I have here a French scroll Dobro definitely California made. My guess is it's a 1932 model 66, but possibly a 65. My question is did the 65's have the scroll up on the front headstock as this one does?
Just looked in Steve Toth’s Dobro Roots book and on pages 26-29 he shows a model 65 without the peghead scroll work, but mentions. “later variations have the pattern on the peghead as well”.
Not sure if “later variations” means later 65s or 66s. Steve is a member here so perhaps he can give you a more definitive answer.
This time the serial number is legible, but dark. I always recommend when people share a cell phone photo to also type the serial number in the post. You might be able to read it okay in your home, but on a lot of Dobros the stamped numerals are pretty funky and hard to make out from a photo.
Steve Lynn already looked it up in his copy of Dobro Roots, so I don't have to. To add to what he posted, I checked out the model in the Gruhn Guide to Vintage Guitars.
Being a 1932 serial number, according to the Gruhn Guide they also changed it that year from the Model 65 to 66, since many of the other Dobros also ended in 6 beginning that year. "Some with sandblasted design on peghead" is written in the Guide as applying to either the 65 or 66.
Since it's a 1932, and some have the design on the peghead while others don't - classic Dobro "randomness" - I would call it a made in Los Angeles Model 66, with a special notation for added scroll work on the peghead.
Edited by - MarkinSonoma on 12/02/2025 14:27:58
Thanks. That's what I thought. Best sounding pre war Dobro I've owned (to my ears anyway).
....just played mine last night and, I agree, the best pre-war I've heard. Plenty loud and still has the "old" tone.
..... exactly?
!
What's your serial number?
2920 is mine.
6807...but plain (no etching) neck and headstock.
Edited by - docslyd on 12/05/2025 10:28:58
Model 66 B
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