1930 National Triolian

Summary: This little tenor has a big sound. The steel body and original aluminum cone projects a sustaining tone with natural reverb that can sit well in a mix, can back up a singer or cut through the brass bands on the streets of New Orleans. The finish has been sanded off the front and sides but the yellow “spooky forest” finish remains relatively intact on the back. The maple neck is straight and comfortable while the original frets have tons of life left in them. The neck has just been professionally reset by a former employee of National Reso-Phonic Guitars and has been set up superbly. This little tenor is so fun to play, sounds excellent and can add a really unique sound to your musical endeavors!

Body: It has a steel “pear shaped” body with a raw sanded down finish on the front and sides and has been coated in thin layer of wax to preserve the look and protect against corrosion. The back of the guitar still has the original finish.

Neck: The maple neck is nice and full with a bound maple fretboard, original bone nut and frets with plenty of life left in them. It even has the original Planetary tuning machines that work great and keep their tuning. One of the coolest things about this tenor is the personal engraving that someone has done (most likely a long time ago), they have engraved their initials “S L” into the headstock and heel. It’s really neat seeing the personal touches that were put into this guitar, potentially 90 years ago! Nut width- 1 1/8” Scale length- 23”

Pickups/Hardware: No pickup, just the original aluminum cone under the steel cover-plate acting as a mechanical speaker cone projecting a loud reverberating tone. Original Planetary tuners, original tailpiece and bone nut.

Cosmetics: This tenor is in great vintage condition although the finish has been sanded off the front of the body. There are some minor dents, dings and scratches in the body and cover-plate which adds to its cool vintage vibe. The neck is in great shape and has never had a headstock break or crack. The frets have very minimal wear, mainly in the first position. There is plenty of life left in them and they feel nice and smooth.

Playability: This tenor has just had a pro neck reset and is set up with nice low action. It plays great up and down the fretboard with no issues, tons of sustain and natural reverb.
Modifications: Someone has carved their initials into the headstock and heel, most likely a long time ago. There has been a strap button added to the heel. It was an actual strap button from the National factory too.

Weight: 5 lbs, 8 oz.

Case: This guitar does not include its original case but we will ship it in a chipboard case, fully packed, padded and insured!