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This is a lovely old 1930's Regal-made Dobro resonator guitar with a big, bold woody tone.

With the popularity of the National and Dobro steel resonator guitars being produced in California in the 1930s, the Regal company was contracted to produce a wood-bodied version for wide distribution at a lower price point.

Like many of the Regals sold through mail order catalogues and department stores (Montgomery Ward, Sears), this example has no name on the headstock but adheres to familiar specifications. 

The poplar neck has a big chunky V shape with a mahogany fretboard and slender original bar frets which remain in good condition, with light uniform wear on frets 1-3 and virtually no fret wear further up the board.

The scale length measures 24 1/4" and the nut is a hand carved piece of bone measuring 1 7/8". The open gear strip tuners are most likely later additions, but are from the 40s or 50s, and are working well.

The laminated mahogany body features the typical Dobro setup with an aluminium spider and chrome resonator cover. The tailpiece appears to be original.

The original finish has various expected nicks, scuffs, and scratches, yet zero cracks or repairs. There is notable finish checking on the top, with light pick wear as well.

The neck profile is chunky but comfortable, and it is remarkably straight. The action is uniformly medium – not low, but no too high - and the guitar plays well both down low, and up the neck.

This Regal Dobro produces a lovely vintage tone with plenty of percussive attack and even response in the lows, mids and highs. The resonator punches out impressive volume yet retains plenty of warmth thanks to the wood body.The tone has both ample bark and sweetness, with clear, snappy top end. 

A classic vintage time capsule from another era, with lots of miles left on the clock

Comes in a recent Garrison branded hard case.

Video demo of same model from the era -

More pics to come ...