What is a Dobro Guitar?

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The world of guitars is diverse, with various types offering distinct sounds and playing styles. One such unique instrument is the Dobro guitar, which belongs to the family of resonator guitars. 

In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of Dobro guitars, exploring their history, construction, and more.

Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a curious music enthusiast, the Dobro guitar has a lot to offer!

What Does Dobro Guitar Mean?

The dobro guitar is a member of the resonator guitar family, known for its distinctive design that sets it apart from acoustic guitars. Resonator guitars, including the Dobro, do not have the conventional soundhole found on acoustic guitars.

Instead, they feature a round, perforated plate cover with an integrated bridge that efficiently transmits string vibrations through a specialized system, ultimately being amplified by one or more resonator cones.

A dobro guitar typically showcases two sound holes on either side of the fingerboard. These holes can take on a round shape, as seen on the Rogue Classic Style Dobro guitar, or they may be f-style holes, which are gaining popularity among dobro guitars.

This unique design was specifically crafted to make the resonator guitar significantly louder than its acoustic counterparts. As a result, the Dobro emits a distinct banjo-like sound that has captured the hearts of bluegrass, blues, folk, and country musicians alike. Its exceptional tonal characteristics make it a beloved instrument in these genres, adding a special touch to their musical expressions.

A Brief History of the Dobro Guitar

The Dobro guitar traces its roots back to 1928 when it was invented by the innovative Slovakian immigrants, John and Rudy Dopyera. These brothers were driven by a vision to create a new type of guitar that could produce a louder and more vibrant sound than traditional guitars.

In 1947, the Dobro Corporation of America found itself under the ownership of Valco, a well-established musical instrument manufacturing company based in Chicago. It was during this time that Valco introduced the groundbreaking Dobro Model 60, which boasted the distinction of being the first resonator guitar with a wooden body. This innovation further enhanced the instrument’s unique tonal qualities.

As the years passed, the Dobro resonator guitar gained immense popularity among country and bluegrass musicians during the 1970s. They were drawn to its captivating sound, which added a distinctive flavor to their musical expressions.

In 2006, the renowned Gibson Guitar Corporation acquired both Dobro and the rights to the revered Dobro name.

Since then, Dobro resonator guitars have become some of the most sought-after and iconic instruments worldwide, cherished by musicians across genres for their exceptional sound and craftsmanship.

Construction of the Dobro Guitar

The Dobro guitar is crafted with several unique components. Its body is made of wood, shaped like a traditional guitar, but instead of a soundhole, it has a metal resonator cone on the front. This resonator cone is responsible for amplifying the sound of the instrument.

The resonator cone is made of metal, often spun aluminum or brass, and is connected to the bridge of the guitar using metal rods. These rods transmit the vibrations of the strings to the cone, producing the characteristic Dobro sound.

How Dobro Guitars Work

The Dobro Resonator guitar produces its sound using a metal resonator cone instead of the usual strings. This creates a loud and ringing sound that is unique to blues and bluegrass music. The resonator cone, made of spun metal, is connected to the guitar at the bridge and tailpiece.

The resonator cone works by amplifying the strings’ vibrations and then sending them back out into the air. The cone is designed to vibrate in a specific way and at a certain frequency, resulting in a distinct sound.

The material, thickness, shape, size, and number of openings on the cone all play a role in shaping the guitar’s sound.

To connect the resonator cone to the guitar, there is a bridge and tailpiece. The bridge has a movable saddle where the strings rest. The bridge is then linked to the cone, allowing the strings to interact with it when they are plucked.

The tailpiece, a metal plate, holds the strings in place, completing the setup of this fascinating instrument.

How to Play a Dobro Guitar

Playing the Dobro guitar requires a unique technique different from traditional guitars. Musicians play the Dobro by sliding a metal bar along the strings, often called a slide or steel. The slide is held in the player’s left hand, creating a gliding sound as it moves up and down the fretboard.

The Dobro can be played in various positions, including flat on a table or lap or held upright like a traditional guitar. It is typically tuned to an open tuning, where the strings are tuned to form a particular chord.

The Differences Between Dobro and Resonator Guitars

A Dobro is actually a brand name owned by the Gibson Guitar Corporation. It refers specifically to resonator guitars made by the Dobro Manufacturing Company.

Here’s the important part: All Dobros are resonator guitars, but not all resonator guitars are Dobros. There are different types of resonator guitars, like the metal-bodied, wooden-bodied, and tricone resonator guitars.

You can tell a Dobro apart from other resonator guitars by its body shape. Dobros usually have a square or rectangular body with circular sound holes on top, revealing the resonator cone.

On the other hand, other resonator guitars might have different body shapes, like round or triangular, and their resonator cones might be visible through a large single sound hole or a series of smaller ones.

One more thing that sets Dobros apart is how they’re played. Dobros are often played lap-style, with the guitar resting on the player’s lap and played using a slide. This playing style creates a unique sound that’s often associated with bluegrass and country music.

What to Consider When Buying a Dobro Guitar

If you’re thinking of buying a Dobro resonator guitar, there are several key factors to consider.

  • Type of Resonator Guitar: Decide on the specific type of resonator guitar you want to buy. There are various options available, such as the round-neck Dobro, the square-neck Dobro, and even the resonator ukulele.
  • Instrument Quality: Check the overall quality of the resonator guitar. Look for one that is well-made and crafted with attention to detail. A high-quality instrument will not only sound better but also offer better durability and playability.
  • Sound: Pay attention to the sound of the resonator guitar. Play it or listen to a demonstration to ensure it produces the kind of tone you desire. The right sound is crucial in choosing an instrument that complements your musical preferences.
  • New vs. Used: Consider whether to buy a brand-new resonator guitar or opt for a used one. Used Dobros, in particular, can often be found at more budget-friendly prices while still offering good quality.
  • Brand Reputation: Research the reputation of the brand that manufactures the resonator guitar. Brands with a history of producing high-quality instruments may offer more reliability and customer satisfaction.
  • Playability: Test the playability of the resonator guitar. Ensure that it feels comfortable in your hands and that you can easily navigate the fretboard and strings.
  • Resonator Cone Material: If possible, find out what material the resonator cone is made of. Different materials can impact the guitar’s sound, so consider which type of resonator cone best suits your desired tone.
  • Size and Weight: Take into account the size and weight of the resonator guitar. Choose one that feels comfortable and manageable for your playing style and body type.
  • Price: Set a budget and compare the prices of resonator guitars within your price range. Strike a balance between quality and cost to get the best value for your investment.
  • Try Before Buying: Whenever possible, try out the resonator guitar in person before making a purchase. Testing it firsthand will give you a better idea of how it feels and sounds, helping you make an informed decision.

Famous Dobro Guitar Players

Many famous musicians have embraced Dobro resonator guitars across various genres, including country, blues, and bluegrass. Some notable players include:

  • Bob Dylan
  • Jerry Garcia
  • Robbie Robertson
  • John Sebastian
  • Bruce Springsteen
  • Neil Young

Conclusion

The Dobro guitar has captured the hearts of musicians and audiences alike. From its origins in the 1920s to its continued popularity today, the Dobro remains an iconic instrument cherished by many music enthusiasts. 

Whether you’re exploring new sounds or seeking to enhance your musical journey, the Dobro guitar offers a unique experience that’s sure to please you.

Here you will find more types of guitars. 

Picture of Gary Lee

Gary Lee

Gary has been in love with music since he was a child. His passion is guitars and everything related to them. He is the founder of Riff-Mag and can't wait to share his knowledge with you.

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