|
Post by hh1978 on Feb 1, 2018 20:48:57 GMT
Thanks!
I wouldn't have made such a nice catch without the help from all of you. I love this forum, so many knowledgeable and helpful people!
|
|
|
Post by creolian on Feb 1, 2018 23:59:49 GMT
I received the Triolian today. I didn't get much time to play, but it has definetly the sound I was looking for, and is even more beautiful than on the pictures. The action is low, the neck is straigth, and the neck angle looks pretty good, but I still will send it to Mike Lewis as it needs at least some fret job. I have a bad buzz on the wound strings on the 9th fret (only on that fret). Other than that it seems pretty perfect! First thing I'll do is changing the strings though, as they are very old. I guess it's better to change them one by one to avoid changing the tension too much? Hugues Congratulations on your new guitar. If you haven't already, yes change strings one by one working from the middle outward... It sounds like you may have a loose 9th fret allowing it to stand "proud" on the lower strings. Many resources on the Web regarding the issue. Might be a simple light tap to get it working for the present. I agree that bringing it to a pro is the right idea, but I'm a bad procrastinator and would be having a hard time taking her in for a fix without playing it for... One loose fret on a guitar of that vintage and I wouldn't be surprised if there are others in need of attention as wood is prone to shrinkage over time. With Envy, all best, Jeff
|
|
|
Post by hh1978 on Feb 5, 2018 20:09:25 GMT
Thanks Jeff, I'll bring it to Mike Lewis on next monday. I would feel nervous doing anything myself, even simple, to this old lady. Hopefully, if it is something minor, I'll get it back at the end of the day. If more work is required, I'll make another trip to Paris on the next week.
|
|
|
Post by hh1978 on Mar 1, 2018 19:57:48 GMT
I finally brought the Triolian to Mike Lewis on tuesday. It's still at his workshop as there is a buzz which cause isn't identified yet, but I had to write something here about how sweet Mike is. I spent the whole day with him as he tried to fix the guitar, so I would be able bring it back to Brussels the same day, even though we had made arrangement on phone that I would bring the Triolian and come back to Paris on another day to pick it up. We talked a lot, about National guitars, his own instruments, Musicians... I didn't see the time go by. It was also very educative as he cared to explain everything he was doing to my guitar. He also proposed that I'd try his own National and the instruments he has in stock. Mike is not only a great luthier, he's also the nicest gentleman I ever met.
Hugues
|
|
|
Post by Michael Messer on Mar 1, 2018 21:19:36 GMT
Hi Hugues, I spoke with Mike on the phone yesterday. He told me all about your guitar and about that darn buzz. Don't worry, when you get your Triolian back it will be superb. Shine On Michael.
|
|
|
Post by hh1978 on Mar 1, 2018 22:06:41 GMT
Actually, I was with Mike when you called him on tuesday I'm sure it will be fantastic! It already sounds really great despite of the buzz. Mike has 3 metal body triolians in his workshop. We both agreed that mine sounds close to his best one. So again, thanks for the advice on buying. Your help was really precious! By the way, I always thought I didn't care about dobros, then I tried one of Mike's Fine Resophonic. What a sweet sounding and inspiring instrument! I felt shy besides the master, so my playing was kind of messy, but I really fell in love with the sound and feel of that guitar. Hugues
|
|
|
Post by pascal on Mar 2, 2018 20:34:41 GMT
Your Polychrome is a lovely guitar, said Mike.
|
|
|
Post by hh1978 on Mar 2, 2018 21:09:38 GMT
Hi Pascal, Yes, I could feel he likes it, and I think I'm really lucky considering the number of wonderful National he has played. His own late 1930 Walnut is a wonderful guitar too. I learned more on vintage National during the few hours I spent with him than during the rest of my life. I was even lucky enough to play a perfectly straight bakelite neck Triolian! Well, honestly I didn't like the feel of that neck very much, but it was really interesting to play such a piece of history. I spoke with Mike on the phone this afternoon, he got rid of the buzz I won't be able to go back to Paris before 2 weeks, but my guitar is in very good hands. And while I'm impatient to get it back, I'm probably even more impatient to see Mike again. Hugues
|
|
|
Post by 1928triolian on Mar 10, 2018 15:46:57 GMT
Hi hh1978, so glad you found such a beauty!
I've had about 30 Nationals, and found that the early, 3pc body Triolians are the very best sounding, together with some wood Triolians. Now I got only one Nat: 482 W, and it sounds incredible. Plus, you've been serviced by Mike, a genius, a true gentleman and a dear friend to me.
Enjoy!
|
|
|
Post by hh1978 on Mar 10, 2018 23:19:51 GMT
Hi 1928triolian,
I totally agree about Mike! I'll see him again on tuesday, and I'm very impatient. So much to learn from him!
As for the triolian, I already know it's a guitar I will cherish until the end of my days. I'm sure yours sounds fantastic too!
Hugues
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 10, 2018 23:50:12 GMT
Speaking of Mike I recently sent him an email asking for some information about a guitar of mine that he'd worked on eighteen months ago,before I owned it. He replied with all the information I'd requested and also sent some pictures of work in progress. Great luthier,great guy and great memory! Thank you Mike.
|
|
|
Post by alexandre on Mar 12, 2018 21:13:41 GMT
Hello from France, Hugues... I just discovered your post and it takes me back to my encounter with 184w... ... Something like seven years ago I've sent it quickly to Mike after receiving it: a neck stick scoliosis has been fixed & it became a hell of a guitar (tonefull AND playable)! This 3 pieces body is not always so easy to control (as they got some much volume, reverb, sustain & growl to offer), but what a deep & full tone !
Here are some little vids I've made after receiving it from Mike... The playing is not spectacular & the video/sound quality is very poor, but check that tone while played softly without picks...
Best wishes, your new guitar will surely makes you happy very soon !!
|
|
|
Post by 1928triolian on Mar 14, 2018 16:03:23 GMT
Hi Alexandre! Yes, 3pc body early Triolians have plenty of volume and fullness of tone. Here's me in a Skip James' punk cover... video-1465022331 1.mp4 (901.56 KB)
|
|
|
Post by hh1978 on Mar 14, 2018 19:29:46 GMT
Hi Alexandre, I had seen your videos before I bought my Triolian Your description is spot on. Full tone, plenty of volume, reverb, overtones... That said, it seems to apply to some 2pc Triolians too, Mike has one that sounds very similar to mine. A friend of mine has another (2180W), that sounds nothing the same. It has a beautiful sound, but less volume, and especially less low mids and bass. I went to see Mike again yesterday, I learned a lot again and spent a wonderful day in his workshop. My Triolian plays perfectly now! And what a wonderful guitar it is! Playing Mike's guitars, I must admit I also fell in love with wooden Triolians. Wonderful instruments!
|
|
|
Post by linkous on Mar 15, 2018 8:42:19 GMT
Can someone tell me the difference between a 2 piece and 3 piece resophonic body, please?
Thanks!
|
|