National Triolian 1931 - Polychrome

This guitar has a rather unusual history. The shape of the body at the neck joint is characteristic of the early Triolians that were originally fitted with Bakelite necks. Once these necks became warped, they were virtually impossible to repair, and some instruments were sent back to National to be fitted with wooden necks.

The current neck is indeed a period National neck, complete with its factory stamp and original finish. All of this makes the possibility of an early factory replacement by National highly credible.

The body finish also appears to have been touched up in places. The palm tree against the setting sun, in particular, is very nicely executed. The guitar has developed a beautiful patina over the years, with the color shifting between yellow and green depending on the area. The tuners are correct for the period, and the guitar was refretted some time ago with slightly wider frets than the originals.

I entrusted the guitar to Mike Lewis before selling it five years ago. The original cone was very tired and was replaced with one of his own Fine Resophonic cones, which made a significant improvement. The guitar gained considerably in both projection and dynamics.

It is perfectly playable both fingerstyle and with a slide, with an action of 2.8 mm at the 12th fret.

Supplied with a modern hardshell case.