1931 National Style 3 Single Cone Tenor Four String Guitar w' Calton Flight Case Lilly of the Valley

This 1931 National Style 3 Single Cone Tenor Guitar is a very rare find! Style 3 “lily-of-the-valley” pattern National instruments are highly demanded collectible pieces! In their four string guitar line the 3 pattern was the top-of-the-line model made for professionals.

The Style 3 was the only national model that went through a series of larger engraving style changes. This lovely tenor guitar features a distinct version of the engraving pattern on its front, with slight variations on the back as well. 

The National tenor is one of the very few guitars that can sonically compete with 4-string banjos in terms of volume while offering that lovely resonant tone. It’s currently in "Irish" G-D-A-E tenor tuning. But it's also excellent in the trad. jazz tenor C-G-D-A, or "Chicago" style D-G-B-E guitar tunings. These were not in production for very long and are rare, wonderful, and versatile instruments for the four-string player and the guitarist or mandolin player who doubles!

Overall length: 35" (88.9 cm.)
Width: 12 3/4" (32.39 cm.)
Body Depth: 3 1/4" (8.25 cm.)
Scale length: 22 3/4" (577.85 mm.)
Nut Width: 1 3/16" (30.15 mm)
Serial Number: 895

This rare tenor guitar is in lovely shining mostly original shape. It is largely free of dents except for a shallow ding on the back on the bass side. There are some light abrasions and scratches throughout from normal use, including some finish wear in the picking area. We believe a pro refret was done prior to it coming in, as they appear relatively new, but fingerboard wear is present on the ebony as shown. It has two patent pending Planet pegs, which we believe to be original, and two well matching vintage Grover Pat pegs.

It comes with a custom made flight ready Calton brand road case(a $1500 value). It is set up well and ready to play ragtime, blues, jug band, or whatever music you can make with it. Only one... Better grab it!

Very Good Plus Condition (VG+)