National resonators throughout the 20th century have been synonymous with blues & Hawaiian steel guitar playing, with the pre-war models especially being iconic symbols of Americana and greatly sought after among collectors and players.
This 1929 National Polychrome Triolian model is a wonderful example of a pre-war National from the first production year of the model. This Triolian features the steel body single cone design and original and highlighted yellow finish in excellent condition for a resonator of this period, with other examples often showing far more wear and tear. These early examples from 1929 and 1930 all feature subtle variations on the palm tree design to the back, making each one somewhat unique, before the design was made slightly more uniform and symmetrical in the early '30s. This can be best demonstrated from the sun peaking out from behind the palm trees, as opposed to the later models which show it setting on the left side. The original biscuit bridge is present and correct, with this particular guitar having a particularly punchy tone and set up currently for fretted playing. The cone is original and in excellent condition, with a full and balanced sound. The original tailpiece is also present and correct. The strip of tuners are original and function as they should.
This guitar is in excellent overall condition, and has been through our Vintage Instrument Workshop for a full service to ensure it is playing and sounding as good as possible. There is some minor play wear and signs of age to the finish, but this is certainly on the less severe side for a near 100 year old instrument. There is also one small dent to the bass side lower edge of the body, but this is again fairly minor giving the overall condition of the guitar. This instrument includes a non original hard case, and a three year warranty with our workshop.
