Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $5,310

High-end/Boutique

$499

$1300+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "National Style 1 Tricone". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The National Style 1 Tricone is a celebrated reissue of the groundbreaking resonator guitar originally crafted by John Dopyera in 1927. This modern iteration stays true to its roots, marrying vintage allure with contemporary precision. At the core of its distinctive voice are three 6" resonator cones, a configuration that amplifies sound with striking clarity and volume. This unique setup ensures that each note resonates with bell-like clarity, perfect for cutting through complex arrangements or shining in solo performances.

The guitar's body is crafted from brass and given a nickel-plated finish, merging durability with a reflective shine that harkens back to the golden age of resonator guitars. This choice of material contributes significantly to its bright, punchy tone, characterized by a focused midrange and extended sustain. The solid construction promises years of reliable performance while retaining its iconic aesthetic.

A mahogany neck and an ivoroid-bound ebony fingerboard offer warmth and comfortable playability, while the slotted headstock and vintage-style National tuners provide tuning stability. The attention to detail extends from the meticulously designed T-bridge to the bone nut, ensuring that every aspect of this guitar meets the highest standards of craftsmanship. Whether you're a slide, fingerstyle, or rhythm player, the National Style 1 Tricone offers dynamic response and an unmistakable timbre that stands out from traditional acoustic guitars.

Key Features:

  • Brass body with nickel plating for distinctive tone and durability
  • Trio of 6" resonator cones for enhanced projection and clarity
  • Mahogany neck with ivoroid-bound ebony fingerboard for warmth and playability
  • Slotted headstock with vintage-style National tuners for precise tuning stability
  • Compensated T-bridge and bone nut for superior sound quality
  • Includes TKL hardshell case for secure transport and storage
Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1930 National Style 1 Tricone Resonator | Jonathan Stout at Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1930 National Style 1 Tricone Resonator | Jonathan Stout at Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1930 National Style 1 Tricone Resonator | Jonathan Stout at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for National Reso-Phonic Style 1 Tricone 'German Silver': Acoustic Centre by Acoustic Centre

National Reso-Phonic Style 1 Tricone 'German Silver': Acoustic Centre

Acoustic Centre

Acoustic Centre

Video thumbnail for Slide on my 1931 National Style 1 Tricone (roundneck) by snakehips81

Slide on my 1931 National Style 1 Tricone (roundneck)

snakehips81

snakehips81

Video thumbnail for The National Reso-Phonic Style 1 Tricone: Acoustic Centre by Acoustic Centre

The National Reso-Phonic Style 1 Tricone: Acoustic Centre

Acoustic Centre

Acoustic Centre

Video thumbnail for National Resophonic Style 1 Tricone Resonator Guitar by FullersGuitar

National Resophonic Style 1 Tricone Resonator Guitar

FullersGuitar

FullersGuitar

Video thumbnail for National Style 1 Tricone German Silver | Nick Brightwell presents by Studio 1 Vintage Guitars

National Style 1 Tricone German Silver | Nick Brightwell presents

Studio 1 Vintage Guitars

Studio 1 Vintage Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about National Style 1 Tricone.

Setup and maintenance

  • String gauge impacts volume; 12s are considered too light, with 16-59 nickel wound recommended for optimal downforce and volume.

    Source
  • Correct string winding on the slotted headstock prevents friction and finish damage; E strings should be wound to the inside per National Resophonic's guidance.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Tricone bridge design includes a steel T that connects three aluminum cones, contributing to its unique tonal characteristics.

    Source

Build quality

  • Nickel finishes can develop irreversible chemical hazing if exposed to sweat, requiring vigilant maintenance to preserve appearance.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to the Style O, the Tricone is described as more rounded while the Style O delivers a drier, more immediate attack.

    Source

User experience

  • Transitioning to classical playing position is unexpectedly comfortable, though the T-style bridge may require adaptation for some players.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Known for rich overtones and mechanical amplification, it delivers a sound 2-3 times louder than a standard acoustic guitar.

    Source

Critic Reviews

National Style 1 Tricone - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jack White uses National Style 1 Tricone

Jack White

Singer, Guitarist

The Raconteurs

...
Verified via YouTube

During his appearance on "Live From Here" Jack can be seen playing a National Style 1 tricone resonator guitar. There is somewhat of a closeup at around the 3:40 mark in the video of "Carolina Drama."

See how Jason Newsted uses National Style 1 Tricone

Jason Newsted

Bassist

Metallica

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "Jason Newsted Is Selling Some Incredible Gear From His Career | Official Jason Newsted Reverb Shop" by Reverb on YouTube, Jason Newsted's collection includes a National Style 1 Tricone resonator guitar. The headstock of the guitar is visible at 0:24, and Newsted later showcases it at 7:30.

See how Henry Bogdan uses National Style 1 Tricone

Henry Bogdan

Bassist

Helmet

...
Verified via Googleusercontent

After Henry Bogdan left Helmet, he went on to play lap steel guitar. He can be seen with one here.

See how Hisham Farouq uses National Style 1 Tricone

Hisham Farouq

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via Instagram

Hisham Farouq uses the National Style 1 Tricone to create distinctive twangy night sounds, as seen on Instagram.

Album Usage

The National Style 1 Tricone has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use National Style 1 Tricone, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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