The Original Musical Instrument Company (often known as OMI) was formed in 1967 by two of the original Dopyera brothers, Rudy and Emile, to manufacture resonator guitars.

The first instruments were branded Hound Dog. In 1970 they again acquired the Dobro name.

In 1993 the Gibson Guitar Corporation acquired the company, and subsequently changed the name to Original Acoustic Instruments and moved the manufacturing operation to Nashville. They continue to manufacture resonator guitars as a division of Gibson, which are sold under both the Dobro and Hound Dog names. Gibson also sell resonator guitars under their Epiphone brand.

Originally published on Wikipedia