Help Identifying OMI Dobro Model

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John Lazarus
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Help Identifying OMI Dobro Model

Post by John Lazarus »

I need some help identifying this dobro. I know it is an OMI Dobro and it is dated 1987, but don't know much more about the model. Did Dobro make many of these? Is it a regular production model? Any info would be appreciated.
The guitar is natural mahogany body and squareneck, gloss finish in near new condition. Fretboard is ebony with diamond MOP markers. Peghead is slotted, ebony covered with MOP lyre Dobro logo, pearloid tuners. Neck, peghead and body are all ivoroid bound. Chrome cover is fancy engraved. Very warm sounding and beautiful to look at.
Thanks, John
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Kevin Mincke
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Post by Kevin Mincke »

John, I have a 1981/82 OMI model 60B I bought new trading my Sho~Bro in for it and as I recall from my catalog yours was offered as an upgraded model 60 with the top, inlay and natural finish being offered. I'll have to see if I can find my catalog again. Sure wish I had my Sho~Bro back though...... :(
Gary Pederson
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Post by Gary Pederson »

I have a '89 OMI which is very similiar to yours. MOP logo on the headstock, same engraving pattern on the coverplate, Wood on top of mine is more blonde, not reddish as yours appears. Mine has matching engraving on the tail piece, can't tell if your tail piece is engraved. My headstock is solid, not slotted. I have fancier mop inlays on the fretboard. Wood on neck, sides & back darker then the top, but not real dark.
Incidently, I understand that the mop logo on the head stock is not engraved. It is plain mop with a transparent overlay that has the logo printed on it. Be careful with what you use to clean it with, the transparency can fall off.
John Lazarus
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Location: Tucson, AZ.

Post by John Lazarus »

Thank you, guys.
Kevin, I hope you find the catalog. That would answer many of my questions. Is this a one-off custom order or a production model?
Gary, No engraving on the tail, just loads of diamondlike shapes on the cover. The back and sides are finished in the same clear coat over mahogany as the top and neck. All one color light/medium brown wood. I recall seeing fancier fingerboard inlay on the later Jerry Douglas model dobro which also had the solid headstock as you describe.
This Dobro looks as new as the day it came out of the factory, and I'm afraid to touch it until I find out what it really is. What do you suppose something like this is worth today 20 years after manufacture? Any idea?
Has the original stock, type 60 black tolex hardshell case.
Here's more photos:
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Jim Konrad
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Post by Jim Konrad »

I know this is an old thread but I dug it up because I am sort of looking to buy one of these. Here are some pics of one that just sold on ebay.....

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Any way there is some info for you John.
John Lazarus
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Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
Location: Tucson, AZ.

Post by John Lazarus »

Jim,
Thanks. You've nailed it!

John
Last edited by John Lazarus on 9 Feb 2009 7:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.
John Lazarus
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Jim Konrad
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Post by Jim Konrad »

John,

Glad to help out, it took a while, but you now know. There is almost nothing out there about this model.

Best regards,

Jim Konrad
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