Lars - Posted - 02/12/2009:  07:48:56

I`m wandering about the brand dobro. As i understand it they have had their ups and downs when it comes to qaulity. How about a dobro from lets say the sixties seventes or eightes. Any warnings? Ive found a omi Dobro in Sweden from the seventees. Im able to get it for a farely good price. about 450 dollars.

jaykellogg - Posted - 02/12/2009:  08:01:44

If I had one I would upgrade it with a Beard, Quarterman, or possibly a Scheerhorn cone. I don't think they are collectors items like the pre WWII Dobros are. Also, the tuners aren't very good. If you like the name and if you can get the parts to upgrade them than go for it. In my opinion you get a better guitar for the money in a Beard Gold Tone or a Wechter Scheerhorn.

W. Jay Kellogg

Slideman1939 - Posted - 02/12/2009:  09:05:38

The O.M.I. products of the 70's have an old time cone-straight sided and more aluminum content and less volume--but a distinctive tone. I suggest you DO upgrade to a quarterman cone.It's sides are bowl shaped and it is a harder aluminum alloy, and better volume. HOWEVER the old cone (if it is in good shape) is re-salable as used hardware on E-bay. Some old timers prefer the sweeter tone of the older O.M.I. cones. They are certainly better than current foreign or chinese cheap cones. So while you upgrade to the quarterman cone at a higher price you may be able to get $15-$20 for the old cone IF your ad is specific that it is a straight sided mid -70's O.M.I. cone that is for sale.

oroonie - Posted - 02/12/2009:  12:43:44

hey lars
i have a 1977 omi dobro which has a mellow sweet tone ; i'm currently upgrading this with beard cone ,bone nut and ebony tipped saddles, hopefully this will give it a bit more punch
i live in france and i had to go up to liverpool in england to get this guitar where i played a bunch of them and i liked this one best , they all varied in tone alot.
the point is this ,living in europe there aren't alot of of reso guitars to choose from sure if you want to travel you can get a gold tone beard signature issue at a price where as that omi dobro at 450 dollars is cheap
if you like it get it and if you want there are replacement parts available at beard guitars ,and there's still a good rate on euro's to dollars
roots oroonie