Anyone can identify this Dobro?

[erwin]

I recently aquired from a forum member this Dobro.
It seems to be a model 37.
But with some strange (strange to me at least) details, I've never seen before.
The top of the headstock has a strange rounding, first time I see this.
There's no serial number indication either, which indicates it is possibly Regal made, I read somewhere there were Regals with and without s/n and even with Dobro decal on the headstock.
The Pat. nr. on the coverplate indicates: 1872633
The upper and lower mounting screw on the coverplate are in the 12 - 6 o'clock positions, apologise if I am wrong, but this should indicate it is a prewar cover according to the info I have?

My guess is, it is a Regal made Dobro somewhere around 1935-1936, but I am really not sure. For the same money it is 70's OMI or something.

Anyway I am quite happy with this instrument, no problem.

I would be thankful if anybody could give some more insight on this.

Attachments:

[Deleted]

No 25 - grand concert?
Whaley Royce??
TT

[erwin]

I have not the faintest idea, I would like to upload more detailed pictures of the strange rounding on top of the headstock, but the upload capacity of pictures on this thread seems exceeded, maybe I'll try in the National avenue section.

[erwin]

Meantime I found out that the pat. nr. 1872633 on the fan-type coverplate only was mounted between August 1932 and August 1933. As this can give an indication.

[gaucho]

Looks kinda like a Mod 37. I have one and it has the some shape headstock. Yours has a little different body shape tho (unless it's the angle that it's leaning on the stand) with the thinner waist and wider lower bout. The headstock, binding and tailpiece all seem to be consistent with some of the Mod 37's. Here's mine (note the different body shape and tailpiece). Serial number dates it to 1934:

[erwin]

Thank you for the detailed pictures Gaucho.
Meantime, I think the sky is clearing up.
As the coverplate patent number says, it should be constructed somewhere between Agust 1932 en August 1933.
The trapezoidal tailpiece was commonly used by Regal, not by the Dopyera's.
The 3 holes were the fretboard ends onto the body are not beveled, this only done like that by Regal.
Sometimes Regal put the Dobro logo on the headstock alongside their own.
The absent serial number, I found also declared: these Dobro's were constructed one period in such large numbers by Regal, Kay, Harmony and some others that a serial number was not an issue, so a large number going out without.

So final conclusion: this is probably a Regal constructed Dobro from the period 1932/1933.

Yours looks really in very nice condition.
As the tailpiece is the same type as National, and the 3 soundholes at the end of the fretboard are beveled and the slots are also slightly different cut, I believe you can say yours is made in the original Dobro factory.

By the way, is yours strung with silk & steels or nickel wound?

Many thanks.

[gaucho]

Mine is strung with Nickel wounds. I just prefer the tone to PB's. The shape of the body on yours (unless it's distorted by the angle) seems to suggest a Kay body. I'm definitely expert tho. Mine has a great tone!

[erwin]

Thanks for the answer.
Indeed, the waist on mine is quite pronounced, more then your model 37, could be a Kay body.
Don't know if it's true, but I read here and there that Kay made very good quality instruments that era.
After some minor setup and new strings today, mine has a bit of a growl in it, and sustain's quite long.
I find also the mids really strong focused, with bass and treble a little less but even. A bit an OM-like character, is as good for fingerpicking as for slide I feel.

[bryanbradfield]

I'm voting Regal 37.

[erwin]

Indeed Bryan, my impression is also it's a Regal. But I'm not acknowledged enough with these instruments to see the difference between both brands, probably there are certain metal parts provided by Dobro to both manufacterers.
This can give some doubt, anyway it plays easy and sounds nice.

[bryanbradfield]

In Gaucho's photo, one can see that the resonator is located a certain distance from the butt of the guitar (where the end pin would be). Your guitar has considerably less distance there. In addition, the width of the upper bout spread feels to be a bit less in the Regal. I believe that pictured trapeze tail-piece was fairly common on Regal resonator guitars. My instrument was identical to yours, and was labelled Regal, although it is a model 27 and is lacking the 3 holes between the screen inserts, in addition to being coloured differently.

[erwin]

That's true, there's a difference in body proportions between Gaucho's Dobro and mine. I opened it yesterday to inspect the soundwell and it has round holes, very roughly finished, the cone is in really good condition and looks original, spider is of the long legged type. Don't know if they used this already in 1932/1933?
I've never seen a Kay fabricated Dobro, so it's for me not possible to identify, though I am more convinced it is a Regal build.

[Deleted]

Nov 17, 2014 11:11:11 GMT @deuce said:

No 25 - grand concert?
Whaley Royce??
TT

p109 of the bible top left corner.

[erwin]

I never read the bible TT, but the No 25 hasn't it f-holes in place of the screen holes here on mine?

[Deleted]