Dobro Lily of the V

[fadiese]

Bonjour,

I'm a French blues fan, new on this forum. Thanks Michael for welcoming me.
I play Delta blues on a 20+ years old dodro "lily of the valley" with a 10.5 spider reso.
Although I like it a lot, it does not quite sound like a real National.

I've heard and read that the "Lily" dobros were rare and much looked for. It this true?
Do you guys think a trade-off for a National would be fair?, and if yes with what model? (I think style 0 would fit me, but I am no expert).

Thank you for your help
Let the good time roll
Phil

[Deleted]

Hi - do you have a picture and serial number ?
TT

[fadiese]

Att'd picture.
I just found out how to do it

s/n 8 5197 6B

Can u tell me more about it?

Thank you
Phil

[oldnat]

Phil, I have the same guitar only difference is the neck inlays. Mine is a serial B 931 6 making it 1976. Your is 1986 and both were made in the OMI era. (Original Musical Instrument) run by two of the Dopyera brother Rudy and Emile. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_Musical_Instrument_Company. Mark Makin's book Palm Trees, Senoritas and Rocket Ships has details about OMI serial numbers.
I think they are top quality instruments but are heavy brass bodies and good for particular styles of music. I do not think the value of our OMI dobros is equivalent to a vintage National Style O. I paid around $1700USD for mine around a year ago from a dealer in the US. Around the same time several vintage Style Os were available at $2500 to $3500USD. I would say that would be the price variance today. Here is video about OMI around the time of the Gibson take over. 2014 Vintage Guitar Valuation guide list 1930 to 1942 Style 0 Nationals low $2700 high $3900. They list Model 75 Dobro Lily of the Valley 1972-97 Low $1275 and High $1600. That would be for the base model with dot inlays and no neck bindings. National Reso-phonic Style O 1994-2012 $2100 to $2600. All valuations are only a guide it is what someone is prepared to pay for your guitar and what you are prepared to pay for a National. I hope this helps Phil.

[Deleted]

Hi Phil.
The picture at the bottom - is that yours?
I've got a 70s OMI with light steel body - small f's. It takes a 10.5" biscuit cone - does yours, or is it a spider?
I've also got an 80s OMI, which I plan to sell because the brass body is a bit heavy, and the neck too narrow. I'm hoping for over £800, but there are some on ebay for a lot more.
The neck on yours looks great - whats the nut width?
TT

[fadiese]

Bottom pic is oldnat's.
Mine is 10.5 spider.
$800 seems low acc to what I'm hearing around ...

[fadiese]

@ oldnat
Thx for this precious info.
I don't know much about all that. I learned a lot from you.
I just played slide delta blues on this for 20 years, and had great deep feelings all the way
But a National would be just IT!
I tried one once, can't forget

Merci for your help
Phil

[Deleted]

It is a bit of a surprise that it isn't worth much!


My plain jane 1976 metal Dobro is a superb sounding/playing guitar, which cost a real lot 30 odd years ago, when there no Nat Resos....



BluesKing777.

[Deleted]

Jul 6, 2014 20:32:40 GMT fadiese said:

Bottom pic is oldnat's.
Mine is 10.5 spider.
$800 seems low acc to what I'm hearing around ...

$800 probably is.
£800 is a fair bit more though...
TT

[fadiese]

Oooops! Sorry, read too fast
Thank you all for those precious info.
This forum is really good stuff.

I now have to hit into a style 0 that I can try and feel (12 or 14?) not too far from me.
I love my dobro and can keep on with it until then.

I'll sure keep you posted for advice if that ever happens.

Let the Southern meet the Dog
Phil