|
Big DB |
Good day everyone!
Need your expertise in trying to help out a neighbor. They have an old Dobro they are looking to sell but they are not sure what they have or what the value of it is. I took some pictures and tried to date it and here is what I have come up with utilizing Randy Getz's "History of the Pre-War Dobro"...
#1: No Serial Number on guitar.
#2: The fretboard is not rosewood. Per Randy's article "By early 1930, both red bean an Makkochuba were replaced by rosewood." So that makes this one a 1930 or earlier?
#3: Fretboard markers: "On early guitars (up until about 1930) there was no marker at the 17th fret." So 1930 or earlier?
#4: Peghead: "On early models (until about 1934), the slots were cut with a special saw, which produced a square-end in the slot."
#5: Peghead Logo: "Very early Dobro logos had a gold border, but very few are seen. The predominant logo had a red border and is by far the most common. It is estimate that the switch to a red-bordered logo took place in 1929." So is this a gold border logo? making it a 1928-1929 Dobro?
#6: Coverplate: "...the original coverplate design and early modified version may be found with "Pat Pend." (right below top screw) stamped on the outer flange.
So it appears that this is a 1928-1930 Dobro. Is there anything to narrow it down even more?
As far as model #, I believe it is a Model 55/56 due to sawn slots, non-rosewood fingerboard, white celluloid fingerboard binding and an unbound body.
Thanks to the Randy Getz article to help with all of this information.
Can anyone verify that this is correct and any idea of the value of this guitar? Anyone interested in purchasing it? or where I can find buyers for it?
Thanks to everyone for your help, information, critiques, etc.
More pics...
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent (EU/GDPR Only)
Copyright 2026 Reso Hangout. All Rights Reserved.