National Style 1 German Silver ❌SOLD❌

The National Style 1 Tricone reproduces the earliest of the resophonic guitars, introduced in the 1920s as venue volumes continued their rise and stage volumes had to keep pace.

The National Style 1 is an instrument that is very true to these very first National resophonic guitars, right down to the nickel plated German Silver body, T-bridge on spun 6″ National cones, V-profile mahogany neck and slotted peghead! Built in San Luis Opisbo California, the National Style 1 Tricone has a wonderful, massive, deep and rich tone with lots of projection. These models carry a mirror gloss ‘German Silver’ finish (neither German or Silver). The body is steel, with the plated finish, and uses the Tricone T bridge and three 6 inch cones. The 12-fret neck is Mahogany, with a slotted peghead and a National shield decal; the fingerboard is unbound Ebony with Mother of Pearl position markers. Vintage style National tuners are installed.

These are excellent instruments, easily able to keep up with the loudest acoustic instruments – such as banjos – and have a unique and distinctive tone. As Nationals, they are very well built and the fit and finish are unmatched.

A high quality, arched top and back National case is included.

Here’s what National says about the Style 1:

“When he invented the original National Tricone all the way back in 1927, 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 patented in 1927 with three resonating cones projected the guitar’s sound so it could be over the sound of dancers and cut through a band or orchestra.

As John rightly boasted, “The Tricone guitar flowed like a river,” and the company’s early ads proclaimed it “The Greatest Musical Sensation of the Age.” Now, ninety years later, Tricones are still revered by musicians everywhere for that special sound.

Like the originals, our Style 1 Tricone is built with a Brass body and coverplate — the same, unique alloy used by the Dopyera Brothers. And like those guitars, the body, coverplate, and tailpiece are nickel plated and polished to a mirror-like shine.

The mahogany neck is finished in a rich, warm burst and fitted with an ivoroid-bound ebony fingerboard. The vintage-style tuning machines work on the classic slotted headstock, topped by the famed National shield decal.

An early National advertisement in 1927 touted the Tricone’s tone, power, and quality of sound, and the new reissues proudly carry on that tradition.”