In the 1930s, Dobro was at the forefront of resonator innovation, crafting instruments that shaped the sound of bluegrass, blues, and Hawaiian music. Founded by the Dopyera brothers, the Dobro company championed its signature single-cone, spider-bridge design, known for crisp articulation, rich sustain, and impressive projection. As demand for louder resonator instruments grew, Dobro fiercely competed with National and other makers to improve resonator designs. By the late ’30s, shifting market forces led Dobro to merge with Regal Musical Instrument Company, which licensed and mass-produced its designs, cementing the brand’s legacy in American roots music.
Dobro's resonator concept extended much further than just the guitar. In fact, mandolins go back as far as 1929. The Mandolin model No. 210 was introduced in the Regal era and produced until 1941. This Mandolin No. 210 dates to approximately 1939, so it was built in Chicago by Regal. Its 11"-wide body measures 2-9/16" deep, and it is outfitted with a single-cone and spider bridge. The distinctive "moon and stars" coverplate sets this mandolin apart from other resonator instruments.
Despite the years, this 1939 Dobro Mandolin No. 210 finds us in playable condition with easy approachable action. Because of the design, the mandolin strings sit pretty low against the coverplate, so you have to be careful not to click your pick against it. Over the years, the tailpiece has pulled against the edge of the top, so the binding and the sides are a little bent. A strip of leather helps to dampen unwanted string noise behind the bridge. The ebonized Maple fingerboard feels pretty good underneath your fingertips, and the original tuning machines do what you need them to.
This Dobro Manolin produces a sweet tone that is warm and rich, unlike the traditional mandolin timbre. It would be an excellent songwriter's instrument, and because of the authentic Americana style, this mandolin would be a fun piece to show off and hang on the wall. This 1939 Mandolin No. 210 captures the vibe and character of yesteryear, and its unique sound will inspire new ideas, songs, and stories. It includes a padded Reunion Blues gig bag.