SOLD - National Reso-Phonic Polychrome Tricone Resonator – USA 2009

SOLD

Often hard to find, these National polychrome resonators have all the sound and projection of your standard steel-bodied resonator, with a thin layer of matte poly finish, for a unique look and aesthetic. The neck on this piece is a beauty, thick and chunky, perfect for slide or picking - this one can just about do it all.

Features –

Hollow steel body in matte charcoal finish with triple resonator cones.

Trapeze tailpiece with cast aluminium T-bar bridge.

V-shaped maple neck with black side dots and ivoroid dot inlays.

Double bound with cross-grained ivoroid binding.

Bound headstock with white National logo.

Rosewood fingerboard

National 3 per side strip tuners

1  13/16” nut width

25 3/4" scale length

Weight – 9.3 lbs

This resonator is in very good shape overall. Its main issue is some lacquer peeling off the back of the neck. This is often due to some moisture being trapped in the wood before the lacquer is applied. Over many years of changes in weather, humidity or storage conditions, the escape if this moisture may cause the lacquer to blister or lift.

It in no way affects the tone or playability of the guitar. But it is there, and we have tried to photograph these areas. You can hardly feel it when playing, and of course you won’t see the blemishes because they’re on the back of the neck.

Apart from that and a few light scratches on the back, this National Polychrome presents in good condition. It is structurally sound, with no modifications or repairs. The neck on this one moves from a light V shape down low, to a chunky C profile as you go up the fretboard – feels excellent. There is barely any visible fret wear, and it sounds the business.

Due to its steel body, this guitar has a raw and bluesy tone. It has the anticipated bass frequencies of a steel tricone, but has more volume than you might expect. These also have a different voice to biscuit-cone Nationals, with a more open and lingering sustain, which is a bit like a clear and airy Dobro style sound.

National Polychromes are a nice modern interpretation of the oldies. We like the baked-on finish, which is elegant, practical and different – in a good way. And did we mention – it sounds real good !

Comes in its original National hard case in good condition.