I stopped at a music store on my way back from down state to try out a Gold Tone. This store was listed as a dealer but didn't have any Gold tones in stock. He had a used Dobro (brand name) from the 70's that the shelf price was $950 and was willing to come down to $850. The guitar had a lot of nicks on it and holes drilled in the end of the neck for some reason. Is the resonator worth that since it doesn't look to nice? Or would the sound make up for the looks? It's is more than I wanted to spend to start but if it is a good investment I may try to make it work.
Thanks for any advice/ help in advance.

Posted - 02/09/2010 :  14:10:27        

That era OMI Dobro is usually pretty well made. If you have it upgraded with new hardware, (that is if you are not satisfied with the sound), you'll have a great American made box, for not a lot of money
You can usually find one of these on Ebay in nice condition for about the same money though.

Posted - 02/09/2010 :  15:31:12      

Jim, this is not an investment grade instrument. few are weather it be resonator, acoustic, or electric. If it turns out not to be the sound you want are you willing to pay the cost of a quality set-up? Add that to what you pay now you have to decide if your willing to do that. You said it was more than you wanted to spend. If you want something close to an investment buy your Gold Tone DIRECTLY from Beard, and you are not paying any more than the asking street price. Two reasons. you will be assured of the Beard set-up which is VERY important. (if you stretch your self to $975 you would have the top of the line Gold Tone, Solid Mahogany) and no matter which model you buy if you take care of it Beard will give you it's FULL VALUE towards any future upgrade. No one else will do that. I hope that helps. One last thing, if you buy the Gold Tone elsewhere make SURE it has the Beard Set up.
Mike

Edited by - Grizz on 02/09/2010 15:33:49

Posted - 02/10/2010 :  07:06:02    

The way the market is right now, $850 puts you in the running for about a thousand Dobros. Do you want a round neck or square?