National Triolian Walnut Sunburst 1931

The National Triolian is one of the most iconic resonator guitars from the pre-war era and played a significant role in the development of American guitar music. This fully original example from 1931 dates from the model's early production years, when National positioned the Triolian as a more affordable alternative to the luxurious Tricone models.

Thanks to the innovative single-cone construction, the guitar offered impressive volume and a distinct character, exactly what guitarists needed in the years before the advent of electric amplification. The steel body with the characteristic Walnut Sunburst finish, the 12-fret neck, and the classic slotted headstock make this a beautiful example of an early Triolian, built during the period when National definitively established its reputation as a pioneer of the resonator guitar.

The combination of the steel body and the single aluminum resonator cone produces a sound that is still instantly recognizable. The tone is powerful, direct, and percussive, with a raw projection and long sustain that lends itself perfectly to blues, ragtime, country, and fingerstyle. Furthermore, the larger 12-fret body gives this early Triolian a fuller and deeper foundation than the later 14-fret versions, while the biscuit bridge effortlessly converts every nuance of the attack into a lively and expressive sound. It is precisely this unique combination of warmth, definition, and character that makes the Triolian beloved by both musicians and collectors to this day.

This Triolian is a beautifully preserved example, perfect for cherishing as a collector's item or, of course, simply for playing. The body shows expected signs of wear and lacquer chips, but looks undeniably fantastic. The finish on the back of the neck has seen worse, but this only shows that we are dealing with a much-loved guitar here. And it is also completely original, a fascinating fact!

More than ninety years after its introduction, the National Triolian is still regarded as one of the most influential resonator guitars ever built. Modern reproductions follow the specifications of these early instruments in detail, but an original Triolian from 1931 possesses an authenticity that is impossible to reproduce. For lovers of pre-war guitars, this is not only a special collector's item, but above all an inspiring instrument with a voice of its own: raw, dynamic, and steeped in the history of American blues and folk.

This instrument has been carefully inspected for originality, condition and playability, then set up to our Gold Standard by a luthier. We make sure it arrives in your hands exactly as it should: sounding its best, playing effortlessly and ready to be enjoyed from the very first note.

Consignment.