Dopyera Brothers Instrument Collection for Sale
Elderly Instruments is selling a unique musical insturment collection by two inventors who left an indelible stamp on American music.
Before the days of electric amplification musicians were looking for a way to make a louder guitar, one that could hold its own with other instruments in the band.
In the late 1920’s John and Rudy Dopyera together with George Beauchamp invented the resonator guitar, an instrument which uses aluminum cones inside the guitar body to amplify the sound. Together they formed the National String Instrument Company, makers of the National Steel guitar. The partnership with Beauchamp was contentious and eventually the Dopyera’s left and formed the Dobro (DOpyera BROthers) Company. Their new company built guitars based on another of John’s designs which used a wooden body rather than one made of metal.
The collection for sale at Elderly is comprised mostly of experimental and unique instruments including John’s resophonic violin, Rudy’s balalaika-inspired Lullabyka, the Art Deco-influenced steel body uke and tenor guitar. Even the workbench on which John perfected the fabled tri-cone resonator system is part of the sale.
Elderly’s introduction to the collection can be found here. Be sure to check out the detailed photos of these are stunning instruments. Even if a one-of-a-kind instrument collection isn’t in your budget this year, Elderly has lots to offer the musically inclined.
For more information about the history of the resophonic guitar you might want to check out “The History and Artistry of National Resonator Instruments” by Bob Brozman.
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