Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2004 16:21:26 -0500

Greetings Andrew,

Hi Mickey,
Thanks very much for your informed reply. Much appreciated. Well, as
things go, I passed on the OMI Dobro Hula Blues Duolian, because, I got a
really great deal on a Liberty Style O, brass, nickel plated, w/ Quarterman
cone.... through eBay, direct from Bill at Liberty. It's a scratch'n dent
special, but the scratch is on the back-no big deal, in my opinion. I've
read really good things about Liberty Resonator Guitars, but I wasn't all
that fond of his "sound fans" that are on most of his models. This
particular model has the traditional rolled f-holes, and looks pretty much
like an old National Style O. I'll be paying less than a new Regal Style O.
Are you familiar w/ Liberty resonators? What's your opinion?

I believe we did have one come in on trade awhile back...and, from what I can remember, it was a superb dobro with lots of tone...I'm not too sure about the construction...

If money was no object, and my wife was more understanding, I'd buy them
both, then sell whichever one I liked less, but alas that's not to be. If
you're interested in the Hula Blues OMI Dobro Duolian, I'd be happy to put
you in touch with the seller. Unfortunately, he now knows what it's worth!
I told him, from researching the web and checking my '02 VG Price guide. In
ex cond. it's listed at $700.

Yes, that does sound about right...even so, I've seen some OMI's go for an even higher price...

I could have nabbed it for $425! Oh well. I
felt that giving them the real info on that model would help them to not
have any bad feelings about my not going through with buying it.

I believe you did the right thing...when I know a value on an instrument, I always share this with the party interested in trading or selling...sometimes, I'm still wrong...only, at the very least, I do my best to be up front from the beginning...and, I believe it's the only way to work with others...my only problem is that in my naiveness, I expect the same from all others. Fortunately, I've discovered that most I meet are honest and true about any dealings...especially in the acoustic realm.

It was originally on ebay but the reserve wasn't met. I was the high bidder. They
wanted $495, but we settled on $425. Then-I backed out. In any case, this
seller would probably be OK w/ $595 now, since there's another one, that
didn't sell on eBay w/ a McIntyre PU.

Thanks again for your time and expertise-much appreciated!

I'm glad to assist...please stay in touch...and, of course, stay tuned...Mickey

Andrew