Value of Dobro, 1972 Model 66(?) with etched wood body?

Cliff Kane · From: the late great golden state

*Okay, now that I've learned a little more about this guitar, I'm pretty sure it's a 1972 model 66 with an etched wood body, square neck and slotted headstock. The asking price is $1300....is that a fair value for this year and model of Dobro. What the consensus on the quality of these instruments?

Thanks!
*****************************************************
Does this look original? I'm thinking of checking it out. Seller says it's a 1971 Dobro with a factory engraved wood body. I've never heard of engraved wood bodies. The pictures are not too clear.

Brandin · From: Newport Beach CA. USA

I have one just like it. It's been under
my bed for years.

GB

Cliff Kane · From: the late great golden state

Hi,
that's interesting, so I guess they did engrave wood....what do you think of it? Is it under your bed because it's not that great an instrument?

Brandin · From: Newport Beach CA. USA

Cliff, it sounds very good. At this time
have no use for it. I use my ele. Dobro
for all my live gigs, and I've been using
it in the studio as well. I have a few other
great instruments under my bed as well. I
never know when I might need them, and they
keep goin' up in value.

GB

Cliff Kane · From: the late great golden state

Cool! Thanks a lot for your info.

Cliff

D Schubert · From: Columbia, MO, USA

I think that design is sandblasted into the wood, rather than engraved, same as they did in the early day. Here is a 30's guitar-and-mando set for sale, with the same look...

http://www.elderly.com/vintage/names/DOBRO-MODEL-66B-%28c.1931-32%29--50U-1762.htm

http://www.elderly.com/vintage/names/DOBRO-MODEL-60-RESONATOR-MANDOLIN-%281932-33%29--90U-4761.htm

Cliff Kane · From: the late great golden state

Hey Gary,
the Dobro in question is a 1972 square neck model with slotted headstock, he's asking $1300....does this sound like a fair price? Is that a good year for Dobro?

Thanks!
Cliff

John McGlothlin · Posted 4 May 2007 3:15 am **Dobro**

Hi Cliff...I have seen a few ingraved 66 models of the original Dobro brand name guitars but that was the only popular reso back during the seventies. I was sold on that brand name for a while until I bought my first D 66 model then began to think that someone in Richmond VA which was the one that sold it to my friend who later sold it to me had managed to bootleg the decal putting it on a cheap copy. I just did not have any volume at all. Later I did purchase another D66 model brand new and it sounded professional. There are a lot of musical instruments out there that appear to be original but are not. If you can get an original brand name Dobro guitar for $1,300.00 this day and time you better grab it.

Brad Bechtel · From: San Francisco, CA

That seems like an okay price, but the 1970s were not a particularly "golden" age in Dobro® guitars. The ones I've seen have been variable in quality, with some being good and some not so good.

The real question is how the guitar sounds to you. If it plays well and sounds well, and you feel you want to spend your money on that guitar, then go for it!
_________________
Brad’s Page of Steel
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars

Brandin · From: Newport Beach CA. USA

Cliff, I paid about half that amount, but that
was many years ago. It's hard to find any old
guitar that hasn't gone way up in value. As I
remember, the one I have sounds good. I think
if it's set up well it will sound good. Keep in
mind, they're just a thick plywood guitar with
a resonater.

You're welcome to try mine.

GB

Colin Brooks · Posted 5 May 2007 1:47 am

I have a Dobro from that era. The original cones, like mine came with, were often non spun pressings which don't do the guitar justice. Very cheap and easy to upgrade if necessary. The other point which is a slight issue to some people is these Dobros have a 24-1/2 inch scale rather than the more usual 25".

The sound is classic old time Dobro. I like them!

Jim Bates · From: Alvin, Texas, USA

I have a factory made 7-string Dobro made in the early 70's (71 or 72). When the Quarterman cones became available, I exchanged the cone which made it clearer and a louder to my ears. The only generic problems I saw with that era was the nuts were a white plastic, which were changed out for bone, and the set-up on each guitar coming from the factory widely varied as to who did it. Otherwise they are great instruments and easy to upgrade. I think the price you mention is in the upper end of the range for that guitar. If you like it, buy it!

Note: my guitar was signed inside by the guys who built it, and one signature is John Quarterman who worked at Dobro then.

Thanx,
Jim

Gary Lynch · From: Creston, California, USA

Colin hit it on the head..........upgrade the cone. First measure it. Not all the DOBRO guitars from the 1970's early 80's have a cone size that is still made. Some were an odd size. Lucky for me mine was the right size for a new spun cone. It was like getting a new guitar after it was properly set up.

As others have said, they are not highly sought after by collectors but can play and sound fine after they have been brought up to speed.

Cliff Kane · From: the late great golden state

Thanks for all the great advice on this.
Brandin: thank you very much for your kind offer. At the price it is, I don't think I'd do it.

Thanks again, folks,
Cliff

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