1928 National Tricone Resonator Style 1

August 1, 2020 • Geronimo "Geri" Valdriz • Instruments and Luthiers

In 1928 steel guitarist George Beauchamp wanted to increase the volume of his acoustic Hawaiian steel guitar. He partnered with John Dopyera and formed the National Stringed Instrument Corporation.

The National Tricone guitar featured three4 vibrating "resonators", creating a volume level that overpowered the acoustic guitars of the 1920's. Its chrome mirror like finish and art deco design created a sensation!

It featured latticed sound holes, a chromed tailpiece, and a slotted headstock. The guitar could also be ordered with richly engraved flower etchings all over the body.

This Style 1 square hollow neck model was made solely for lap steel playing and was favored by Sol Ho‘opi‘i and Bennie Nawahi.