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1930 Regal Company Chicago Dobro

1930 Regal Company Chicago Dobro

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Page last updated Aug 10, 2025

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Description

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Step back in time with the 1930 Regal Company Chicago Dobro, a classic resonator guitar that brings vintage charm and unique acoustic flair to any performance. Crafted during the golden era of American guitar manufacturing, this instrument is a testament to enduring craftsmanship and timeless sound. Known for its distinctive voice, the Dobro features a single cone resonator design that produces a rich, metallic tone, perfect for blues, folk, and bluegrass music. The spun aluminum resonator cone amplifies every note with clarity and precision, making it a favorite among slide guitarists and traditionalists alike.

The body of the 1930 Regal Dobro is constructed using high-quality tonewoods, offering an authentic acoustic experience reminiscent of early 20th-century music halls. Its robust build and resonant body ensure that each strum and slide sings with character. The neck is crafted for comfortable playability, allowing musicians to explore complex slides and fingerpicking with ease. Whether you're a collector of vintage instruments or a musician looking for a piece of history to add to your sound, this Dobro is an exceptional choice.

Key Features:

Authentic 1930s design and craftsmanship
Single cone resonator for rich, metallic tones
Spun aluminum resonator cone for enhanced sound projection
High-quality tonewood body construction
Ideal for blues, folk, and bluegrass genres
Comfortable neck for easy playability

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1930 Regal Company Chicago Dobro.

Build quality

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The guitar possibly includes parts from Regal, with necks and finishing by National/Dobro, and some rare models were made by Gibson.
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Setup and maintenance

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A user reported issues with a freely spinning 3rd string tuner, making tuning difficult and suggesting maintenance or replacement.
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Features and functionality

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The guitar has 14 frets clear of the body, indicating it was manufactured no earlier than 1935.
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Value and pricing

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A similar Dobro archtop from the 1930s is listed on Reverb for $1800, suggesting potential value beyond sentimental.
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User experience

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The guitar has survived decades with only minor cosmetic damage, indicating robust build quality and durability over time.
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Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

Verified via Christies

This Dobro was used by Eric Clapton at the Concert of the Century at the White House, 23rd October 1999 for the opening number, his rendition of Robert Johnson's Rambling On My Mind; and for the same Johnson song during the last leg of the Pilgrim Tour in Japan, November/December 1999. It has also been used on various recording sessions in the last three to five years, although no specific recordings have been identified.

Duane Allman

Guitarist

The Allman Brothers Band

Verified via Groundguitar

This instrument was used mainly for the acoustic slide playing.

Peter Green

Singer, Guitarist

Fleetwood Mac

Verified via Photo

Green used this dobro on the iconic intro for Oh Well Pt1 along with his 59 Les Paul "Greeny". It is unknown where he got the guitar or if he sold or kept it after departing Fleetwood Mac in 1970. He can also be seen playing the dobro on a Top of The Pops performance of Oh Well Pt1.

See clip here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5R4MYBR7hc&ab_channel=BadlyDrawnBallbag

Laura Marling

Singer, Guitarist

Noah and the Whale

Verified via YouTube

She used this regal dobro for a whole tour

Richard Manuel

Singer, Drummer

The Band

Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "The Band - The Last Waltz Credits/Outro," filmed at the MGM soundstage, Richard Manuel is seen playing a 1930 Regal Company Chicago Dobro. In an accompanying interview, Richard mentions possessing a certificate for Hawaiian guitar, providing additional context for his expertise and interest in resonator guitars.