1933 National Triolian Resonator

When he invented the original National Triolian all the way back in the late 20’s, John Dopyera was seeking to create a louder guitar with internal amplification, but he also insisted that the guitar’s tone be absolutely clear. His groundbreaking design, w/a single cone in a steel body (the 1st Triolians were wood bodied) that projected the guitar’s sound so it could be over the sound of dancers and cut through a band or orchestra. Sold new to an “Ida Lord” on November 14th, 1934 at a local Sears, Roebuck & Co. storefront. Even now, 94 years later, Triolians are still revered by musicians for that special sound. Introduced near the height of the art deco period in the United States, this National Duolian features its new bold “Brown Frost” Duco finish that was captured the imagination of the guitar world of the time. This is a wonderful original 1933 example w/a Steel body and cover plate having what appear like flowers in its crystal-like texture painting process w/near a century of time showing only moderate pick wear. It has a white bound ebonized maple fingerboard w/a nice 12 fret mahogany neck on this Spanish round neck model. It has never worn a pickup and has no extra holes or modifications of any kind. This vintage National sounds exceptional, looks stunning, and plays cleanly. There is some light tarnishing of the metal in places, which is to be expected of a 96-year old instrument. There are slight dings around the edges, but no damage to anywhere on its body & do not affect the playing or structural integrity of the guitar. It’s a truly excellent & collectible example & that is what any serious National collector wants. She comes complete w/a set of metal slides, its original dated Sear Roebuck hang tag tied to its original case key all in its original shaped black gator/purple lined hard case.