The cleanest vintage Martin 3K I have ever seen

Tigershark · Jul 21, 2015

I used to own this one until last year. It had been passed down through a family generation after generation and barely even touched. Now it's up for sale at Folkway Music.

When I first got it I felt like I had walked into a music store in the 1920's and bought a new Martin 3K. Insane flame and perfect finish, just ever so slightly dull, not glossy at all like modern finishes that never really look right. The tuner buttons weren't even discolored. What a jewel!

The photos on the Folkway site make it look a little dark, some more sunlight would really show off the glow of the finish.

http://www.folkwaymusic.com/vintage-instruments/martin-guitars/1925-martin-style-3k-0515/

Ukulele Eddie · Jul 21, 2015

Gorgeous! Why did you part with it? And did you sell it to the store or somebody else?

Tigershark · Jul 21, 2015

I traded it towards an old guitar I really wanted. It was tough to let such a perfect uke go but I have another much earlier 3K to keep me company

PhilUSAFRet · Jul 21, 2015

Awesome! Will be very hard to "not miss" even if you do have another.

Ukejenny · Jul 21, 2015

Very lovely!

Pukulele Pete · Jul 21, 2015

Must have been quite a guitar .

Tigershark · Jul 22, 2015

Here it is in the sunlight.

Eyeguy · Jul 22, 2015

As a guitar and ukulele enthusiast, may I ask what guitar you acquired for this lovely uke?

Ukulele Eddie · Jul 22, 2015

Tigershark said:
Here it is in the sunlight.

Wowza! That is beautiful!!! :drool:

wayfarer75 · Jul 22, 2015

That is just glorious. I'm glad you have another 3K to keep you from missing that one.

Ukulele Eddie · Jul 22, 2015

Legitimate question here...Given the sizable investment and that there aren't serial numbers on these, how do you validate the authenticity?

coolkayaker1 · Jul 22, 2015

Ukulele Eddie said:
Legitimate question here...Given the sizable investment and that there aren't serial numbers on these, how do you validate the authenticity?

Walsh & King book and a keen eye. &#55357;&#56883;

And lots of prayers, Eddie.

Ukulele Eddie · Jul 22, 2015

coolkayaker1 said:
Walsh & King book and a keen eye.

And lots of prayers, Eddie.

Haha. That's sort of what I thought. :-(

Mivo · Jul 22, 2015

Very beautiful instrument -- the "in the sun" photo really brings out how gorgeous it is. Kind of brings back my yearning for a koa soprano.

Tigershark · Jul 22, 2015

Eyeguy said:
As a guitar and ukulele enthusiast, may I ask what guitar you acquired for this lovely uke?

It wasn't a straight across trade, there was a lot of stuff moving around. But now I get to play a very early sunburst Telecaster Custom.

Ukulele Eddie said:
Legitimate question here...Given the sizable investment and that there aren't serial numbers on these, how do you validate the authenticity?

I'm not aware of many out and out counterfeit vintage ukuleles, but there are a number of things that let you know that what you are buying is authentic. The best tool is hands on experience, of owning, playing, and handling many vintage ukuleles. They don't have to be expensive to get a feel for what an original finish and the correct materials look like.

For this 3K there are many characteristics that are all consistent for the mid-1920's time period. Flamey Koa, for example, is what you would expect. The earlier 3K's were typically plainer with less figure. The pearl work (look closely at the shapes and inlay technique) and the color of the material are extremely hard to match. The bridge style, saddle type, nut shape, and tuners are all consitent with this era. There are subtle differences from the different time periods. Also check inside - the tooling marks, bracing, kerfing, and neck block all have signature Martin touches.

Dan Uke · Jul 22, 2015

I rather buy a Moore Bettah than buy a $7500 Martin

Tigershark · Jul 23, 2015

nongdam said:
I rather buy a Moore Bettah than buy a $7500 Martin

This topic isn't about money, or brand wars. It's about an exceptional vintage ukulele for everyone to check out. I got to play it and enjoy owning it for a while and it was too cool not to share.

Ukulele Eddie · Jul 23, 2015

nongdam said:
I rather buy a Moore Bettah than buy a $7500 Martin

Very few people ever get an opportunity to buy an MBU. Anyone who can afford to can buy this beautiful vintage Martin.

OttoK · Aug 16, 2015

Just stumbled on this thread. I purchased the Uke. Looking forward to it! Appreciate all the great info on it. Thanks all. Otto

Buc-a-Roo · Aug 16, 2015

OttoK said:
Just stumbled on this thread. I purchased the Uke. Looking forward to it! Appreciate all the great info on it. Thanks all. Otto

Congrats! Looks like a fine old piece! Action looks a bit out of whack. Send it to Jake at Antebellum Instruments......he's magic with an old ukulele! You'll be very, very glad that you did.

The cleanest vintage Martin 3K I have ever seen

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