Dobro

Gentlemen of the Forum,

You assistance please in identifying this Dobro (pictures attached). From its general condition, patina, original case and markings, it appears to be a 1933-37 model. It has the 1896484 Patent statement but no serial number.

An unusal feature of this instrument are the inserts in the sounds holes. They appeare to be either bone, ivory or some form of bakelite. I have looked at hundreds of pictures of Dobros (and relatives) and have never seen inserts like these.

I have also not seen a picture of an older Dobro with a completely black body (with bindings). Painted?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

  Dr Buzzard

Here is yet another version of the popular celtic harp tune written by Turlough O'Carolan around 1691. Once again I'm using my EBDGBD tuning and playing in the key of A. I think I like Rene's (and Pete Grant's) approach in D better with all those low roots in the tuning, but thought I'd throw this out there anyway. I'm not sure why I keep having problems with the youtube audio quality at standard definition...if you look at it in HD or high quality it's better. Here is the audio file: Sheebeg & Sheemore It's recorded with a KM184 and the Cascade Fathead II ribbon mic using the mid/side stereo technique for a big sound. Please excuse the errant bar rattles and flubs, since I got a decent take on the 2nd try I said that's close enough. 

So here's a comparison between 2 nearly identical dobro's. One has the Fishman, one doesn't. Does it affect the sound? Hmmm.

(sorry about the humming...).

Tab

As seen on the Mandolin Cafe (http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showthread.php?p=772326):

http://www.youtube.com/user/Fowlerope

A whole bunch of audience recorded videos of the three guys in concert at Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA.