Because of its bluesy growl, whine, and howl with a slide, the resonator guitar has been called a "hound dog" guitar in some circles for many years. In 1967, the owners of Dobro embraced this nickname and adopted the "Original Hound Dog" brand name when they temporarily lost the rights to "Dobro." After Gibson acquired Dobro in 1997, they picked up where Dobro left off with a new line of Original Hound Dog resonator guitars, made in Nashville, Tennessee.
This Original Hound Dog was made by Gibson in Nashville in 2004. Set up with a round-neck for regular playing, it features a 12-fret neck, a wood body, and a 10-1/2" Dobro cone with a spider bridge. It is a no-frills resonator that delivers authentic, swampy tone. It even includes a factory-installed pickup, so it's ready to crank up on stage or in the studio/practice room.
This 2004 Original Hound Dog shows some wear and tear, especially around the edges because there is no body binding (most severe is around the back edge—see photos). There is some buckle rash in the middle of the back, and all around the satin finish shows wear that gives this reso vibe and mojo like an old boxcar relic. The frets are in great shape, and the action is approachable but still high enough to get after it with a slide.
In your hands, this 2004 Original Hound Dog produces authentic bluesy growl, and it feels like a great value for a good-quality, USA-made resonator. It includes a weathered tweed case that smells a little smoky, but protects the guitar like it should.