Opinions on an '92 OMI Original Houndog Squareneck

[gaucho]

I have an opportunity to buy a clean example for around $500 U.S. dollars. I know the OMI era Dobros aren't the most highly regarded ones out there. I'd love to hear some opinions.

[Deleted]

Marmite.
I love 'em.
TT

[gaucho]

Is that a UK expression? I'm not familiar with it. Googled it. Didn't help,

"marmite n. A large covered earthenware or metal cooking pot. A small covered earthenware casserole designed to hold an individual serving."

[mikeshipman]

Hi Gaucho,

You are right, it is a UK saying.

"Marmite" is a very salty, dark brown, viscous, yeast extract spread which comes in jars and is often used on toast.
The "Marmite" idea is that you either, love it or you hate it!
Another version - Vegemite - exists in Australia.
Cheers, Mike

BTW - I love it, Marmite that is... I also have an '88 OMI Dobro 33H which Im quite partial to but would prefer a 12 fret woodie, waiting to see the MM version which will hopeflly be around soon.

[Michael Messer]

Hi Gaucho,

I like OMI guitars and as time goes by they are becoming collectable and people are realising that some of them were pretty good, and that the OMI company was part of the Dopyera family's story.

The worst period, which is often the case, was the last few years and some of the instruments made towards the end were very rough indeed. I saw some wood bodied Dobros at that time that you would have thought were made from materials from the local hardware store, and they were finished badly.

500 dollars is not expensive, so it may be worth a shot. The guitar is now 20 years old and that does help to mature the tone and vibe of a guitar. You won't lose on it because there are always going to be people wanting a real Dobro.

Can you show me a photo?

(regarding the Marmite discussion - it is wonderful stuff and is one of the products that Brits living in foreign countries often crave. It is an acquired taste and is one of the foods that most Brits born in the 20th century were brought up on.)



Shine On
Michael

.....and back to Dobros.....

Attachments:

[gaucho]

Thanks for the replies! Michael, here's photo of the actual guitar.

[gaucho]

Oops, sorry it's so small. Here's a link to the ad...
plattsburgh.craigslist.org/msg/3500810080.html

[DaveRed]

On the subject of Dobros, why do Dobro bridge guards have a hole in the middle? Or am I missing something completely obvious?

Dave

[Michael Messer]

Hi Gaucho,

It is a difficult one to advise about, especially as you are buying it mail order. It could sound and feel great, but it is one of the Dobros that I think were badly finished.

For us at the moment, 500 dollars is 300 pounds, which is really cheap for a real Dobro, but for you I appreciate it is not as affordable.

I think you would definitely get your money back if you decided to sell it, it is a real Dobro and that does make it attractive.

I hope I am being helpful?

---------------------------------

Hi DaveRed,

The hole in the hand rest on Dobros is there so you can adjust the tension screw in the centre of a spider-bridge Dobro cone. OMI used the same coverplate on all their 10.5 inch cone guitars, biscuit and spider bridge models. So in an OMI Dobro with a 10.5 inch biscuit-bridge cone, the hole is there, but it is redundant.

Shine On
Michael

[DaveRed]

Thanks Michael, another mystery solved

Dave

[gaucho]

All very helpful, thanks!