National Triolian Model Resophonic Ukulele (1930), made in Los Angeles, serial # 228, Polychrome enamel with stenciling finish, steel body, basswood neck, black chipboard case.
This 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.
The 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!
Overall 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.
