timacn - Posted - 06/01/2021:  16:10:08

Hello. I play banjo and guitar, but have never had a real dobro in my hands. have a chance to buy a Dopyera Bros. Dobro from the late 1970s. It is reportedly in good playing condition but some of the lacquer has failed in a few spots. Not sure if it can be touched up or not. Presently owned by a professional whom I trust.

The alternative would be to buy a new Gold Tone Paul Beard Signature or PB Signature Deluxe dobro.

Any ideas which way to go? Thanks for your help.

MarkinSonoma - Posted - 06/01/2021:  16:22:37

It depends what sound you are looking for. The OMI Dobro from the '70s is going to have a more "traditional" old school Dobro vibe. 

A lot of new players think "traditional" and "vintage" are the keywords to cooleness - but the fact is, the modern celebrity players we admire for the most part don't play this type of resonator guitar. 

Tbe Gold Tones will put out more of a modern sound. That would be my preference. 

Also check out the Recording King Phil Leadbetter model. Big modern sound, and a better value price wise over Gold Tone/Beard. 

Edited by - MarkinSonoma on 06/01/2021 16:23:12

timacn - Posted - 06/01/2021:  17:06:41

Thanks for that input. I would also like to throw the Gold tone Paul Beard Mahogany into the opinions/comments/advice mix. I appreciate your help.

JC Dobro - Posted - 06/01/2021:  18:03:41

I’ve had both an OMI and a PBS Deluxe. I’d go with the PBS Deluxe.

Mark is right about the tonal differences.

Additionally, the PBS seemed to have a more robust / solid build. Just felt more sturdy, held tunings better, etc.

I’ve enjoyed playing both, but if you had to choose, I’d go PBS in a maple build. That’s assuming you can get a decent price. I noticed these creeping up to $1200...used to be $800 or so not too long ago.

wlgiii - Posted - 06/02/2021:  09:30:34

One more option- Tom Warner (RIP) @ Appalachian built a trad/modern hybrid one for me. There are probably other luthier built ones out there like this, new and used, if you have the gumption to seek one out.

timacn - Posted - 06/02/2021:  09:32:33

Thanks, Wayne. You are the second person who told me about Appalachian dobros. I can't seem to find any, though.

wlgiii - Posted - 06/02/2021:  14:42:53

I don't see very many in classifieds, but one does occasionally pop up. And if one doesn't- I can also speak for Gold Tones; my 8 string lacks the preferred mojo x-factor, but has been an all around good solid dependable instrument.

hlpdobro - Posted - 06/02/2021:  15:48:51

I just noticed that you're in Lancaster.

A short trip the the resonator guitar capitol of the world!

h

timacn - Posted - 06/02/2021:  15:52:08

Right. Hagerstown, MD is not far.

MC5C - Posted - 06/04/2021:  04:52:21

FWIW I have an original dobro - 1935 - and a perhaps 15 year old PBR-CA, which is a round neck solid mahogany cutaway. I auditioned the PBR-CA against a plethora of likely competitors, all of which failed to please. The PBR-CA was used and $750, it came home with me. It's completely different in every respect to the Dobro, far superior in everything but mojo and guts. I can't recommend a Gold Tone Paul Beard more highly.

Three_Eyed_Willy - Posted - 06/05/2021:  15:13:08

Try the Appalachian web site. They don't have any in stock, but they can build one.

Try quote:

---

Originally posted by timacn

Thanks, Wayne. You are the second person who told me about Appalachian dobros. I can't seem to find any, though.

---