Hi all, Just purchased at a very good price a square neck Dobro in brown with F holes. Just fitted a set of my favourite strings and it sounds really good, very very similar to my Gretsch bobtail square neck. Question I have is it doesn't have a serial number stamped on the wood like another dobro I have. This one has 311458647 taped to the back of the headstock. Any ideas on age or why it is not stamped in the wood ?
Without photos, it's going to be difficult to date your instrument. Serial numbers which are on stickers rather than stamped into the guitar are typical of Asian (Chinese) import guitars.
I guess it is an Epiphone Dobro so probably made in China ? Made very well though. Looks and sounds great. As good as my Gretsch Bobtail now I have just fitted a Fishman Nashville pickup to it.
Roger - I'm not sure about this, but as the author of a thread, since you have duplicate threads on the same topic, in order to avoid confusion, you may be able to delete the other one where you have no replies.
The problem with Gibson-built Dobros, especially those in more recent years from China, is the Gibson Corp. seems to treat them as sort of the red headed stepchild of the product line.
I have come across people trying to get info on these guitars from Gibson/Epiphone customer service and often receive no help. No one in their offices seem to have a clue.
I came across a long article on serial numbers, check it out if you would like in the link below. Unfortunately unless I missed it, Dobros aren't mentioned. I typed Epiphone banjo serial numbers in my search thinking I might have better luck with a more well known instrument.
The 311 prefix has something to do with reselling to some other distributor, but this is from many years ago so it may not be current.
Usually a Chinese-built guitar here in the U.S. will have a "Made in China" sticker unless someone removes it, I have no idea what the custom or regulation is in the U.K.
https://detbeuathabo1977.mystrikingly.com/blog/gibson-epiphone-banjo-serial-numbers
Edited by - MarkinSonoma on 12/31/2022 13:52:54
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