{"title":"Other Ukuleles","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"national-triolian-resophonic-ukulele-1930-6465","title":"National Triolian Resophonic Ukulele (1930)","description":"National Triolian Model Resophonic Ukulele (1930), made in Los Angeles, serial # 228, Polychrome enamel with stenciling finish, steel body, basswood neck, black chipboard case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a well-worn but very vibey example of a rather rare early large-body Polychrome Triolian Ukulele from National in Los Angeles California. Even though this model was at the bottom of the company's line it still cost a whopping $25 which in 1930 was more than even most fancy wooden ukes. The multi-color mustard-hued \"Polychrome\" enamel finish is overlaid with a black-and red stenciled Hawaiian sunset scene on the back. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe steel body is the older larger size introduced in 1929, replaced with a smaller version by National around late 1930. This instrument one of the earliest series of Trioloan ukes, only in production for a little over a year in this style. The square-cut peg head mounts high-quality friction tuners with grained viroid buttons, and an unbound painted fingerboard has a simple painted-on dot inlay. There are not many things in this world with a higher \"Cool Quotient\" than an original National Ukulele!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 24 in. (61 cm.), 7 3\/4 in. (19.7 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 3\/4 in. (7 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 15 in. (381 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1\/4 in. (32 mm.). This early Triolian ukulele has seen a lot of use, but remains an excellent playing old National, with a great sound. There is a lot of finish loss to the coverplate, the edges of the body and some wear to the lower positions on the fingerboard. There is a fairly substantial dent to the body side on the lower treble bout's seam with the back, and a more subtle dent to the topby the bass side of the coverplate. The \"Triolian\" decal is missing-there is actually no remaining sign there was even one there (this can be replaced with a reproduction if desired). Not the cleanest old National uke we have had, but just about the best playing one. Overall Very Good + Condition.","brand":"National","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853010948236,"sku":"6465","price":2250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_31bb538d-2b24-425f-93e2-d644496ac06a.jpg?v=1774330541"},{"product_id":"national-triolian-resonator-ukulele-1930-1463","title":"National Triolian Resonator Ukulele (1930)","description":"National Triolian Model Resonator Ukulele (1930), made in Los Angeles, brown sunburst finish, steel body, black tolex hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOriginal Triolian ukulele from National in California, costing a whopping $25 in 1930, which was more than even most fancy wooden ukes. \"Walnut\" (two-tone brown) finished steel body is the older larger size, making this 1930-31 instrument one of the last built this way before National reduced the uke body size in 1931.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSquare-cut peghead has National logo with \"Triolian\" banner in shield, friction tuners with celluloid buttons, and bound dark-stained fingerboard with pearl dot inlay. There are not many things in this world with a higher \"cool quotient\" than an original National ukulele.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 22 1\/2 in. (57.2 cm.), 7 in. (17.8 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 1\/4 in. (5.7 cm.) in depth at side. Scale length is 13 3\/4 in. (349 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSet up to play excellently; has seen considerable use with substantial finish wear primarily to the \"strummed\" area of the face. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEvidence of extra screwholes in the headstock and slots in nut suggest someone added two more strings at some point, but they are gone, leaving only minor traces. Otherwise all original including original cone but with newer saddle�sounds great with new \"National\" pseudo-gut Uke strings. Comes with c.1950's hardshell tenor uke case. Very Good + Condition.","brand":"National","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853031690380,"sku":"1463","price":2250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_9e4c00a3-7adc-4776-946b-869c7fb7542c.jpg?v=1774331238"},{"product_id":"national-triolian-resophonic-ukulele-1933-3175","title":"National Triolian Resophonic Ukulele (1933)","description":"National Triolian Model Resophonic Ukulele (1933), made in Los Angeles, California, \"frosted duco\" crystaline paint finish, steel body, basswood neck with ebonized maple fingerboard. