Regal Resonator Ukulele c.1930

Regal Resonator Ukulele c.1930

Striking in appearance, this mid 1930s Regal-Dobro resonator uke epitomises the cutting edge technology, developed by the Dopera brothers in the late 1920s, to amplify stringed instruments by way of an aluminium ‘speaker’ cone attached to the bridge and sitting in a well under the nickel plated circular cover-plate with two ‘tea strainer’ vents on the upper bouts.

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.  From the 1940s onwards, guitar and uke pickups connected to an amplifier 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 and tailpiece. Only about one-third of the original Regal decal on the headstock reamins.  The action is low and it is a delight to play. With a contemporary hard case.