1930's Round Neck Dobro Value and GBDGBD?

Patrick Metzger · From: British Columbia, Canada

My friend is selling this 30's round-neck dobro. If anyone can help with the following questions is would be much appreciated:

1) What do you think the value of the guitar is? It's in good shape - A few rattles from the tuners but the cone seems solid.

2) I want to use it as a dobro with a nut riser. It has a beautiful tone. Can it handle GBDGBD, 16-56 gauge, tuning without putting the neck in danger? I know this has been covered in other threads but I'm curious to know what people think of this guitar in particular as it has quite a hefty, old-school V-neck and a fair bit of mass when the neck meets the body. It also play great as a guitar - and I would want to convert it back to a guitar if I ever find a square-neck that sounds as good, so I don't want to jeopardize the neck.

3) If I decide not to go with this guitar, is there a square neck (old or new) that would have a similar sound?

4) Any other info on the history of the guitar

Thanks very much - Patrick

Howard Parker · From: Maryland

Looks like a Regal built Model 25(?) Hard to from the photo but I was peering at the neck heel photo to see if something might have already moved.

Personally, I would not set it up lapstyle. The risk, however small, is still very real and unpredictable.

and that's all I have to say about that! Winking

Nice old example.

h

Patrick Metzger · From: British Columbia, Canada

Thanks for the reply Howard - That's kind of my thinking, why risk it...
It sure sounds sweet tho..

D Schubert · From: Columbia, MO, USA

I used to have one of those Model 25 / Angelus type guitars that was already beyond fixing the warped neck, so that lap style was the only option. Acoustic strings more than light gage (0.012" set) would visibly bend the neck further.

John Dahms · From: Perkasie, Pennsylvania, USA

16-56 might just be pushing an 80 year old round neck into the gray area. I can repair them myself and would still hesitate to set one up and leave it that way for everyday use.
As for the question about the sound, there is a definite difference between early and later generation Dobros(and Regals). I don't know of any new models that have the same light nasal quality as the old ones.
Styles have changed and modern Dobros have what I call a "Nashville" tone that has become very much the standard. I like to hear someone else play one but I myself prefer the old sound and get a rush when I hear someone who gets that old tone. Just my preference.
If anyone else sees it this way and can name a modern maker who captures the old time tone please chime in.
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Howard Parker · From: Maryland

This Model 27 by Paul Beard is an homage to Tut Taylor and is the only "modern" guitar that I'm aware of that comes close to the original.

Physically identical but built using modern techniques and stunning fit & finish.

It sounds terrific.

Beard also builds a Model 206 repro. based on LeRoy Mack's guitar.

Full disclosure as I was Beard's "bizguy" for almost 10 years. I'm still a fanboy and come out of "retirement" occasionally to work for him.

cheers

h

Howard Parker · From: Maryland

Here is the link to the Beard model 175 and 206 models.

h

Patrick Metzger · From: British Columbia, Canada

The Tut Taylor model looks fantastic.
Does it have the same sound well design as an older dobro?
Does the dobro I posted even have a sound-well?
Which guitar is he copying?

Also - which vintage square-necks would come close?

I really appreciate the feedback everyone.

Howard Parker · From: Maryland

It's a near exact copy of Tut's original model 27, including the parallelogram soundwell.

The differences from Tut's original that I can recall are:

Beard bolt on neck design instead of original Dobro neck stick.

Poly Urethane finish.

Hand spun "Legend" cone.

Fit & finish. It's a hand crafted custom Beard guitar.

In my hands it sounds like a "big" version of a vintage Dobro.

h

Howard Parker · From: Maryland

I know the Model 19 does not have a soundwell. I don't recall if the 25 had one.

h

Jim Bates · From: Alvin, Texas, USA

Put on the nut raiser and give it a try. Use some J42 D'Addario strings. See how it sounds after you play on it for 2 or 3 weeks. Keep it dry and in good air conditioned environment. It's the 'box' that gives the sound, so if eventually the neck bows some, but it sounds great, then keep it that way. Best to use the standard G tuning.

Thanx,
Jim

Brian Evans · From: Nova Scotia, Canada

I have the same guitar, a 1935/36 Model 25. It's built quite lightly, has no interior bracing, neck extension, soundwell, neck joint is a dovetail. the neck on mine is quite bowed. I use dobro strings but tune to low G and play slide. I would NOT tune mine to high G. It's value is probably $750 to $1000. Mine was under a bed for 70 years.

Herb Steiner · From: Spicewood TX 78669

Howard
Was Tut's Model 27 a Regal with the rounded ends of the headstock slots, or square cut like the California headstocks?

For that matter, was Josh's Model 27 ("Julie") a California or a Chicago guitar?

Trivia? I think not! Wink

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