Dobro Roots: A Photo Tour of Prewar Wood Body Dobros

Dobro Roots: A Photo Tour of Prewar Wood Body Dobros by author and Dobro historian Steve Toth is a detailed visual reference on the iconic wood body Dobro guitars produced from 1929 to the early 1940s. Created for resonator guitar enthusiasts, collectors, historians, builders, and players, this richly illustrated volume presents a documented photographic survey of original prewar instruments and the design features that shaped their enduring appeal.

Through extensive full-color photography and focused documentation, readers get a close look at model variations, construction details, finishes, hardware, and body styles found on vintage wood body Dobros. A companion audio CD with 15 performances on 15 different original prewar Dobros adds a listening dimension, allowing readers to hear the distinctive character of these historic resonator guitars.

This reference volume is valuable for musicians and historians interested in the evolution of resonator guitar design. By presenting authentic instruments alongside historical context and documentation, the book helps readers recognize model variations, appreciate construction methods, and better understand the instruments heard throughout classic American roots music. Builders and restorers will also find the detailed photography useful when studying original finishes, hardware, and body styles.

The combination of historical photography and recorded sound transforms this book into more than a visual archive. It offers an immersive exploration of the instruments, allowing readers to both see and hear the differences that distinguish prewar Dobros. Endorsements from respected figures in the guitar world highlight its value as a trusted reference for vintage resonator guitars.

Whether used as a collector’s reference, a historical study, this book invites readers to explore the craftsmanship and enduring musical legacy of early wood body Dobro guitars.

Steve Toth is the internationally known author of the popular and highly acclaimed instruction books Dobro Techniques for Bluegrass and Country Music, Dobro Classics Plus and Dobro Christmas. In addition to playing the dobro he is a collector of prewar dobro guitars and is also known for his popular dobro CD "Sliding Down The Road". He currently performs on dobro and vocals with the San Diego based bluegrass band "Old Town Road". He also plays the five string banjo, guitar, pedal steel guitar and bass.