1936 dobro

[Deleted]

I have been offered a 1936 dobro - wood body - single cone / spider - v neck with a slotted head stock. It was sold by Hesseys in Liverpool UK famous for Beatles purchases and has their original shop label on the back of the headstock. It comes with the original tone bar and slot over raised nut. The neck does not have a truss rod of course and has a fair but not excessive amount of relief. It has been painted many years ago on the sides and back (although this has been virtually worn away on the back to the original finish) possibly to hide a crack repair on the side. It sounds wonderful - They are asking £900 - what do you think? Should I buy?

[Alan]

I think you'd need to do some research to see if thats a good price, eBay, Elderly, Gruhn and Dobro forums etc.

You might also consider taking a picture.

I can't imagine that most people that do appraising as part of their living would do it for free or would give you an opinion without seeing/hearing the guitar in the flesh.

Just something to be aware of.

[Michael Messer]

Hi Ian,

Welcome to our forum.

I know Hessey's and their history. It is of interest, but does not affect the value of an instrument. Hessey's were big dealers back then and put their sticker on numerous instruments.

As Alan has already said, I cannot appraise an instrument without seeing it.

If it is a 1936 round neck Dobro in reasonable condition, £900 is a fair price. However....there are many things that need checking to see if they are original and to check for cracks and damage, and that is not possible without seeing the guitar. Usually when all the bits are still with the guitar (slide, nut raiser...etc) it means that it has lived in the attic and been passed down through a family. It is probably still in its original case? This is a good sign, but once again....without seeing it I can't tell. Is there a photo of it anywhere on the Internet.....or perhaps you could post a photo?

I would do as Alan has suggested and do a bit of shopping around. These things are not as rare as you might imagine. Once you're on the trail there's quite a few for sale. Personally speaking, I would always prefer to buy a guitar that I have seen, touched & played, rather than going to e-Bay and buying via mail-order.

I hope I have been of some help to you?

Shine On,
Michael.

[ian Roberts]

Many thanks - very helpful

Ian

[Michael Messer]

Hi Ian,

One thing I did forget to mention; if you like it and it sounds wonderful to your ears, and you are happy with the price.....just go and buy it and don't worry about what else is for sale! £900 (ONO) is a fair price for a 30s round neck Dobro. In fact if it is all original, it is a good deal.

Shine On
Michael