Duolian? Triolian?

Greg Vincent · From: Folsom, CA USA

Hi non-pedalers!

Dobro question for y'all:

What do the terms "duolian" & "triolian" mean? I know they describe types of resonator guitars, but what makes a guitar a duolian or a triolian? How are they different? Are they different???

-Confused pedal steeler in L.A.

Brad Bechtel · From: San Francisco, CA

Here's a description of both the Duolian and Triolian models with pictures of one of each.

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Brad's Page of Steel
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars

Greg Vincent · From: Folsom, CA USA

Cool site, Brad, thanks!

So those are just nonsense words that National made up as names for various models of their guitars?

I notice that they are usually capitalized, whereas a more descriptive name like "tricone" often is not. Are Duolian & Triolian perhaps names of persons / places? -GV

[This message was edited by Greg Vincent on 26 October 2005 at 02:58 PM.]

[This message was edited by Greg Vincent on 26 October 2005 at 02:59 PM.]

[This message was edited by Greg Vincent on 27 October 2005 at 09:04 AM.]

Dana Duplan · From: Ramona, CA

But...to muddy things up, Dobro, as well as National has used those model names. I believe when the new National Resophonic company started, they had a Duolian model, but Dobro claimed dibs on it. So, are you looking at a vintage National Duo/Trio? If so, Bob Brozman's book is a great resource. If you're looking for a newer Dobro, sorry, I can't be of any help.
DD

Mike D · From: Phx, Az

The Triolian was the first wood bodied guitar that National came out with. The 'Tri' originally stood for tricone, which the first few (6-12 or so IIRC) had before they switched to a single cone and finally to the steel body.
Even though the Triolian was a budget model they eventually went down another step to the Duolian which had no fingerboard binding a mahogany neck instead of maple and a cheaper body finish.
Ironically the Duolians typically command more money today.

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Half-assed bottleneck and lap slide player. Full-assed Builder of resonator instruments.

Russ Young · From: Seattle, Washington, USA

www.notecannons.com is another good National resource.

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