Regal Resonator Concert Ukulele c.1938

Striking in appearance, this c.1938 Regal resonator Concert size uke epitomises the cutting edge technology, developed by the Dopera brothers in the late 1920s (hence the brand name Dobro), to amplify stringed instruments by way of  an aluminium ‘speaker’ cone attached to the bridge under the coverplate.  In this version of the resonator ukulule, a 6″ cone is used and two ‘tea strainer’ vents on the upper bouts sit above the coverplate.

In 1937, the Doperas licensed the Dobro resonator hardware to the Regal company in Chicago, who made these ukes in the period 1937 until 1941, when the US entered WW2 and restrictions on metal manufacturing began.

The tone of this uke is both loud, sustaining and surprisingly rich, achieving its design brief to mix it with the bigger guitars and other ensemble instruments of the day.  In the post ww2 period,  electric insturments supplanted the resonator concept, but not before establishing an ongoing subset of Americana blues and roots music styles. 

Every part of this uke is original and in very good condition, including the smooth bar frets, tuners, tailpiece and the ribbed aluminium cone. About one-third of the original Regal decal on the headstock remains.  The neck is straight, the action is low and it is a delight to play. Rare to find these days.  With a contemporary black hard case.