Description
NATIONAL STYLE 1 TRI-CONE – 1930
The first ‘Tricone’ guitars developed by John Dopyera appeared in 1926/1927. in and effort to create a louder more natural sounding instrument to fit the increasing volume musical ensembles. Using concepts adapted from phonograph technology Dopyera created a guitar that utilized three aluminum cones connected with a cast aluminum “T” bar which distributed the vibration of the strings equally to each cone. The result, as desired, was a louder instrument that retained the warmth and richness of more traditional acoustic instruments. The patent was applied for in 1927 and granted three years later in 1930.
An advertisement of the era stated, “A Steel Guitar with twice the volume and three times the carrying power of the best wood guitar ever made… Records better, broadcasts better, sounds better and looks better than any guitar ever made. This new invention takes the guitar out of the parlor instrument class and makes a concert instrument of it suitable, for the largest theater or auditorium.” Strong words, but understandable considering the futuristic nature of such an instrument developed at the tail end of the Roaring Twenties and words that could be argued still hold up nearly a century later!
This Squareneck Style 1 was built in 1930 and is in very good condition. The German silver body and cover plate has developed a light patina and the plating on the guard is lightly worn. There are several minor dents around the body and the headstock decal appears to have been replaced with a period appropriate decal. The guitar was re-coned several years ago. Its playability is fantastic and the tone is everything one can desire and expect of a golden era resonator instrument. With original hard shell case. $3650
