resonator
Tri-cone (Style 1/2/3)
| Maker | National Reso-Phonic |
|---|---|
| Origin | United States |
| Type | resonator |
| Price | USD 5900 (2026-09) |
| Maker founded | 1928 (original) / 1989 (revival) |
| Status | current |
National's three-cone resonators, hand-built in California in a set of traditional styles.
Watch
Why it matters
The tri-cone design uses three small cones instead of one larger cone, which gives a smoother, more sustaining sound than a single-cone guitar. National has built them since the 1920s, and the current Style 1, 2 and 3 models follow the original decorative schemes. They are specialist instruments with prices to match, aimed at slide and country-blues players.
Note
Three-cone hand-built resonators.
Specifications
- Scale length: 651.7 mm (25.66 in)
- Neck shape: unknown
Before you buy
- Hand-built instruments mean long lead times and limited stock
- The three styles differ mainly in decoration and price
- Cones are delicate and need careful handling
Other opinions
One video is one opinion. These are the other videos for this entry, most-viewed first. The order is the view count, not a ranking of ours.
Normans Rare Guitars · 2021-11 · 25,338 views
“Jonathan Stout is back for another amazing episode!!!”
Norman's Rare Guitars shows a 1930 National Style 1 Tricone, played by Jonathan Stout.
davekingacoustics · 2010-07 · 10,160 views
“Lewis Cohen visiting Dave King Acoustics' workshop and demonstrating a National Respohonic Style 1 Tricone, In stock now at:”
Playing demo of a National Style 1 tricone resonator, covering slide and fingerpicking.