Back to the main page Back to category Mandolins

musical instrument details

1930s National Triolian Polychrome Vintage Steel Bodied Resonator Mandolin

Estimated price for orientation: 1 599 $

Category: Mandolins
Class:











Description
Number of Strings: 8 Model: Triolian
Body Material: Steel Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Brand: National UPC: Does not apply


Up for sale, a 1930's National Triolian Polychrome resonator mandolin in lovingly restored condition. This mandolin, has been stripped down to its bare steel body, although traces of the original yellowish green "polychrome" finish can still be seen adjacent to the tailpiece. Professionally setup and benefitting from a fresh neck reset, this National positively sings with a throaty and clear tone that has incredible projection. The single cone and biscuit bridge deliver a balanced, clear, and surprisingly sweet sounding tone, and this mandolin is freshly restrung with phosphor bronze strings.The maple neck has a medium C shaped profile with nice, round shoulders and a substantial feel. The matte finish on the profile and headstock is silky smooth and highlights the light figuring in the maple. The bound dyed maple fretboard has been refretted and rebound, currently sporting the correct vintage width bar frets with well rounded crowns and only the faintest wear down near the nut. The fretboard itself shows wear down to the bare maple through the dye, with notable grooves in the maple from frets 1-3, although this doesn't affect playability in the slightest. The nut is a hand carved piece of bone, measuring 1 1/4" in width. On the headstock, the original open back strip tuners are intact and turn smoothly with original white lollipop buttons. The serial number is cleanly stamped onto the top of the headstock, and the number range dates the mandolin to 1928-34, with the "P" suffix that indicates this instrument once had a Polychrome finish.The steel body has a nice "honest relic" appeal, and the tailpiece is a new replacement that is structurally sound at the 90 degree bend (where the original trapeze typically loses integrity). Cosmetically, there are some sanding marks from where the original finish was stripped, but these blend in well with the natural aging on the body. Adjacent to the neck pocket and on the neck heel, there is also light residual glue from the neck reset as well.This mandolin is professionally setup, freshly restrung, and has received all of the maintenance necessary to make it a viable option for stage and studio use. The tone is exceptional and this National certainly has a unique, naturally worn vintage appeal.
Please check out our shop "Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar" on the web, and feel free to call us directly with any questions at 206.399.8518.Shipping in the continental USA will be $45, fully insured and shipped via FedEx Ground. We will happily ship WORLDWIDE, but please contact us for an accurate international shipping quote before bidding or buying, as cost varies by buyer location.
International orders will be declared as “merchandise,” and the value of merchandise will be declared as the amount paid. We cannot declare anything as a gift or for a lesser value. No exceptions! The customer is responsible for all taxes and duty, which may be collected upon delivery.We do our best to describe all items with honesty and accuracy, but to be sure, please contact us with any questions or concerns prior to bidding or buying. We require payment within 48 hours of auction end. In the unlikely event of a return, buyer pays all shipping costs. Your positive feedback and five star ratings are very important to us, and we appreciate your communication in resolving any issues!