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 ARCHIVED TOPIC: Help Identifying this Vintage Dobro


Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.resohangout.com/archive/59263

goodolewill - Posted - 08/10/2024:  12:04:15


Any ideas on...



1. Whether this is a real vintage dobro?

2. Model #?

3. Year?



I really appreciate anyone's assist w/ this. I'm guessing this is an old late 20's - early 30's Regal. No idea on model #. 



It has no serial number anywhere. It has a 1896484 patent number in the chrome by the bridge. It also has no headstock logo - or it's long gone. 




Edited by - goodolewill on 08/10/2024 14:43:12






goodolewill - Posted - 08/10/2024:  12:12:27


I'm responding to my own post to get enough post to be able to add an image

goodolewill - Posted - 08/10/2024:  12:13:06


Here's another one to get to 3 posts so I can then add an image

goodolewill - Posted - 08/10/2024:  12:13:31




 

MarkinSonoma - Posted - 08/10/2024:  14:27:59


It's a real circa 1934-37 Regal-built Dobro from Chicago. Many from those years built at Regal had no serial number on the headstock (I own one).



Need photos of back and side to make it "official" but it appears to be a Model 37.



The "trapeze" style tailpiece was unique to some of the Regal-built guitars. 

 



 

goodolewill - Posted - 08/10/2024:  14:45:31


Thank you so much @MarkinSonoma. Very much appreciate your assist. I added pics of the back and sides to the original post. I'm very curious how you decided it's a 37 vs 45.



 

MarkinSonoma - Posted - 08/10/2024:  15:27:17


Nice burst on the back and sides! The binding on the back makes  it a Model 37 for sure, though that model number was already apparent because of the three holes on top. The next lower guitar in the line, the Model 27 did not have the three holes  - and some 37s didn't have the three holes either.



Side note: there were no Regal-built Dobros until around 1933. 



Model 45 had a blonde top made of spruce plywood. Photo from SteveToth's excellent book, Dobro Roots. 



Welcome to the convoluted history of the Dobro guitar! 



 

goodolewill - Posted - 08/10/2024:  15:34:51


Thank you so much @MarkinSonoma! You gave me all the info I was looking for and more! This thing sounds & plays really nice too. It is so fun to play.



 

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