Dobro Dating Series Of Events

The reason for this speculation follows: Dobro Corporation produced guitars with relatively thin bodies ranging from 2 78 at the top to 3 at the bottom; these are called shallow-bodied guitars and were representative of the early-California period prior to the involvement with Regal.

It is, after all, the preferred instrument for a bluegrass band setting.

Since so little information is available in one location concerning pre-war instruments, this is an effort to cover in-depth the guitars which fall into that category, which were made by the companies involved in their manufacture from 1928-1941.

Before we look at the various models produced by these companies, it is important to understand the following: Just when you think you have all the pertinent information about a particular model or event, along comes a variation in one thing or another which is totally unexpected.

The most complimentary thing that can be said about the consistency of the companies in this pre-war era is that During this period of time, the companies were consistently inconsistent.

We will start at taking a brief look at the history surrounding the companies that built the early Dobro guitars.

As we go along, youll find that some knowledge of this historical background is very helpful when you start attempting to identify various models of guitars.) We will then make a short study of the construction characteristics that were unique to the different production facilities and to different time periods and that help to make the identification of these early guitars possible.

Then, finally, well take a look at the individual models that were in production during this pre-war era and discuss the many features that went into each of them.

You are sure to find the history and construction of the early Dobro guitars to be an absorbing and fascinating subject, and youll be surprised to find that the process of identifying these early instruments can be quite simple, provided you know what to look for-and by the time youve finished this article, you will know what to look for PART ONE: HOW IT ALL BEGAN To better understand the many variables that played a part in the production of pre-war Dobros, and that therefore are involved in recognizing and identifying these guitars and their date and point of manufacture, it is imperative that you learn a little of the background and history of the companies involved in the manufacture of these vintage instruments.

Dobro Dating Series Of Events

The wooden-body, resonator guitar as we know it today came about through of a series of events which occurred in the National String Instrument Company, which was formed in 1925 and co-owned by a Slovak immigrant family, the Dopyeras, along with several other investors.

The Dopyera brothers, of whom there were five-John, Robert, Rudolph (Rudy), Louis, and Emil (Ed)-were heavily involved in the National Company, both as inventors and investors.

Because of internal frictions with other parties within the company, John and his younger brother Rudy divested all their interest in National-including patents which they held for National instruments-and left the company in 1928.

They had been working for some time outside the company on a new-style resonator assembly, which they were quick to patent upon their departure from National.

The result of this new invention is the resonator guitar, as we know it today.

The exact reason for naming their new guitar and company, Dobro, is unclear, however this is what is known: There were five Dopyera brothers and the name has five letters; it is a contraction of Dopyera Brothers; and, in their native Slovak tongue, dobro is a literal form of the word for good.

Since no written records were either kept or saved (At least, to date none have surfaced.) by the various companies involved in the manufacture of these instruments in the pre-war era, the information found here is from a variety of alternative sources.

These sources include, among numerous others, old music company catalogs and interviews with members of the Dopyera family.

Throughout the late 1920s and early 1930s the Dobro Corporation and National continued to manufacture guitars as separate companies, with National producing the famous Tricone and other metal-bodied guitars while Dobro Corporation produced the wooden-bodied instrument we know today.

During this period, which covered the late 20s and early 30s the Dopyera brothers, with the exception of John and Rudy, continued their affiliation with both companies, primarily through financial investments.

In 1932, in response to the depression and a subsequent reduced demand for its more expensive Tricone, National, in an attempt to remain competitive, began producing its own single-cone, wooden-bodied guitar.

This guitar incorporated a biscuit-type resonator which differed significantly in design from the spider-style bridgecone assembly incorporated into the Dobro Corporation guitars of the period.

Unfortunately for National, these new, more economical guitars did not immediately catch on with the public, and the companys sales continued their downward slide.

Dobro Corp., on the other hand was experiencing exceptional sales during this period so much so that in late 1932, Regal of Chicago was licensed by Dobro Corporation to produce guitars bearing both the Dobro and Regal logos for sale east of the Mississippi.

According to this licensing agreement, Dobro Corporation would supply Regal with all the metal parts.

These included Kraftsman, Melobro and Radio Tone, among others.

It is also speculated that, following their licensing, wooden bodies from Regal found their way to Dobro Corporation.

Dobro Serial Number Dating