Acoustic Guitar Magazine | 6 years ago
Prior to the advent of electrified instruments, guitarists struggled to be heard in ensemble settings. So in 1927, when John Dopyera first introduced the National Tricone—a guitar with three internal resonating cones to project its sound—blues and Hawaiian lap-steel players, especially, quickly adopted these 12-fret instruments (14-fret guitars did appear several years later, but only in single-cone models) for their volume and tone.
Since Don Young and McGregor Gaines revived the National brand in the late 1980s, National Reso-Phonic Guitars has provided musicians with that sought-after tone, while also evolving the playability of its instruments to accommodate the modern musician. The M-1 Tricone, introduced a few years back, provided a much lighter-weight option with a body made from mahogany, rather than brass or steel. Cutaways have also become common to National’s stable of guitars in the past two decades. Now we have National’s first 14-fret cutaway tricone, the T-14, which should have resonator enthusiasts’ interests piqued.
If you have ever played a guitar from National, you won’t be surprised by the quality of the workmanship on the T-14—it’s excellent. But, if you only think of them as blues guitars, you might be surprised how this guitar feels and plays and how it might be a good match for many different playing situations. National also offers an optional pickup system that will increase your performance flexibility. For a bit more you can also order the T-14 in brass or German silver. The provided hardshell case is of good quality and should protect your instrument for years to come.
FULL REVIEW: acousticguitar.com/gear-review-national-t-14-cutaway
