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Dobro All-Electric, late 1933
Dobro All-Electric, late 1933

Dobro All-Electric, late 1933

Inventor Arthur J. Stimson
Manufacturer Dobro Corporation, Limited
Inventor Paul H. Tutmarc
Date1933
DimensionsOverall (HWD) (body): 49 1/2 × 8 3/16 in. (125.73 × 20.828 cm)
overall1 (body overall): 50 7/8 in. (129.286 cm)
overall2 (neck): 31 13/16 in. (80.772 cm)
overall3 (overall): 98 13/16 × 81 3/8 × 35 5/8 × 10 3/8 in. (250.953 × 206.756 × 90.424 × 26.416 cm)
Credit LineMoPOP permanent collection
Object number1995.111.1.1
Text Entries

One of the first Spanish-style electric guitars sold to the public, this 1933 Dobro All-Electric was also the first electric guitar to win a patent for its innovative blade pickup, re-engineered from unpatented pickup efforts by Audiovox owner Paul Tutmarc and his partner Arthur Stimson. In the All-Electric, Dobro combined their pickup with a resonator plate and twin sound ports to make it seem as modern—and loud—as possible.  

  

While groundbreaking, this early foray into guitar amplification was just a bit ahead of its time. They were produced in a limited run from 1933-34 and with the limited market at the time for an electric instrument, many were returned to the factory.   

  

Significantly worn hollowbody guitar with round metal faceplate covering the center of the body. The faceplate is etched with “DOBRO ALL-ELECTRIC" and several lightning bolt symbols on the left, right, and bottom.
CopyrightThe organization that has made the Item available reasonably believes that the Item is not restricted by copyright or related rights, but a conclusive determination could not be made. For more information, see http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NKC/1.0/
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