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHere is yet another exquisitely rare instrument�a 1933 \"B\" series Triolian Ukulele with the unusual green crystalline finish peculiar to this specific batch of Nationals. The wild, almost Art Nouveau look of of the swirling green metallic paint on these instruments is certainly unique�rather like an abstract painted jungle. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe very rare \"B\" series instruments were issued in 1933 and seem to number up to 100 or so. This uke is numbered 01 B and is actually the very first in the series! We have never seen another \"B\" series ukulele�the other documented examples are 6-string guitars and 4-string tenor guitars (see our stock #2897), and as far as we can tell no other \"B\" series uke has ever surfaced. This is also one of the best National ukuleles we have ever had, with a great sound.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 22 in. (55.9 cm.), 7 in. (17.8 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 1\/4 in. (5.7 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 13 7\/8 in. (352 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e100% original with only minor finish wear and chipping�plays and sounds extremely well. Excellent Condition.","brand":"National","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853197791372,"sku":"3175","price":3800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_45a24385-b7b4-492d-a08b-51d721c42e89.jpg?v=1774331806"},{"product_id":"national-style-1-resophonic-ukulele-1930-3434","title":"National Style 1 Resophonic Ukulele (1930)","description":"National Style 1 Model Resophonic Ukulele (1930), made in Los Angeles, California, nickel plated finish, German silver body, mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 24 1\/2 in. (62.2 cm.), 7 3\/4 in. (19.7 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 3\/4 in. (7 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 15 in. (381 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5\/16 in. (33 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA great-playing and sounding example of this rare Uke; there is some fairly heavy scratching to the top and back and one noticeable dent in the back, but finish is still shiny. Three out of 4 tuners are original and the fourth is a close match; there are screwholes in the back of the peghead from an old geared tuner installation. National logo decal is about 75% intact. Original cone and saddle, newer ebony nut. Includes the original hard case, worn but in serviceable condition. Very Good + Condition.","brand":"National","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853206114444,"sku":"3434","price":3800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_54aa3682-01a9-448d-9d2a-d93fd5f189bf.jpg?v=1774331984"},{"product_id":"national-polychrome-triolian-resophonic-ukulele-1930-3512","title":"National Polychrome Triolian Resophonic Ukulele (1930)","description":"National Polychrome Triolian Model Resophonic Ukulele, c. 1930, made in Los Angeles, California, Polychrome enamel with stenciling finish, steel body, basswood neck. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a fabulous example of a rather rare Polychrome Triolian Ukulele from National in California. Even though this model was at the bottom of the company's line, it still cost a whopping $25, which in 1930 was more than even most fancy wooden ukes. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe multi-color \"Polychrome\" enamel finish is overlaid with a stenciled Hawaiian sunset on the back. The steel body is the new smaller size introduced by National around late 1930, making this instrument one of the earliest in this style. The square-cut peghead has the National logo with \"Triolian\" banner in shield, friction tuners with celluloid buttons, and bound painted fingerboard with pearl dot inlay. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere are not many things in this world with a higher \"cool quotient\" than an original National Ukulele, and this is a particularly nice one.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 22 3\/16 in. (56.4 cm.), 7 in. (17.8 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 1\/4 in. (5.7 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 13 3\/4 in. (349 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5\/16 in. (33 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e100% original and very clean overall with only small finish chipping on the edges and very light play wear to the fingerboard...easily the nicest Polychrome Triolian Uke we have ever seen! Excellent + Condition.","brand":"National","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853210767500,"sku":"3512","price":3400.