Up for sale, a 1928 National Triolian in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with a hardshell case. The Triolian is a particularly notable instrument for several reasons: it was Nationals first single-cone resonator, and was also the companys first wood-body instrument. This well-kept example dates to early in the very first year of Triolian production, boasting an early feature set including a plywood body, screen coverplate holes, peaked headstock, V-shaped neck profile, and multi-hued Polychrome Tan-Yellow finish accented by floral motifs (including the bouquet design spanning the back). This particular Triolian also benefits from a professional neck reset, ensuring optimal playability, with no loss of the original finish.

The ancestor of all single cone National resonators that have come after, the Triolian features its original biscuit bridge and resonator cone, delivering ample volume and potency. Punchy, crisp, and immediate, this Triolian has fantastic projection, never boomy or overbearing in the low end. The trebles have a potent kick and brassy snap, with just the right amount of rounded twang when digging in hard. Weighing 6lbs 8oz, this Triolian has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mikes Guitar Bar, dialed in with 12-55 strings and easy-playing action.

Neck Specs:

-Wood: Maple

-Shape: Deep V, measuring .970 1st fret, 1.105 7th fret

-Fretboard: Maple, flat radius, matching finish

-Frets: Slender, leveled/crowned, faint wear beneath the plain strings on frets 1-3

-Scale Length: 25

-Nut: 1 7/8, bone

-Tuners: Grover Slimline (replacement, vintage)

-Headstock: Peaked, National Triolian stencil

Body Specs:

-Coverplate: Screen holes

-F holes: Carved

-Cone: Original

-Hardware: Biscuit bridge and cover, trapeze tailpiece (replacement)

-Factory Markings: Pat. Pend. stamp (beyond fretboard extension)

The multi-hued Polychrome Tan-Yellow finish has pink and purple highlights, accented via the floral motifs on the back, with vertical checking and limited finish loss along the edges of the body. The finish exhibits just a handful of minor scuffs and small dings, consistent with almost a century of careful usage. The neck profile has palm wear along the edges of the fingerboard and the spine of the profile, with a few shallow marks that are not distracting to the palm while fretting. There are a couple small fills central to the carve behind frets 8-9.

A black tolex hardshell case is included.