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1929 National Triolian
The first single cone Nationals to enter production were the wood bodied Triolians introduced in 1928. The model would remain a wood-bodied instrument for just a little more than a year before being redesigned as a steel-body. From serial number records we can deduce that fewer than 1800 of these wood bodied triolians were built, and many fewer have likely survived to this day. All of these were finished in polychrome yellow, and featured the now-famous Hula Girl stencil on the back; most instruments' yellow finish extended to the neck and fingerboard as well.
"Bubbles and Blackie" is likely one of the last wood-bodied Triolians; and although not recorded in any of National's records, seems to be a completely original one-of-a-kind custom instrument. The guitar spent some time at National Reso-Phonic this summer enjoying a neck reset and heat-press, wowing everyone in the shop while it was at it. While no one will be able to say with absolute certainty that the finish and décor are original, the folks at National and all of us here at Folkway can't find any reason to suspect otherwise. It's perfectly set up and easy to play, too. The tuning machines are the correct vintage, but are non-original; new cone, biscuit bridge, tailpiece, and bone nut compliments of National Reso-Phonic. 1-3/4' nut, C shaped neck, 5 to 6 64ths action at the 12th fret. Words don't do this guitar justice, so have a long look at all the photos below and you'll get an idea of what this guitar is all about. Oh, and it sounds like a million bucks, too.
With period case
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