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Featured Inventory Archives 1999-2012

Gruhn Guitars National Tricones

National Tricones


The resonator guitar had only a brief period in the spotlight, from the rise of the guitar in the late 1920s to the rise of the electric guitar in the mid 1930, but during that time the National company produced some of the most memorable guitars - in sight as well as sound - in the history of the instrument.

These two tri-cones represent National's top of the line as well as the foundation upon which the company was built. Although the less expensive single-cone Duolian, Triolian and Style O models were more popular, National introduced the resonator guitar to the world in late 1927 with guitars like these, featuring a three-resonator system, a body of "German silver" and a hollow square neck designed for Hawaiian play.

Style 4 was the most expensive of the tri-cones, and it featured elaborate floral-pattern engraving with a chrysanthemum motif. Style 3 was engraved with a lily of the valley pattern.

These two tri-cones are exceptionally fine examples from the early 1930s.
The Style 4 (inv. #RG4446), with original hard case, is SOLD.
The Style 3 (inv. #RG4447), with original hard case, is offered at $5,500.

These instruments are SOLD

For full appreciation...

Style 4
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Style 3
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