Date: Tue, 30 Jul 2002 16:56:09 -0400
Subject: Help in pricing a Dobro

I would like your help in determining the approximate price for a Dobro
guitar. The number on the headstock is "D 398 4". It appears to be a
Model 60 Darkburst, but I am only guessing at that from the information
on your web site. There is no other information or name on the guitar,
just Dobro (no Gibson, no Regal).

Thanks for your help.

Marshall Smith

Greetings Marshall,

This is more than likely a OMI instrument made before Gibson bought the Dobro trademark. These are superb Dobros with a rich tone. Today, we're still selling OMI bodies through the England metal bodied Dobros...they are reconstructing theirs from OMI bodies that were sold to them before OMI went defunct.

Current value on the OMI Standard Squareneck, as you've described, should be 700.00-900.00 depending on condition...and whether or not you have the original hardshell case. Again, this is only a guesstimate...to determine its final value, and authenticity, we would have to see it in person.

Hope this helps. FOTW

---

Date: Mon, 22 Jul 2002 11:56:07 -0500
Subject: Hounddog

Hi Mickey,

In about 1960 I purchased a resonator guitar from a studio and have played it off and on over the years. The decal, which is now gone, named it, "Hounddog", and had a small picture of a hounddog on the label. The guitar has a number, 444, on the end of the tuning head. The guitar looks identical to a "Dobro" brand guitar and I had a guitar repairman, (who installed a mike pickup), tell me that this guitar was made by Dobro, or Gibson under the name Hounddog. What can you tell me about this instrument? Nobody I know today seems to know about it. I would appreciate your comments.

Thanks,
Rich

Greetings Rich,

I'm only estimating here...so, you'll want to do further research to confirm and authenticate.

OMI (Original Musical Instruments) made the Hounddog model...this was a California company...and I know for a fact they made a Hounddog model in the '70s...however, I'm not too sure about 1960.

The one person I'm sure who can help you further would be Stan Werbin at Elderly Instruments...here's their web address: www.elderly.com

Best of Luck to you, Mickey

---

Date: Wed, 15 May 2002 11:39:54 EDT
Subject: Just Curious

Hi,
I have a Dobro with a serial # 81123 0D stamped into the top of the peghead.  It has a slotted peghead with tuning keys facing up.  The nut at the top of the neck elevates the strings off the fretboard about 1/2" or so.  I think the fretboard is rosewood, and the guitar itself is sunburst.  It has a resonator and two ports with a piece of screen on each of those.  It is almost in perfect condition with typical signs of aging but looks almost new.  It was given to me as a gift, and I do not know much about these instruments.  Do you have any idea as to it's value?  If you can help I would appreciate it.
Thanks,
Paul Shaffer

Greetings Paul,

Glad to assist if I can...

Please be aware, I can only guesstimate the model you have as being an Original Music Instrument product based on your description provided. This means it only has the "Dobro" emblem on the headstock...no references to model names, dates, etc. And, the serial numbers were stamped on the back of the headstock.

This model was a tobacco sunburst and called the "Hounddog Model"...I sold one a couple of years ago for 600.00...I believe, and as long as it's in good condition, it's worth even more today...Average condition: 600-700...in excellent, mint condition: upwards to 900.00+...

Hope this helps...Mickey