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_f5977c29-ccad-43bd-b07b-5d96372f33f6.jpg?v=1774332047"},{"product_id":"harmony-roy-smeck-vita-uke-ukulele-1929-2751","title":"Harmony Roy Smeck Vita-Uke Ukulele (1929)","description":"Harmony Roy Smeck Vita-Uke Model Ukulele, c. 1929, made in Chicago, natural lacquer finish, mahogany body and neck, spruce top, rosewood fingerboard, original black chipboard case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 1928 Roy Smeck-endorsed \"Vita\" line was one of Harmony's most whimsical creations, but were also fairly high-grade instruments, and the endorsement was a major promotional coup for the company. The series encompassed a guitar, tenor guitar, plectrum guitar, mandolin, and ukulele all of similar eccentric design with a distinctive body outline and seal-shaped f-holes, for reasons lost to history! They all feature fancy flamed mahogany bodies with spruce tops, and the guitars had the patented Harmony Aero-Bridge, shaped vaguely like an airplane. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Vita-Uke was by far the most popular, sold well into the 1930's after the rest of the line had passed into history. The headstock decal reads \"Roy Smeck\" \"Vita-Uke\" over a small Harmony \"H\" in a diamond. This is still a fairly rare instrument; while the Vita-Uke proved popular, not that many have survived in good playable condition. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a very good-sounding instrument notwithstanding its rather eccentric design, and a good-playing example.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 21 5\/8 in. (54.9 cm.), 8 in. (20.3 cm.) width, and 2 1\/4 in. (5.7 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 13 7\/8 in. (352 mm.). Width of nut is 1 7\/16 in. (36 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNice original condition overall with no alterations but some average wear, most visibly into the top finish from strumming near the fingerboard down over the \"seal\" f-holes. The back shows some scuffs and scrapes as well, and the bridge has been visibly reglued. There are a couple of well-sealed back cracks, quite solid but visibly touched-up. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis Vita-Uke is a bit worn in but a very good player, complete with the even rarer original heavy chipboard case. Very Good + Condition.","brand":"Harmony","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853293605004,"sku":"2751","price":650.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_73ad54e7-15f7-4822-be86-ea27c28ecbb2.jpg?v=1774333387"},{"product_id":"national-triolian-resonator-ukulele-1931-7375","title":"National Triolian Resonator Ukulele (1931)","description":"National Triolian Model Resonator Ukulele (1931), made in Los Angeles, serial # 610, brown sunburst enamel finish, steel body, polpar neck with ebonized fingerboard, black hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a very nice example of the original Triolian Ukulele from National in California, the plainest resonator uke but still costing a whopping $25 in 1931 which was more than even most fancy wooden ukes. The \"Walnut\" (two-tone brown) finished steel body is the newer smaller style, making this instrument one of the first built after National reduced the uke body size in 1931. The small square-cut peghead has National logo with a \"Triolian\" banner in shield, and mounts friction tuners with celluloid buttons. The bound dark-stained fingerboard has pearl dot inlay. There are not many things in this world with a higher \"Cool Quotient\" than an original National Ukulele, and this is one of the nicer ones we have had.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 22 1\/2 in. (57.2 cm.), 7 in. (17.8 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 1\/4 in. (5.7 cm.) in depth at side. Scale length is 13 3\/4 in. (349 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSome general wear overall, but the enamel finish is better preserved than many of these with mostly chips to the edges and some wear to the handrest. The fingerboard binding and the nut have been replaced (with the correct grained ivoroid) but there are no other repairs evident. Everything else is original including cone, biscuit, and tuners, and even the fragile National shield decal is well-preserved. This one is a lovely player and has the expected great sound. Excellent - Condition.","brand":"National","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853316182156,"sku":"7375","price":2975.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_64cc3acd-929e-4003-a080-125247b6cc8a.jpg?v=1774334356"},{"product_id":"national-style-1-tricone-resophonic-ukulele-1928-9853","title":"National Style 1 Tricone Resophonic Ukulele (1928)","description":"National Style 1 Tricone Model Resophonic Ukulele (1928), made in Los Angeles, serial # 136, nickel plated finish, German silver body, mahogany neck, Macassar ebony fingerboard, black rigid foam case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is simply an exceptionally rare National, one of only a handful known to exist. The original Style 1 Tricone Ukulele is an important historical artifact as well as an exceptional and most unusual musical instrument. Less than 60 of this type of small-body instrument are believed to have been made by the recently-established National company of Los Angeles in 1928, and the majority were built to an 8-string mandolin configuration. This Style 1 Ukulele is one of only six or seven known extant examples of the 4-string variant. