National Style 1 1928 Square Neck

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1928 National Style 1 Tricone Squareneck Resonator – Pure Golden Era Mojo

For players of lap-style slide, Dobro, and Hawaiian acoustic music, the late 1920s at National represents the absolute pinnacle of design and acoustic power. This 1928 National Style 1 Tricone is a phenomenal, early-production example of a squareneck resonator from the first full year of National's commercial production. With its German silver body and iconic three-cone design, it delivers that sweet, sustaining, and harmonically rich voice that modern reproductions can only hope to mimic.

Overall, this vintage survivor is in good shape, plays beautifully, and represents a world-class opportunity to own a foundational piece of resonator history at a highly accessible player’s price.

Condition & Repair History

As with any instrument approaching its centennial birthday, this National has a bit of history to share. We believe in absolute transparency:

• Headstock & Neck Joint: There are a couple of tiny, historic holes in the metal casing right where the headstock joins the square neck. These appear to be remnants from an old, amateur repair job from decades past. That old work has since been completely removed, and the headstock has been professionally and correctly repaired. It is now rock-solid, completely stable, and structurally sound for another hundred years of heavy string tension.
• Body Wear: The metal body shows a few small dents and light cosmetic wear, which is entirely typical for a genuine 1920s played-in resonator. There are no major structural collapses or issues with the well, and the structural integrity of the German silver casing is excellent.

Tone & Playability

This Style 1 is a magnificent tool for the modern slide player. The square neck sits comfortably across your lap, and the internal tricone setup produces immense volume, a warm low-end thump, and that signature singing treble sustain. It plays exceptionally well with a steel bar, offering the exact separation and projection you want for traditional acoustic blues, Hawaiian style, or old-time roots music.

If you have been looking for an authentic, Golden Era National tricone that you can actually take out to gigs without worrying about a museum-grade price tag, this 1928 Style 1 is an absolute dream player.

Comes with gig bag

At Joe’s Vintage Guitars, your satisfaction is our top priority. We stand behind every instrument we sell, and we want you to feel completely confident in your purchase. That’s why we offer a 7-day return policy with no restocking fee. Take a full week to inspect, play, and fall in love with your new guitar. If for any reason it isn’t the right fit, simply return it in the same condition for a full refund—no hidden fees, no hassle. We know that buying a vintage instrument is a big decision, and we’re committed to making the process as comfortable and transparent as possible. Shop with peace of mind knowing that every guitar from Joe’s Vintage Guitars is backed by honest service and years of expertise.