Bornagain - Posted - 09/04/2024:  03:19:05

Just aqquired this dobro which would have been a great uncles and I am trying to figure out how the serial number works and what year it would be any help is much appreciated!

gadobro - Posted - 09/04/2024:  03:27:52

1986

gadobro - Posted - 09/04/2024:  03:29:18

From the Steel Guitar Forum:

1974-1979 OMI Dobro: Y (#)### D configuration.
Y is last digit of the year (if this number is "3" it is actually 1974).
3 or 4 numerals in center are instrument ranking for year starting with 101.
D is body type: D=wood, B=brass, M=steel or mandolin.

1980-1988 OMI Dobro: 8 (#)### yD configuration.
8 is the decade of manufacture (8=1980s).
2 or 3 or 4 numerals in center are serial number for year.
Numeral y before letter is last digit of year.
Last character is body type: D=wood, B=metal.

1988-1994 OMI Dobro: A# #### yyD configuration.
First letter (and numeral) is style.
Numerals in center are instrument ranking.
yy is last two digits of year.
Last character is body type: D=wood, B=metal, H=Hounddog, P=solid peghead.

1995-1997 OMI Dobro: A(A) (x)xxx yy configuration.
First letters are style.
Numerals in center are instrument ranking.
yy is last two digits of year year.

1998-current Gibson Dobro: 8 digits ymmddrry configuration
First y is last digit of year.
mm is month
dd is day
rr is rank
last y is decade.

Bornagain - Posted - 09/05/2024:  05:16:31

Thanks, It seems its atleast in the 70’s if not older my dad as a teenager which he would have been 13 in 1974 remembers his uncle having and playing this and was told he had it before then! I will have to do some more digging!

gadobro - Posted - 09/05/2024:  05:44:55

Hmm maybe it was a different one your dad remembers. The serial numbers are fairly straightforward for OMI instruments. Either way a great acquisition; I hope you enjoy it. I just bought a used 1986 OMI squareneck (for a good price because they thought it was a Hound Dog (from Guitar Center a couple of weeks ago and it's a cool instrument.