National Triolian Plectrum 1931

Here is an instrument that may well cause quite a stir among some of you. Whether you are a guitarist, plectrum or tenor banjo player, or even a mandolinist, this instrument is sure to inspire. It is exceptionally rare, with only five National Triolian Plectrum guitars currently documented.

This little gem is in excellent playing condition. In order to straighten the neck properly, Mike Lewis of Fine Resophonic made and installed a new fingerboard and a new bone nut. The original fingerboard has been retained and will be supplied with the instrument. This is often a necessary procedure if these instruments are to be made fully playable again.

The neck is now perfectly straight, with an action of approximately 1.75 mm at the 12th fret. The cone is original, while one of the tuners is not. Originally designed for plectrum banjo players looking for a more modern sound, the instrument was traditionally tuned C–G–B–D. Today, it can also be played in D–G–B–E, matching the four highest-pitched strings of a standard guitar.

Please note that a pickup was once fitted at the end of the fingerboard, and a strap button previously installed at the heel has since been removed.

Its long scale provides a precise attack and excellent chord definition, while its projection is truly impressive. It is a perfect instrument for jazz rhythm playing and ragtime, but it can also be used very effectively for blues or even folk music.

Sitting somewhere between a resonator guitar and a plectrum banjo, this is an extremely rare instrument produced in very small numbers and now presented in excellent playing condition.

Supplied in a modern case.