1930s Regal (Dobro Cone) Resonator Guitar

Overview: This cool old Regal resonator guitar sold in-shop before I could list it, but I did manage to grab photos and a video before it left. This same type of instrument was also sold under the proper Dobro brand and it has a Dobro cone and coverplate to boot. It's a 12-fret, 00-size instrument with a smaller upper-bout compared to your average "standard" square-shoulders Dobro body.


Interesting features: These are pretty slick-looking guitars, with ply spruce tops over ply mahogany back and sides and sporting fancier trim throughout than average for this period. Compared to a National, the sound of these is warmer and more sustained but with less volume -- though the midsy voice does help them cut in a mix. I like these a lot for recording in open tunings and hanging-out on the couch or porch.


Repairs included: This got a neck reset, fret level/dress, headstock re-repair, cone seating/fussing, saddle fussing, side dots, and setup work. I did the structural bits and Sarah did the finalization on it as far as I recall. It's playing spot-on and fit to serve.

  • Weight: 5 lbs 2 oz
  • Scale length: 25"
  • Nut width: 1 3/4"
  • Neck shape: big V
  • Board radius: 12"
  • Depth at first fret: 1"
  • Depth at seventh fret: 1 5/32"
  • Body width: 14 1/4"
  • Body depth: 3 1/2"
  • Body: ply spruce top, ply mahogany back/sides
  • Cone type: Dobro/spider bridge single
  • Bridge: aluminum spider w/maple saddle
  • Fretboard: ebony
  • Neck wood: mahogany
  • Action height at 12th fret: 3/32” bass 1/16” treble (fast, spot-on)
  • String gauges: 54w-12 lights
  • Neck relief: straight
  • Fret style: medium-lower

Condition notes: Clearly, it's got wear and tear throughout the finish and scritchy-scratch all over. The binding on the fretboard edges was missing for decades and the "lip" that would have held it in place was badly worn-down, so I just smoothed it into the neck profile and eliminated the rest of the ridge. It has non-original but nicer tuners. The rest appears original. The headstock has a big old crack in it that's repaired and a non-issue, now.


It comes with: Sorry, no case.


Consignor tag: PHFB



















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Scott Lynd said…
Because of the "F" holes and unbound fingerboard I thought it was a Model 25, but the fact it has a spruce top, and mahogany sides and back with the inlay strip it evidently is a Model 45 with F holes instead of screen holes. I have an unbound fingerboard Regal Model 45 but it appears mine has a replaced fingerboard.
July 4, 2025 at 5:56 PM
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