Dobro Model 27 Roundneck Model Resophonic Guitar, made by Regal, c. 1939, made in Chicago, sunburst lacquer finish, laminated birch body,, original black chipboard case.
This original round-neck Dobro is typical of later Regal Chicago-made models of mid-late 1930's, after the Los Angeles based National-Dobro company began outsourcing their production. The solid (as opposed to slotted) headstock is typical of post-1937 guitars; most other details remained pretty much the same. The features typical of the period Model 27 include a single-bound sunburst laminated birch body and two segmented F-holes on the top, along with an unbound rosewood fingerboard. Old Dobros are the MOST inconsistent of all vintage guitars in terms of catalog spec, but luckily it makes little difference to the player! This is a well-worn but good sounding Dobro with the classic pre-war twang, ready to play well into the 21st century.
Overall length is 39 in. (99.1 cm.), 14 in. (35.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 25 in. (635 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/4 in. (44 mm.).
This is a fairly well-worn guitar but plays well and appears all original except for a couple of pieces of more modern hardware. There are dings, dents, scuffs and scratches practically everywhere, most heavily to the back of the body and the headstock. The back of the neck has heavy strap and capo wear into the wood behind the nut and the first fret. Apart from the tuners the tailpiece appears to be a repro National-style part, while the cone and coverplate are original and very solid with some surface tarnish.
The neck has been reset and is straighter than most, the frets are in surprisingly good shape. Four position markers were hand-painted on the upper side of the fingerboard, originally there were none. The nut has been replaced. This guitar actually plays well in the standard "Spanish" style (many do not!) and could easily be adapted for lap style play with a nut raiser if desired. It resides in the original chipboard case, missing one latch and one hinge but semi-functional but OK for storage at least. A modern Gig bag can be supplied if desired. Overall Very Good + Condition.
