Circa 1935 Dobro Model 32

ARCHIVED • SOLD

Circa 1935 Dobro Model 32

Serial # M1239. Dobro introduced its line of metal-bodied guitars in September of 1934. Until then, the company wasn't convinced that the welding technology National was using created strong enough joints for their guitars. It was when John Dopyera discovered edge crimping that the Dobro company began to explore metal as a possible "tone wood". These instruments have been nicknamed "fiddle-edge" Dobros for obvious reasons. In 1935, The Model 32 was catalogued with an unspecified sheet metal body. German Silver, steel, aluminum, and brass examples have been documented; although brass was generally saved for the higher end models with high price tags and body etching. The instrument pictured here is a brass-bodied M-32 from this early era. It features a painted yellow to brown sunburst finish (the brown on this one has all but faded away), 14 fret neck, and slotted headstock. Its stamped cone is original, and thanks - in part - to the heavier brass body, this instrument sounds very good. It is tonally very different than a National metal body due to its inverted cone and spider-bridge, and has voice that is more growly and aggressive than a typical wood-bodied Dobro. Apart from non-original tailpiece and tuning machines this guitar is stock and in fine condition. There is a significant amount of missing paint on the body, and the neck finish is fairly worn; however, the guitar has decent frets and action. Its nut measures 1-11/16", and its neck has a very comfortable V profile.
With non-original case
On Consignment
SOLD
Circa 1935 Dobro Model 32
  • Circa 1935 Dobro Model 32
  • Circa 1935 Dobro Model 32
  • Circa 1935 Dobro Model 32
  • Circa 1935 Dobro Model 32
  • Circa 1935 Dobro Model 32
  • Circa 1935 Dobro Model 32
  • Circa 1935 Dobro Model 32

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