|
Author
|
Topic: Regal guitars
|
jeffstro
unregistered
|
posted 08 December 2000 07:15 AM
edit
Is the Regal company that makes resonators today, the same company that made them years ago? I bought a new RD45 about two years ago, but I don't think this is the same company as the "vintage" Regals. Anyone have anymore info?thanks! |
Gene Jones
Member From: Oklahoma City, OK USA
|
posted 08 December 2000 10:46 AM
profile edit
Your question aroused my curiosity since I also own a Regal that I purchased new about 1988 or 89. My information indicates that all resonator instruments mfg by the original Dopyera Brothers who had been licensed since 1928 to make Dobro and later Regal, were discontinued 1n 1939. In 1970, decendants of the original Dopyera brothers regained rights to the Dobro brand and formed OMI (Original Music Company)and began making Dobro's again with a decal similar to but not exactly like those of the 1930's. It is not clear after 1972, but my impression is that Regal/Dobro are still made by OMI. So the answer to your question seems to be "yes" and "no". The original ownership ended in 1939...but decendants were again owners from 1970 forward. Ownership may have changed again since then.[This message was edited by Gene Jones on 08 December 2000 at 10:49 AM.] [This message was edited by Gene Jones on 08 December 2000 at 10:50 AM.] |
Howard Parker
Member From: Clarksburg,MD USA
|
posted 08 December 2000 10:46 AM
profile send email edit
Not the same. The current Regal is made "off shore" . I believe the trademark is owned by Saga.h
------------------
Howard Parker
poobah@resoguit.com
www.resoguit.com
ListOwner RESOGUIT |
Brad Bechtel
Moderator From: San Francisco, CA
|
posted 08 December 2000 11:41 AM
profile send email edit
The guitars sold under the Regal name today are made in either Korea or Japan and are distributed in the USA by Saga Musical Imports of South San Francisco, CA. Interestingly enough, I saw similar resophonic guitars in London for sale under the name "Supro". I would guess that these are the same instruments imported through a separate importer in the UK.------------------
Brad's Page of Steel:
www.well.com/~wellvis/steel.html
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars
|
Lee Baucum
Member From: McAllen (Extreme South) TX - The Final Frontier
|
posted 08 December 2000 07:32 PM
profile send email edit
My wife gave me a Regal "dobro" for our anniversary a number of years ago. While the finish is not exactly perfect, it is a very well made instrument. I purchased a Quarterman cone and a new spider bridge from Resophonic Outfitters and it really did improve the tone. I'm a pedal steeler and don't play much non-pedal. The Regal fits the bill just fine for me.Lee, from South Texas[This message was edited by Lee Baucum on 08 December 2000 at 07:33 PM.] |
Donny Hinson
Member From: Balto., Md. U.S.A.
|
posted 11 December 2000 07:24 PM
profile send email edit
I believe that the original "Regal" guitar company of Chicago started off making only acoustic guitars in the '20s. Then in the '30s, they started making Dobros under license, and stopped making their regular acoustic guitars (which were fancier, but otherwise similar to early Martins). They finally acquired full rights to the Dobro name in 1937, and made them until WWII, when they ceased operations. About 1970 (as Gene mentioned above) the family reacquired the name, and made the Dobro again (for only a few years, I believe) in this country. Then, about 1988, they transferred manufacturing overseas to the Asian company.I think the above data is correct. I have one of the original Regal Acoustics, but have not been able to find out much more than you will read in this thread about the old company...it seems little documentation is available. |
The Steel Guitar Forum
