National Tricone Style 4

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 26 Mar 2009 1:20 pm

I picked this beauty up at the Dallas show.....it's near mint....1928

now if I could only play half as well as Mike Neer....that would be 50% better than how I play now......

Twayn Williams · Post by **Twayn Williams** » 26 Mar 2009 1:31 pm

Russ Tkac · Post by **Russ Tkac** » 26 Mar 2009 1:35 pm

Well Howard. There are some guys that can play and then some that rent them the instruments!

John Dahms · Post by **John Dahms** » 26 Mar 2009 1:46 pm

You casually say "picked up". That must have set you back a pot of gold.
Few and far between and beautiful to boot.

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 26 Mar 2009 2:15 pm

John Dahms wrote:You casually say "picked up". That must have set you back a pot of gold.
Few and far between and beautiful to boot.

Well,....this was something that came about at the last minute and incidental with regard to a project in the works with Carroll Benoit....I know, I'm being rather vague.....but I'll explain in detail when the finished project is unveiled here in the near future......

I'll put it this way.....I couldn't NOT buy it.....

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 26 Mar 2009 2:43 pm

if I could only play half as well as Mike Neer....that would be 50% better than how I play now......

It's okay Howard, playing steel is 90% mental. The other half is physical.

Edward Meisse · Post by **Edward Meisse** » 26 Mar 2009 3:49 pm

Aman of your experience and with your guitar collection ought to be able to play Neerly as well, eh?

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 26 Mar 2009 4:03 pm

Oh, my lord. I'm in awe. I always wanted one of those!

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 26 Mar 2009 6:16 pm

Mike Neer wrote:Oh, my lord. I'm in awe. I always wanted one of those!

Mike,....I'd swap you this guitar in a New York minute for your musical talent.....

Scott Thomas · Post by **Scott Thomas** » 26 Mar 2009 6:29 pm

A Style 4--that is just stunning. Wow. Thanks for sharing those gorgeous pics!

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 26 Mar 2009 6:47 pm

HowardR wrote:
Mike Neer wrote:Oh, my lord. I'm in awe. I always wanted one of those!

Mike,....I'd swap you this guitar in a New York minute for your musical talent.....

Deal, when can I pick it up.

Really, congrats, that's a real beauty!

Dan Eason · Post by **Dan Eason** » 26 Mar 2009 6:48 pm

It is great to see that Howard is finally picking up some nice stuff.

And he is far too humble about his playing, as we all know. Thanks for those beautiful photos. Very few things are that breathtaking after 80 years!!

AJ Azure · Post by **AJ Azure** » 26 Mar 2009 6:49 pm

Doug Beaumier wrote:
if I could only play half as well as Mike Neer....that would be 50% better than how I play now......
It's okay Howard, playing steel is 90% mental. The other half is physical.

you tryin to say Howard is 90% mental..? ehehe

Rick Alexander · Post by **Rick Alexander** » 27 Mar 2009 12:50 am

Howard was kind enough to let me take it for a test run, and believe me - this Tricone has the mojo.

It's in unbelievable condition - it's looks like it's almost new . .

Fontaine Burnett · Post by **Fontaine Burnett** » 27 Mar 2009 2:41 am

I think that's the most beautiful tricone I've ever seen. I had a 1928 style one a few years back but I sold it... still kicking myself for that one

Alan Brookes · Post by **Alan Brookes** » 27 Mar 2009 6:36 am

Wow ! I'm in envy !

...now put it back in the case before it gets dusty and you have to spend an hour polishing it....

Fred Kinbom · Post by **Fred Kinbom** » 27 Mar 2009 7:14 am

Beautiful! And in such great condition!

Steve Branscom · Post by **Steve Branscom** » 27 Mar 2009 5:14 pm

Simply stunning. I can see how it sucked you in. An excellent purchase.

John Billings · Post by **John Billings** » 28 Mar 2009 9:31 am

"with regard to a project in the works with Carroll Benoit..."

Now Howard! Ya already let that shoe drop elsewhere!

Robert Salomone · Post by **Robert Salomone** » 29 Mar 2009 12:46 pm

Judging from the headstock overlay I'd say that National tricome is from 1930, the ones from '28 had plain wood no covering. Beautiful instrument!

Here's my 1930 Style 3

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 29 Mar 2009 2:39 pm

Robert Salomone wrote:Judging from the headstock overlay I'd say that National tricome is from 1930, the ones from '28 had plain wood no covering. Beautiful instrument!
]

That's good to know.......and very nice guitar.....

Eric Ebner · Post by **Eric Ebner** » 29 Mar 2009 6:04 pm

I got to play that guitar at the show and considered buying it myself but couldn't afford it. It's a nice one and in fine shape. I'm glad to see that it was Howard that took it home. I got to listen to Howard play some acoustic steel during the week and enjoyed his talent. Don't dare leave it in the case Howard!!! It's meant to be played

Robert Salomone · Post by **Robert Salomone** » 29 Mar 2009 6:39 pm

The serial number on my style 3 is S-2720 and Bob Brozman placed it around June 1930. Usually the serial numbers are located right below the endpin, or in some cases stamped into the wood on the edge of the headstock.
It's interesting to note that many of these ornate and expensive instruments were built during the height of The Great Depression. If I remember correctly the price on the Style 4 was just under
$200. when new.
It's amazing that considering the amount of time that went into building and engraving, along with the rarity of the engeved models that they don't command more in the vintage market.

The Steel Guitar Forum

National Tricone Style 4

National Tricone Style 4

Yikes!!!!