How to Collect Dobro Guitars

Decide what kind of Dobro acoustic guitars you want to collect. If you are interested in antiques and different manufacturer's techniques, then you should collect models that came before 1994. If you want to have all types of Dobro acoustic guitars in your collection, then include the newer Gibson models, too.

Sign up on websites that deal with guitars, especially the ones about vintage acoustic and Dobro models. Join their forums to collect advice and tips and get information about selling and buying guitars.

Buy specialized literature, books and magazines about collecting Dobro and other acoustic guitars. Some of the popular magazines include Vintage Guitar and Flying Vintage. While Dobro guitars are specific and different from other guitars, some of the tips offered for acoustic guitars can be used for Dobros as well.

Purchase Dobro guitars online, from specialized music stores, pawn shops and private collections. Post classified ads in the website forums and in magazines and newspapers to look for Dobro models you need. You can usually find a fairly good variety of used Dobro guitars on eBay, too.

Find and equip an exhibition space for your Dobro guitars. Choose a spacious, well-lit and attractive room. Add guitar memorabilia, quality framed music-themed posters and pictures and add the hardware necessary for playing electric guitars. Check interior design websites and magazines to look for music room designs.

Buy and set up special stands for you Dobro guitars. There are various stands to choose from. Some of them are made out of metal or wood, some are floor stands and some are wall mounts. It is best to use different types of stands to keep the exhibition and the collection interesting. Also, note that some models may have specific ways of storing it, so always research the proper way to store your Dobro guitars.

Treat extremely valuable items in you Dobro collection differently. If you have a special, rare and expensive model, you can put it in a frame on the wall. The frame can even be even covered with glass for extra care, but make sure the glass can be easily opened or lifted. Never put a glass frame with a Dobro guitar on a sunny wall. Glass will attract light and the metal on the Dobro guitar will accumulate heat. In the end you might end up with a severely damaged artifact.

Keep the temperature and humidity in your exhibition room at an optimal level. Temperature conditions for Dobro guitar collections are usually the same as for other acoustic guitars.

Maintain your Dobro collection. Regularly clean and tune the guitars. There are many books and websites that deal with Dobro guitar care and maintenance. You can use those resources to keep your collection valuable and healthy. Generally, you should clean your guitars with damp cloths and special cleaning solutions. Remember that dirt and dust are enemies of all collector's items, especially ones that are functional and not just aesthetical, so make sure to devote enough time maintaining your Dobro collection.

Establish different sections of your collection as it grows. You can divide your collection thematically, chronologically or by material. Since Dobro guitars can be gold and steel plated, you can organize your collection according to the material it is made of.

Organize and classify your collection by displaying the names and description of the guitars on metal plates mounted on the stands. You can also make an inventory of your guitars so you can keep track of your collection and have everything listed and easier to manage.

Insure your collection of Dobro guitars. This is the safest way to manage a collection and a secure this fairly expensive hobby.