1970s Dobro (Rudy Dopyera) "Baushka" Custom Resonator Mandolin

In the '60s and '70s there are a lot of one-off Dobro instruments made by the brothers themselves made for friends, family, or specific customers and often based off of "factory" models. This is an early-'70s Rudy Dopyera build with his "Baushka" badge at the headstock and a curious butterfly under the finish on the side. Considering the neck shape (cut for a cutaway instrument with one flat side at the heel), I expect that this was made around the time the last custom Dobro mandolin came in the shop (click for link).

What's nice about this one is that it's incredibly fancy -- with a classic, sunburst, Dobro-looking finish but with a red color accent on the binding and floral engraving throughout the coverplate and bridge cover. It also appears to be completely original except for the cone which is a later, Beard-branded replacement -- and perhaps the saddles. I've taken some photos of the cone and bridge when I first opened it up -- note that the saddles are compensated for 2-plain, 2-wound courses now (standard mandolin).

Post-repairs it plays perfectly and has a great, sweet, punchy tone.

Repairs included: a fret level/dress, cleaning, cone seating, compensation added to the saddles, and setup.

Body: ply

Cone type: Dobro single cone

Bridge: spider

Fretboard: rosewood

Neck wood: mahogany

Action height at 12th fret: hair-under 1/16" (fast)
String gauges: 34w-10 lights

Neck shape: medium C

Board radius: flat

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: medium w/zero fret

Scale length: 13 1/2"

Nut width: 1 1/4"

Body width: 11 1/4"

Body depth: 2 7/8"

Weight: 4 lbs 2 oz

Condition notes: it's in great shape and only has minor wear and tear to the finish throughout -- though with the average minor vintage weather-check. Two pearl dots on the fretboard appear to be replaced and the cone and saddles appear to be replaced but otherwise it looks all-original to me. The heel shape is a little curious and it has an "indent" sanded into the back of it, almost like a "finger grip." I expect that was a little random sanding gone awry but it's sort-of neat and there at the back of the heel.

It comes with: a nice period hard case, probably original.