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Bob Parman - Posted - 07/30/2023: 23:07:00
Hi . I bought this resonator guitar recently and I’m thinking it is 1929 model 55.
It has no emblem .
The serial number is 891, the red fretboard and fret maker location all point towards a 1929 model 55. I’m curious to know if I’m correct in my assessment, and what it might be worth.
It sounds beautiful.
The sound hole covers, are these original? Thanks
Edited by - Bob Parman on 07/30/2023 23:32:45
jacknj - Posted - 07/31/2023: 05:06:00
The fingerboard, coverplate screw layout, and body style do indicate a model 55. The dark, blackish finish should have been a dark walnut stain (tough to tell from pics). Looks like the headstock decal was painted over also. The pipe flange screen covers were NOT original, probably someone's innovative idea to cover worn or damaged original screens. The serial number does put it in the 1929 - 1930 area. I onetime owned a model 55, #940 , that currently can be seen in Steve Toth's "Dobro Roots" book.
jacknj - Posted - 07/31/2023: 05:10:29
The tuning buttons look too big and too white to be original also. In its present condition, value would probably be under $1K.
MarkinSonoma - Posted - 07/31/2023: 12:45:33
Is this a squareneck or a roundneck? This is very important in determining value. Prewar Dobros are generally worth more as a squareneck.
Lounge Primate - Posted - 07/31/2023: 13:20:33
Roundneck. Look at the fret finger stain patterns.
MarkinSonoma - Posted - 07/31/2023: 16:04:33
Good catch Brooks - I guess I didn't have enough caffeine yet...
Bob Parman - Posted - 07/31/2023: 18:45:03
quote:
Originally posted by Bob Parman
Hi . I bought this resonator guitar recently and I’m thinking it is 1929 model 55.
It has no emblem .
The serial number is 891, the red fretboard and fret maker location all point towards a 1929 model 55. I’m curious to know if I’m correct in my assessment, and what it might be worth.
It sounds beautiful.
The sound hole covers, are these original? Thanks
Bob Parman - Posted - 07/31/2023: 18:46:09
Thanks for the info.
It is a square neck.
MarkinSonoma - Posted - 07/31/2023: 21:25:21
quote:
Originally posted by Bob Parman
Thanks for the info.
It is a square neck.
Well that shoot's Primate's (Brooks) theory all to hell. 
And now that I think about it, it's highly unusual for old acoustic guitars, be it resonators or flattops to have indentations on the higher frets from being fretted with fingers. You usually se that in the first three or four frets.
Lounge Primate - Posted - 07/31/2023: 23:28:37
Well I’ll be a monkey’s uncle.
I’d lose that bet over and over. Especially when looking at the nut too.
Edited by - Lounge Primate on 07/31/2023 23:31:35
miktavus - Posted - 08/01/2023: 07:10:27
If it was ever set up with a low (standard) nut it may have been played Thumbs Carlile style, which could explain the fingerboard marks.
daver - Posted - 08/01/2023: 09:32:22
quote:
Originally posted by Bob Parman
...The sound hole covers, are these original? Thanks
They certainly give off a steampunk vibe!
daver - Posted - 08/01/2023: 09:32:52
quote:
Originally posted by daver
quote:
Originally posted by Bob Parman
...The sound hole covers, are these original? Thanks
They certainly give off a steampunk vibe! Enjoy the guitar!
Terry Harris - Posted - 08/01/2023: 13:55:26
"They certainly give off a steampunk vibe! "
Daver, that's the first thing I thought when I saw the instrument
Interesting look
MarkinSonoma - Posted - 08/01/2023: 18:29:07
When I first saw the thread "steampunk" crossed my mind as well.
Though I have to wonder how much volume is being subdued by the steampunk look of the screens. If I owned this guitar I would order a proper pair of screens from Beard.
Many of the early California-built Dobros have the classic sweet tone, but they often need all the help they can get in the volume department.
resophonicoutfitters.com/produ...SS-7.html
Edited by - MarkinSonoma on 08/01/2023 18:30:16
