Hossdog - Posted - 07/07/2022:  01:23:06

Hi bGuts and Gals

Just after a ballpark value for the following guitar:
F holes
12 frets to the body
No Soundwell
Markers to twelfth only
Serial number A1834
Usual wear and tear
Sunburst top
Black/dark stain back and sides
Squareneck

I think it is probably. 36 Regal Model 25 from serial number but I’m certainly not sure. No excessive dishing in around the f holes or bad bow. Love to know more and whether this guitar is worth adding to the collection.
Ant thoughts on value as well - ballpark only

Appreciate any help
Hossdog

 

Hossdog - Posted - 07/07/2022:  02:52:34

Sorry that was supposed to say Guys and Gals….added note bound along top and bottom of body…not along fret board

badger - Posted - 07/07/2022:  06:34:46

Don't apologize. "Guts" is probably an accurate description of a lot of us, myself included. Must be all of that sitting while practicing...

docslyd - Posted - 07/07/2022:  07:59:09

...just to hold you over until a better-informed opinion happens by....I would throw out an $853. 76 guess....American, that is.

MarkinSonoma - Posted - 07/07/2022:  09:57:59

Listed on eBay currently are a couple of Model 25s, one at $3500+ and another in Japan for $3777. 

One would have to have fallen off the turnip truck just yesterday to pay anywhere near those  prices. 

On the other hand, and I have no idea how recent is the listing, there is one for sale at the prestigious  12th Fret in Toronto for $999 Canadian, which translates to $769.19 U.S. 

Vintage Dobro prices have gone up in recent years, and inflation aside, It's difficult to pinpoint why except for increased popularity of the instrument.  

 

Then there  is the Jerry Douglas Factor. When Jerry formed The Earls of Leicester a number of years ago, his Flatt & Scruggs tribute band, prior to switching to Beard Deco-Phonic guitars, for the first several years he was playing a couple of killer mid 1930s  Model 37 and Model 27 Dobros. 

 

At that point I began noticing that some of our Dobro playing colleagues who originally came to the instrument with modern guitars not that many years ago were adding some nice vintage Dobros to the stable. Some of them still own those guitars and others after giving them a go moved them on to someone else. 

 

Ballpark from the one photo only I would say this Model 25 is worth $900 to $1000. 

Edited by - MarkinSonoma on 07/07/2022 10:14:53

Hossdog - Posted - 07/07/2022:  14:03:23

Thanks Mark and Phil for the comments so far…my research from the serial number suggests a 36 though that’s only because of the A preceding the number. Most certainly a Regal build due to the rounded headstock slots. I’m figuring around the $1000 US mark is probably right. Eager to find some more info. The lack of soundwell is a concern but I know a lot of the 25s didn’t have one. It least the top has held up.

SamCy - Posted - 07/07/2022:  14:30:00

What sort of spider and cone does it have?

Hossdog - Posted - 07/07/2022:  14:39:45

It’s a full spider and appears to be a spun cone. Definitely not lugged.