What would you do? Pics added.

[dane]

Did you ever have a decision to make and you keep flopping back and forth on what to do? I find myself doing just that as of late. I’m considering selling my Dobro. I don’t play it near as often as my other guitars and I’m really chomping at the bit to get a 12 string. Here’s the rub; this Dobro is pretty much a one of a kind guitar. It’s a 1933 prototype for the model 37 square neck, and to make things more difficult it’s in excellent condition. I’m not talking ebay excellent, but showing it to a few Luthiers and having their jaws drop when I open the original case excellent.

One Luthier in Montana was so intrigued by it he spent some time researching it and told me that this Dobro is one of only twelve made. It may have been used as a show piece, taken to music shops in order to show the new line to the proprietors and entice them to place an order. All of the prototypes were supposed to be returned to the Dobro factory by the salesmen; how this one slipped through the cracks is anyone’s guess. So saying that this is fairly unique piece would not be an overstatement, and ever replacing it would be virtually impossible.

Even though all the parts are the originals, including the cone, the sound and volume is incredible. Again, I do play it, just not as often as my round neck guitars. So, if it were you what would you do? Sell the Dobro and use the money to buy a 12 string, or bide your time, save up and eventually get the new guitar?

p.s. While writing this my mind has changed once again to the “not to sell” mode. Geeesh! :?

 

[coastie99]

Re: What would you do?

Did you ever have a decision to make and you keep flopping back and forth on what to do? I find myself doing just that as of late. I’m considering selling my Dobro. I don’t play it near as often as my other guitars and I’m really chomping at the bit to get a 12 string. Here’s the rub; this Dobro is pretty much a one of a kind guitar. It’s a 1933 prototype for the model 37 square neck, and to make things more difficult it’s in excellent condition. I’m not talking ebay excellent, but showing it to a few Luthiers and having their jaws drop when I open the original case excellent.

One Luthier in Montana was so intrigued by it he spent some time researching it and told me that this Dobro is one of only twelve made. It may have been used as a show piece, taken to music shops in order to show the new line to the proprietors and entice them to place an order. All of the prototypes were supposed to be returned to the Dobro factory by the salesmen; how this one slipped through the cracks is anyone’s guess. So saying that this is fairly unique piece would not be an overstatement, and ever replacing it would be virtually impossible.

Even though all the parts are the originals, including the cone, the sound and volume is incredible. Again, I do play it, just not as often as my round neck guitars. So, if it were you what would you do? Sell the Dobro and use the money to buy a 12 string, or bide your time, save up and eventually get the new guitar?

p.s. While writing this my mind has changed once again to the “not to sell” mode. Geeesh! :?

Congratulations Dane !

The correct answer is "not to sell".

 

[dane]

Re: What would you do?

Here are a few photos so you can see what I mean about the condition. Sorry about the poor quality…I have a crappy camera for shooting indoors. The sheet music came with the guitar.

 

[GAD]

In my experience, keeping a guitar because it's rare and/or special to someone else is a mistake. Sure it may go up in value, but I don't really keep guitars that don't "do it" for me. Unless you know it will go the way of an original '59 Les Paul, in which selling it could change your quality of life, I'd use the money to get something that makes you happier.

GAD

 

[AlohaJoe]

I lean to the 'do not sell' corner, unless you never play it and never will again. This is a lousy time to be selling anything, particularly nice instruments. You'll get a lot less for it than you would have a year ago, and once it's gone, it's gone for good.

If you do decide to let it go, get a real appraisal first (ie: Gruhn); it might be worth a lot more than you think.

 

[Qvart]

If you do decide to let it go, get a real appraisal first (ie: Gruhn); it might be worth a lot more than you think.

Okay, I'll chime in too. Even though I know nothing about your git:

Unless you really need the money you'd get for selling it, I say keep it. And if you do decide to sell it go to someone who really knows or can do some good research and give a good objective opinion, per AlohaJoe's advice.

Good luck!

 

[chazmo]

Dane, good decision. Don't sell, although, I think GAD makes an excellent point. If there's something else you desperately wanted, then I might reconsider.

Cool axe, by the way! Unforuntunately, I think it's "fly under the radar" cool... I guess you never know unless you try to sell it, but my vote (again) is keep it.

 

[Bikerdoc]

Geeesh. Selling an instrument like that to purchase something else or get out of debt is like selling my motorcycle. Though I've been indebted I not once, ever, NEVER considered parting with my ride. If I didn't have it I am still here tomorrow. Things work out. Your dobro is a jewel. Hang onto it. You'll get that new guitar before ya know it.

