National Duolian Model Resophonic Guitar (1931), made in Los Angeles, California, "frosted duco" crystalline paint finish, steel body, mahogany neck, black tolex original chipboard case.
An early "C" series Duolian from the first production run, newly set up and ready to play. This particular guitar has a very light crystalline silver/green almost "frogskin" tone to the body finish, with a slightly darker coverplate. The "National Duolian" logo stamping on the headstock is slightly crooked�perhaps a sign of hurried production!
These were the least expensive resonator National; offered at $32.50 with a thin-gague steel body and minimal appointments, they may well have enabled the company to survive the onslaught of the Great Depression.
Despite the guitar's birth as an economy model (or perhaps because of it!), Duolians are considered one of the classic blues guitars of all time, and remain unsurpassed for an "authentic" slide and fingerpicked tone. This is a fine-playing example.
Overall length is 38 1/2 in. (97.8 cm.), 14 1/8 in. (35.9 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 1/4 in. (8.2 cm.) deep. Scale length is 25 in. (635 mm.).
General wear to finish, some scratching, edge wear to body, and playwear to back of neck. One medium-sized dent in bottom edge. Recently set up with a neck set and new ebony fingerboard and nut.
All other components original, including cone, biscuit, and tuners. Plays and sounds excellent! Very Good + Condition.
