info on Dobro mandolin, vintage

[tom w]

I am hoping to build a repro of a wood body 1930-40's Dobro resonator mandolin. I would like to purchase one to study and measure. Even one that is pretty beat up or broken would be great. The ones available are all pretty expensive; can anyone help me find one of these ? This is my first post!

[allenhopkins]

Sorry you missed this one.

I'd say the best bet is to keep watching eBay, and to search the Cafe for "Dobro mandolin" and see if there's someone who's worked on one and may have drawings or measurements. You're right that intact, playable Dobro mandolins are now commanding pretty good prices. When I bought mine I think I paid less than $400, but that was 20 years ago.

[Scott Tichenor]

Here's one at $600.

[tom w]

I bid on the $350 one, and thought I had it....but you know how that goes in the last few seconds...

[Scott Tichenor]

Here's one that just hit at $199, but of course may increase.

[tom w]

I have my eye on it! thanks

[tom w]

I am searching for the specs on vintage Dobro mandolin, from the 30s or 40s, or an actual instrument I can get measurements from. I am watching a couple now on ebay but they are bringing some big bucks....any help would be great!

[Scott Tichenor]

They're popping up with regularity!

[mandroid]

You could do a Better neck joint than the Old ones , they often had really high action,
over time, (like 1/2" at the 15th fret) as the strings pulled on the neck.

[allenhopkins]

You could do a Better neck joint than the Old ones , they often had really high action,
over time, (like 1/2" at the 15th fret) as the strings pulled on the neck.

Amen! Mine needed a neck re-set. Dobro and National instruments were never noted for the quality of their woodworking. Many of the wooden bodies were built by other Chicago firms -- Regal, Kay -- and if you look inside these instruments, you find some pretty rough work-person-ship.

[mandroid]

I understand you wanted to make body forms around an actual Old ones..

Could launch into another body shape.

someone in BC went round body,
Banjo Hang Out had one in a sweepstakes- give away , 5 string, of course..

not quite copy a banjo-Dobro, but the round body was in the Dopera brothers catalog

hole for cone is off-center in round body, sound-holes flanking the neck block.

Rayco.ca..
might have been a 1 off , since I could not re navigate the site to find a picture..

[mrmando]

Tom, maybe you could post a classified ad asking for a loan or a tracing.

[Darryl Wolfe]

I may be able to help you and you would not have to buy one. Where do you live