophonic Guitar Co. produced the first reissue of the Tricone model in 2004. Meticulously faithful to the original design, these hand crafted instruments recaptured the look, tone and feel of the originals with uncanny accuracy. The streamlined Style 1 Model was the most popular version of the original Tricone guitars, and this stunning example was produced with the premium German silver body, an upgrade over the more common bell brass examples.

This gleaming guitar is in 100% original condition, without pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear, and shows mirror-like polished nickel plating throughout. Apart from a few random fingerprints, the guitar appears virtually unplayed, with smooth low action over a solid ebony fingerboard, and a fully adjustable truss rod, the sole improvement over the original design. The tone is sweet, rich, and full of natural reverb, and the generous nut width makes it ideal for fingerstyle and bottleneck play.

An art deco classic from the golden era of resophonic technology. One only: call now.

Setup: String slots at nut and bridge inspected and recut as necessary; fingerboard oiled; body and neck cleaned and hand polished.

This instrument is strung with medium gauge bronze strings (.013-.057). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 5/64" to 6/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.

Case: Deluxe original black arched plush lined hardshell case.

Home / Instruments /Accessories / Ordering / Tips / Friends