Dobro Model 56 Squareneck Resophonic Guitar (1932)
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Dobro Model 56 Squareneck Model Resophonic Guitar (1932), made in Los Angeles, serial # 2487, walnut grain lacquer finish, laminated hardwood body, mahogany neck with red bean fingerboard, black hard shell case.
This is a great-sounding early 1930s squareneck Dobro, a product of the Dopyera Brothers' original California factory, which began operation in 1929. Dobro models and designations in this period are somewhat arbitrary and confusing, but the cosmetic features mark this as an early Model 56. The serial number die-stamped on the top of the headstock, the slots in which are cut square; the coverplate is marked Pat. Pend. These features combined indicate a construction date around 1932.
This is a fairly basic model with an unbound laminated hardwood body and square mahogany neck with a bound red bean wood fingerboard. There are three small round holes between the large round screen holes in the top. Apart from a later Chicago-style tailpiece the instrument appears original.
These California-made Dobros were built to a price (it was the worst of the depression after all) but generally are better made of higher quality materials than the subsequent Chicago production once it was subcontracted to Regal. This one has some generals wear but the sound is pure pre-war sweetness with that ol' Brother Oswald twang, a really cool authentic 1930s slide machine ready to play "Wreck on the Highway" at the Opry anytime!
Overall length is 38 7/16 in. (97.6 cm.), 14 1/8 in. (35.9 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 1/8 in. (7.9 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 7/8 in. (48 mm.).
Considering it is now over 90 years old this squareneck has survived without major incident, showing overall wear and tear but fully functional and cleaner than many. The all-original finish shows dings, dents, scratches and scuffs but no large areas of loss, and the plating is a bit scuffed but intact. The original single-screw National style tailpiece was replaced with a later 4-screw Regal/Harmony type; this looks to have happened decades ago, not too unusual as the earlier style often shear at the bend.
Everything else on the instrument appears original and in solid shape; the original 3-on-a-plate tuners have been remounted buttons-upward as is common with older Hawaiian-style instruments. The headstock decal has mostly flaked away, another common vintage Dobro situation. While many contemporary players have come to rely on modern Dobro-style instruments, the best of these early California originals have a sweet singing sound and vintage vibe that speaks for itself. This is a cool example, ready to gig again housed in a '70-80s hardshell case. Overall Very Good + Condition.
This is a great-sounding early 1930s squareneck Dobro, a product of the Dopyera Brothers' original California factory, which began operation in 1929. Dobro models and designations in this period are somewhat arbitrary and confusing, but the cosmetic features mark this as an early Model 56. The serial number die-stamped on the top of the headstock, the slots in which are cut square; the coverplate is marked Pat. Pend. These features combined indicate a construction date around 1932.
This is a fairly basic model with an unbound laminated hardwood body and square mahogany neck with a bound red bean wood fingerboard. There are three small round holes between the large round screen holes in the top. Apart from a later Chicago-style tailpiece the instrument appears original.
These California-made Dobros were built to a price (it was the worst of the depression after all) but generally are better made of higher quality materials than the subsequent Chicago production once it was subcontracted to Regal. This one has some generals wear but the sound is pure pre-war sweetness with that ol' Brother Oswald twang, a really cool authentic 1930s slide machine ready to play "Wreck on the Highway" at the Opry anytime!
Overall length is 38 7/16 in. (97.6 cm.), 14 1/8 in. (35.9 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 1/8 in. (7.9 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 7/8 in. (48 mm.).
Considering it is now over 90 years old this squareneck has survived without major incident, showing overall wear and tear but fully functional and cleaner than many. The all-original finish shows dings, dents, scratches and scuffs but no large areas of loss, and the plating is a bit scuffed but intact. The original single-screw National style tailpiece was replaced with a later 4-screw Regal/Harmony type; this looks to have happened decades ago, not too unusual as the earlier style often shear at the bend.
Everything else on the instrument appears original and in solid shape; the original 3-on-a-plate tuners have been remounted buttons-upward as is common with older Hawaiian-style instruments. The headstock decal has mostly flaked away, another common vintage Dobro situation. While many contemporary players have come to rely on modern Dobro-style instruments, the best of these early California originals have a sweet singing sound and vintage vibe that speaks for itself. This is a cool example, ready to gig again housed in a '70-80s hardshell case. Overall Very Good + Condition.