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe National String Instrument Corporation's first products, released in 1927, were German silver bodied Tricone Spanish and Hawaiian guitars. By 1928 National was already successful enough to expand the line to include mandolins, tenor and plectrum guitars and ukuleles all using the same triple-resonator system. The smaller dimensions of these bodies made assembly a complex and difficult procedure; around 60 serial numbers in, the mandolins and ukuleles were redesigned to use single-cone resonators. The mandolins kept this eccentric body shape while the ukes were changed to a smaller conventionally-waisted body. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis Style 1 carries serial #136, so is officially the 36th one built. The German silver body has three small cones fitted in a well in a triangle pattern under the tri-armed bridge that activates them. The oddly-shaped body is topped by a round coverplate with small screen holes in the face. The mahogany neck has a bound ebony fingerboard with pearl dot inlay. The heavy tailpiece is more typical of a mandolin than ukulele and was shared with tenor and plectrum guitars. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNational's success with Hawaiian musicians made offering a ukulele a no-brainer, but this first attempt was very large and much heavier than a conventional wooden uke. It likely seemed awkward to most ukulele players, although possibly less so for mandolinists. The subsequent more conventional smaller single-cone metal body ukes proved middlingly popular, but National's ongoing success largely rested with resonator guitars. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis instrument was factory customized for the original owner, with the name \"PERCY FRAZER\" neatly engraved in large block letters on the bass side of the body, where at least he would see it while playing! Despite being cataloged as a ukulele it is strung with steel strings tuned in 4-string mandolin format, which appears to be what Percy requested as the original nut is configured that way. The instrument could be adapted to traditional uke tuning with either gut or metal strings if desired. It has a very powerful sound in this mode, sweeter than one might expect with considerable carrying power. John Dopyera's personal instrument was set up the same way, so perhaps Percy was a friend of his and requested a similar instrument!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 26 1\/8 in. (66.4 cm.), 12 3\/4 in. (32.4 cm.) width, and 2 1\/2 in. (6.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 15 in. (381 mm.). Width of nut is 1 7\/16 in. (36 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe instrument is structurally sound and remains in mostly original condition. The tuning pegs are 1920s Weymann tuners of a type sometimes seen on Nationals of this period, but are not original to this instrument. There were guitar style pegs installed previously, leaving a few small holes on the back of the headstock that could be restored with some touch-up if desired. The nickel plated finish has a moderate level of tarnish overall, and the body shows some small dents and light scratching mostly on the back. The decal is under the lacquer topcoat and has a bit of pulling up off the wood but none of it has flaked away. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The instrument plays and sounds excellent as currently configured in 4-string mandolin tuning with steel strings. It could be set up in ukulele tuning with nylon or gut strings minor alterations to the nut and saddle if desired, but this steel string 5ths tuning appears to be what it left the factory with. While it shows some general wear and tear this is a fine example of an exceptionally rare product of the original National company in Los Angeles. Overall Excellent - Condition.","brand":"National","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853383291020,"sku":"9853","price":7500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_158ae71e-ea0b-4bf7-8478-9098f168c14a.jpg?v=1774336845"},{"product_id":"national-triolian-resonator-ukulele-1931-10078","title":"National Triolian Resonator Ukulele (1931)","description":"National Triolian Model Resonator Ukulele (1931), made in Los Angeles, serial # 373, brown sunburst finish, steel body, maple neck with ebonized fingerboard, black hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a well-worn but great playing and sounding original Triolian ukulele from National in California, made just as the depression was really kicking in. This steel-bodied rarity cost a whopping $25 in 1930, which was a considerable sum at the time and more than even most fancy wooden ukes. The \"Walnut\" (two-tone brown) finished steel single-cone body is the second smaller pattern, marking this 1931 instrument as one of the first built this way after National reduced their uke body size in 1931.