The National Style 2.5 Tricone Squareneck, or ‘Style Two and a Half’ is very close to the Style 2, with just a rose engraving on coverplate’s hand rest making the difference. Introduced in 1927, the Style 2 was the top of the National line, with a  brass body with nickel plating. The wooden components, such as the headstock, are Mahogany, except for the Ebony fingerboard.

National Resophonic guitars were a radical, major innovation in musical instrument design. As audiences and venues grew in size, it was necessary to increase instrument volumes. At the time, the other likely instrument on the bandstand was the banjo, not a quiet competitor. As the Marshall Stack was unthinkable at the time, innovators like George Beauchamp sought out builders like John Dopyera to solve the problem using spun aluminum cones. The resulting designs were successful, and the National Musical Instrument Company was formed in Los Angeles; some metal parts were made in Adolph Rickenbacker machine shop. Over time, this arrangement fractured and the DoBro (Dopyera Brothers) company split off. The modern National Reso-Phonic Guitar company of San Luis Obispo offers a modern version of the Style 2.

At the time of production, Hawaiian music was enjoying great popularity throughout North America, and square neck models like this were offered as well as round-neck versions. The rose engraving visible on the hand rest identifies it as a Style 2 1/2, or 2.5.

This National Style 2 and a Half tricone squareneck is in good, largely original condition, and is completely playable. The nickel plating is very clean, with no real oxidization, corrosion or denting. It plays well, and sounds great – it is unmistakable when played. These are built to fill a room and successfully compete with banjos.

This is a wonderful piece, with a warm, very full sound.

The original hard shell case is included.