1995 Dobro Duolian "Black Beauty" Biscuit Bridge Resonator Guitar


Overview: This is an OMI-built Dobro and is, more or less, similar to other Dobro Duolians in that the body layout and neck style are the same as the "normal" Dobro models but the cone is a National-style biscuit bridge cone in this guitar as compared to the more-regular spider-bridge-style cones in the average Dobro.


Tone: It's forward, snappy, direct, and loud with good punch. While not as "sing-songy" as new National Hotrod cones, this has a good, straight-up, biscuit sound to it.


Feel: The neck is slim and comfy which is something '30s and '40s Dobros and Nationals do not have to their credit in their roundneck versions. 


Interesting features: It sports an unusual black finish with gold-plated hardware (and fancy tuners). The plating on the coverplate and tailpiece has aged to a great, patina'd look. These have a quite short scale length so if you're into relaxed tension and a slinkier feel, this has it.


Repairs included: It's had a fret level/dress, cone seating, compensation added to the saddle, and general going through done by Ancel. It's playing spot-on and is ready to go. It's setup for fingerpicking/flatpicking action but it can be adjusted higher if the next owner is planning to use it for slide.

  • Weight: 5 lbs 14 oz
  • Scale length: 24 1/2"
  • Nut width: 1 11/16"
  • Neck shape: slim D
  • Board radius: flat
  • Body width: 14"
  • Body depth: 3 3/8"
  • Body: ply birch
  • Cone type: single, biscuit
  • Bridge: maple
  • Fretboard: rosewood
  • Neck wood: maple, likely
  • Action height at 12th fret: 3/32” bass 1/16” treble (fast, spot-on)
  • String gauges: 54w-12 lights
  • Truss rod: adjustable
  • Neck relief: straight
  • Fret style: medium

Condition notes: It's in good order throughout though it does show mild wear via small scratches, scuffs, nicks, etc. here and there. It's all not obvious stuff. The plating on the tailpiece and coverplate is, obviously, worn and discolored a bit.


It comes with: It has a simple (McIntyre as I recall?) passive acoustic pickup installed.


Consignor tag: HKS

















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