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe square-cut peghead on the maple neck has a National logo with a \"Triolian\" banner in a shield on the face and is fitted with celluloid button friction tuners. The bound dark-stained \"ebonized\" fingerboard has small dot inlay and a bone nut. There are not many things in this world with a higher \"cool quotient\" than an original National ukulele; this one is fairly well worn but still plays and sounds great.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 22 1\/2 in. (57.2 cm.), 7 in. (17.8 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 1\/4 in. (5.7 cm.) in depth at side. Scale length is 13 3\/4 in. (349 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1\/4 in. (32 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis metal-body uke has seen considerable use, but remains an excellent player. There is substantial finish wear primarily to the \"strummed\" area of the face, but nothing is chipping or flaking away further. The neck finish has some rubbed-away spots, but no major dings or dents, the back of the body is relatively clean. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn oddity is evidence of small plugged extra holes in the headstock and two slots in nut indicating someone added two more strings at some point. They are long gone, but left these minor traces. The ebony tailpiece has a chip off the back edge but is still fully functional. Otherwise the instrument remains original including the original cone and biscuit fitted with newer correct pattern saddle. This 90-year old National is set up to play excellently and sounds great with Aquila NylGut strings. It resides in a very nice 1950s era hardshell tenor uke case. Very Good + Condition.","brand":"National","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853410553996,"sku":"10078","price":2950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_39151978-dd92-45c3-a80c-3f26e027c27f.jpg?v=1774337970"},{"product_id":"national-triolian-resonator-ukulele-1932-9281","title":"National Triolian Resonator Ukulele (1932)","description":"National Triolian Model Resonator Ukulele, c. 1932, made in Los Angeles, serial # 650W, brown sunburst enamel re- finish, steel body, polpar neck with ebonized fingerboard, brown hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a restored but good playing example of an original Triolian Ukulele from National in California. The steel-bodied Triolian was the plainest resonator uke National offered but still cost a whopping $25 in Depression-era 1932, more than even most fancy wooden ukes. The \"Walnut\" (two-tone brown) finished steel body is the then-newer smaller style, making this instrument an early example built not long after National reduced the uke body size in 1931. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe small square-cut peghead has a replaced National logo shield decal and mounts spring-loaded friction tuners with celluloid buttons. The bound dark-stained \"ebonized\" fingerboard has pearl dot inlay. The tailpiece is a simple piece of stamped metal, not particularly elegant but much more functional than the earlier wooden piece, which often broke in service. There are not many things in this world with a higher \"Cool Quotient\" than an original National Ukulele; this one has been restored with a new enamel finish on the body but still looks and sounds great!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 22 in. (55.9 cm.), 7 in. (17.8 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 1\/4 in. (5.7 cm.) in depth at side. Scale length is 13 3\/4 in. (349 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5\/16 in. (33 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis uke shows some well-executed restoration and remains an excellent player. Most notably the body enamel has been re-done, an excellent factory-quality professional job but newer looking than a finish from 1932. The color is quite close to the original, which varied a lot from one example to another anyway. The neck finish and frets are original but the fingerboard has been rebound and the nut replaced. The National logo decal is a repro and has flaked somewhat at the top. The cone, biscuit, tailpiece, endpin, and tuners are all original and this uke still sounds as it should and is a delight to play. It includes a newer HSC. Restored to Excellent Condition.","brand":"National","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853503058060,"sku":"9281","price":1850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_99bfc63e-7bb3-4682-8faa-baaaeac9d647.jpg?v=1774340373"}],"url":"https:\/\/retrofret.com\/collections\/other-ukuleles.oembed","provider":"RetroFret","version":"1.0","type":"link"}