C. 1927 Martin Style 1 Soprano Ukulele Used

Description: This Martin Style 1 soprano ukulele was built in Nazareth, PA around 1927, give or take a year. Since this ukulele doesn’t have a serial number, we have to rely on its features to date it. It has rosewood binding on the back as well as the top, a combination Martin started using in 1926. It has Grover No.97 tuning pegs, which Martin stopped using in 1927. It’s possible these were installed after the uke was built, as these pegs with white buttons were usually reserved for Style 2 and higher models and it looks like this uke had other tuners at some point. It has bar stock frets, and no decal on the front of the headstock, which means it was made before 1932. It does have “C.F. Martin & Co, Nazarathe, PA” blind stamped on the back of the headstock, which was standard on models before they began using the decal. Finish looks like shellac varnish and appears to be original throughout. Overall, this ukulele is in good structural and cosmetic condition. The finish is in fine shape with just a small amount of strumming wear on the top. There are three small repaired cracks in the back but the neck, top and sides are free of cracks. It looks like the bridge came loose and was reglued at some point. The slots for the first and fourth strings have been enlarged from use. Even with big knots, nylon strings tend to slip through the slots. Perhaps they can be filled and recut or maybe the bridge can be replaced. The rosewood fretboard is in great shape with no gouges (the previous owners kept their fingernails short). Includes a nice chipboard case which is probably from after the ukulele was made (maybe 1940s?), but it's a very sturdy case and latches work well although they do show some rust. We ship on the Wednesday following the end of the Sunday auctions. Please don’t ask us to end auctions early. Unless there is an error in the listing, we don’t end auctions early. If you have fewer than 10 feedback ratings, please check with us before you bid. If you have any questions or want extra detail photos, please ask. Please keep in mind that the items being auctioned are here at the store and if you ask us something when we’re closed, it will take a day or two to get back to you.

Price: 750 USD

Location: Palo Alto, California

End Time: 2024-10-15T23:55:15.000Z

Shipping Cost: 50 USD