Regal RC-51 Metal-Body Tricone Guitar (Silver)

I've played National Tri-Cones, both late 20's originals and I own the new National Resophonic Models so I was skeptical about the Regal RC-51 at first. I wouldn't say it's "just like" a vintage National or modern National Resophonic but if those instruments are out of your price range this might be a good entry-level alternative.

The RC-51 is a Chinese-made semi-replica of the National Style 1 Tricone first manufactured in 1926 and sold in 1927. Unlike the Style 1 it has a 14-fret neck and a flat (paddle) headstock. The body is nickel-plated bell brass. The sound comes from three roughly 6" resonator cones connected by a T-shaped bridge. The bridge is sand cast aluminum and the saddle is wood of some sort. Following the National model the coverplate has screens over the cones and the upper bout has "basket weave" openings. The Regal RC-51 is very similar to the Johnson JM-991 (I believe they are made in the same factory in China) but the Regal has a flashy...Read more