Duolian Advice

[trash116]

Hi everyone,

(I've split my original post in two)

I've come back onto the forum after many years of absence (i got side-tracked from playing slide & guitar into making other styles of music). I've still got my MM Lightning but I have a hankering to get the 12 fret Duolian I always wanted, after picking back up my guitar.

Couple of questions;

1) What would the prices likely to be for 12 fret duolian, i know condition, originality etc will effect price - but was just after a guideline

2) I've found some in the USA, but I'm just abit cautious about buying something blind from the states - has anyone done this, or have any advice


I've enjoyed catching up on posts (not all of them --- there's years worth)
Thanks in advance
M

[bonzo]

Hi M, just from watching for my own interest, I would say you should expect to pay upwards of £2000 for anything decent. Supply and demand have a big part to play of course.

Best wishes to you all, John

[snakehips]

Hi there !

I've bought plenty Nationals online before - with mostly good outcomes AS LONG as you expect you will probably need to spend some money on it to bring it back to great playing condition (anything between £150-£500). If it needs nothing, then you've been v lucky.

About 5yrs ago, I managed to buy a 1930 all-steel National Style O, and soon after, a 1932 National Style N.
Both needed about £350 spend on them (each) but now they are GREAT. One cost me £1800 after import taxes & Duty, the other about £2000.

Nothing much has changed on the prices IMHO but there seems to be less&less turning up on ebay in the last 20yrs or so I've been watching.
Watch EVERY day and you might just be lucky !
About 18yrs ago, I bought a 1930 Polychrome Triolian from Italy, for about £800. It had been painted over but was otherwise all original. It needed a neck reset & re-fret and I managed to get the non-original paint off to reveal a worn Polychrome finish underneath. My bandmate has told me I must never sell this one. I seem less attached to it these days. It's worth more, I think, than what I paid for it, as it's been brought back to life. Your mileage may vary !