1931 National Duolian Roundneck 12 Fret Steel Body Single Cone Resonator Acoustic Guitar w/ Case

Up for sale, a 1931 National Duolian vintage single cone resonator, fully serviced and complete with a hardshell case. This very early steel-bodied, 12 fret roundneck model retains its original cone and biscuit, benefitting from a professional neck reset, fret level of the original bar frets, and a new maple saddle on the stock biscuit. A lightweight, steel-bodied design with flat-cut F holes, this National has exquisite projection and bark with a sound that’s equal parts cutting and sweet. The guitar weighs only 7lbs 2oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar with comfortable action and phosphor bronze 12-53 strings.The deep mahogany neck splits the difference between a V shape and a Deep U, offering ample substance and lightly rolled fretboard edges, measuring .930" deep at the 1st fret and 1.135" at the 9th. The ebonized maple fingerboard retains the original bar frets which have been leveled and crowned, and action is set at a comfortable middle ground for fretting and slide work. The guitar plays well up the 25" scale, and the original ebony nut measures a full 1 3/4" in width. The slotted headstock retains the original open-gear tuning machines, and the stock tuners still function as intended. The "National Duolian" name is stamped on the headstock face, with the serial number on the top headstock edge.The original spun cone is in great shape and rings like a bell. The stock biscuit is stamped with a single patent number (other patents pending), fitted with a new maple saddle. The nickel tailpiece is ostensibly a later replacement of the correct vintage style, given it's gleaming plating. The original frosted Duco finish was stripped from the body long ago, with some scuff marks on the body presumably from when the stripping occurred, and some additional spots of oxidation and light wear consistent with age. There is one ding in the steel on the upper bout bass-side edge on top adjacent to the neck, and minor marks scattered along the mahogany neck profile, yet nothing distracting or affecting performance.A modern black tolex hardshell case is included