Peace

 

[The Guilds of Grot]

I would get it appraised by either Gruhn or Mandolin Brothers before making any decision about selling it.

Once I knew what it was worth, it would be easier to decide.

 

[AlohaJoe]

I would get it appraised by either Gruhn or Mandolin Brothers before making any decision about selling it. Once I knew what it was worth, it would be easier to decide.

That's VERY good advice, and also a wise course of action for insurance purposes with any one-of-a-kind antique.

 

[gilded]

A question about the construction. Is there a wooden rim under the resonator that extends down into the body, or does the resonator just sit on the top?

 

[walrus]

I agree with those who say to appraise it first by someone reputable, then you can make a more informed decision. Dealers like Gruhn might actually have someone in mind that would buy it for more than you think, if so, sell it.

My philosophy is if an instrument is not being played, get it in the hands of someone who will play it. Musical instruments (not just Guilds) are made to be played. I'm not a big fan of "collecting" just for the sake of just having stuff.

Think about how the dobro feels, lonely and unused, when it really wants to be played...

walrus

 

[fronobulax]

+1 on the get a real appraisal suggestion.

I tend to be a packrat so my knee jerk reaction is don't sell. However, I am also contemplating the inevitable downsizing of my living quarters and one of the things I realize is that I won't be able to store everything. Thus, in my case, if the only reason to have something around is because "it is valuable" or "it has sentimental value" and not because it is used, it is a candidate for sale.

So I would get it appraised first. Then I would either make a commitment to play it more often or I would put it on the market, although I might wait for better economic times rather than sell now.

 

[fab467]

Think about how the dobro feels, lonely and unused, when it really wants to be played...

Hi Walrus:

This song comes quickly to mind....

 

[walrus]

Exactly!

walrus

 

[dane]

A question about the construction. Is there a wooden rim under the resonator that extends down into the body, or does the resonator just sit on the top?

The cone sits in a recess with a rim not on the top; at least that’s the way I remember it, but to be honest I haven’t taken the cone out since the early 90’s. I do have plans on changing the strings in a week or so, and I’ll pull the resonator at that time and post the findings in the Guitars and Other Stringed forum.

 

[Steelpickin']

I would hang on to it if you can. Since you do play it and where the hell you ever gonna find another 1933 model 37 dobro? Keep it, cherrish it and play it! Save up and buy a 12 string if thats what you really want.
You can find those a whole lot easier!.....I too would be interested to know if it has a soundwell or just posts when you pull the cone out.

 

[dapmdave]

Hang on to it :!:

My first guitar, a Christmas gift in 1966 (whoa!) was a Dobro. It was a 30's model which my Mom had played as a kid in the Hawaiian steel craze. They had it set up for "regular" playing, and gave it to me. Somewhere along that long road to now, it got away from me. You know I miss it, not to mention what it would be worth today.

Don't sell it. You will almost certainly regret it.

Here's a picture of Christmas morning, 1966. Portsmouth, RI, by the way. Not far from Westerly!

Gotta love the PJ's, right?

 

[jp]

I also think you should get it appraised, sit on it for a couple months, and then reassess.

Honestly, I've come to the point in my life where it gets easier and easier to get rid of stuff, and I have a lot to get rid of! Like walrus, I think you should have gits in the stable that you want to play. My list of lost loves includes everything from an engraved Ludwig Black Beauty snare (the Holy Grail of drum world) to a 1929 Slingerland banjo to a Leslie cabinet, not including the host of other gear--a bouzouki, a sitar, mandolin, and so on. And yet, I have no regrets.

The latest was my other T-100D in beautiful shape. I was afraid to pick the thing up! Absolutely absurd. The one I have now is a black refin that I mess with all the time without fear of dinging, without concern for value, and completely for enjoyment.

After an appraisal and a little time, I would also compare it to other gear of the same value which you know you would play and enjoy. Then consider which you would rather have.

 

[dane]

I bought this guitar not knowing what it was or even seeing it in 1975 for the whopping price of five dollars. Long story. If you really want to know I’ll post it later. Point being, I didn’t buy it as an investment. It wasn’t until fifteen years later I found out what it is. I play it, I’m not afraid to touch it, in fact it gets a good workout at least once a week; I just prefer to play my D-46, and do so daily. What can I say, it’s my favorite guitar. I did have the Dobro appraised some time ago, and you’re right, I should have it done again for insurance purposes. Bottom line; I have owned, played, and maintained this guitar for thirty four years…I’ll miss it if it’s gone…so the 12 string will stay on the wish list for a little longer. Thank all for you’re input, advice, and insight.