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Post new topic Inexpensive tri-cone?
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Author Topic:  Inexpensive tri-cone?
John Rosett


From:
Missoula, MT
Post  Posted 3 May 2019 11:23 am    
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The local music store has a 1928 National square neck tri-cone, and I really like how it sounds. Unfortunately for me, It's way out of my price range.
I really don't know a lot about these guitars. How close do some of the cheap(er) guitars, like Republic, Regal, etc. come to the tone of one of these vintage beauties?
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Nic Neufeld


From:
Kansas City, Missouri
Post  Posted 3 May 2019 4:56 pm    
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I love my Republic tricone. That's almost all I can say as while I've played a few resonators, including some from the 30s, I've never played a proper vintage National tricone. But as a player the Republic tricone has been a great instrument whose only failings have been ultimately derived from my own...ie, I feel like the instrument is at least on par with me. I've not progressed to a point where it would remotely hinder me as a musician. I have mine in C6, with a custom string gauge set.
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Joe Burke

 

From:
Toronto, Canada
Post  Posted 3 May 2019 5:42 pm    
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I also love tricones. An expert at The 12th Fret here in Toronto, compared the old National tricones to the Republic. He likes them both, but says the newer National tricones are the best.

I had a Republic and really liked it. I’ve recorded with it, and was very pleased. Then a used/newer National came up at the 12th Fret and I traded the Republic for it. I’m happier with the new one, but not sure in a recording if anyone could tell. In hindsight I wish I had them both.

Now I also have a 1989 2 1/2. Love it as well.

Overall, I believe the Republic is an excellent choice. It doesn’t sound at all like a beginner guitar.


Last edited by Joe Burke on 4 May 2019 5:48 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Sebastian Müller

 

From:
Berlin / Germany
Post  Posted 4 May 2019 12:51 am    
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You can't go wrong with a Republic, if you want to upgrade it put NRP cones in it, definitely worth it but the original cones are also not too bad.
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Erv Niehaus


From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
Post  Posted 4 May 2019 8:05 am    
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I also have a Republic and am happy with it. Very Happy
Erv

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