National Tricone - Strings out of tune with itself

[Michael Messer]

Hi eridm,

It sounds to me like you have unsettled everything by taking the pressure off the cones. Taking apart and cleaning everything will only help if you know what you are doing when you put it back together.

I don't think you have a serious problem, but as a novice you might want to take it to a National guitar repairer.

Whereabouts in the world are you?

Shine On
Michael

[eridm]

Springfield, IL, USA. About 200 miles south of Chicago. 100 miles east of St. Louis, MO.

[Michael Messer]

I am going to be busy for a day or two, but When I get a moment I will find out your nearest National repairer.

Shine On
Michael

[eridm]

Thanks!

I've been looking and I think it may be St. Louis. That at least is the nearest dealer.

[Deleted]

I think the tremolo effect you are hearing is likely caused by two notes slightly out of tune...the nut also could be an issue? Do you notice and bow in the neck?. But as MM says you need to find someone that is experienced in setting up these instruments... Hw far are you from Elderly in Lansing MI? Shipping the instrument to the best place so should be considered.

[Deleted]

I'm going to guess its some sort of resonant frequency issue with the body or neck.
Many objects have resonant frequencies - bridges that start to swing at a certain wind speed, bottles when you blow down the neck etc. It may be that when you play a certain note, it starts a part of the body resonating out of proportion to the other vibrations.
To give you an idea about what could be done, occasionally when a highlander pick-up is installed, a tricone will feed-back - moving a mushroom post can sort it out. There is some info out there on the web if you think it might help.
If it was my guitar, I'd be tempted to move one (or more) of the posts. But you are not me, caveats apply etc...
TT