johnson430
Well-known member
Found: Antique Slingerland Maybell "May Bell" Banjo Ukulele Need Exp.'ed help.
I found a 1920's model in a place near me.
I didn't get a photo though.
My immediate feeling: Holy moly this thing is smooth. The neck was smaller than I am used to and the action seemed to be very manageable.
It was rough though; a players instrument. Obvious strumming marks and patina on the face. Discoloration and dents and marks on the resonator back. Signs of age on the head stock and tuners.
Everything but the strings looks original.
No noticeable 'bling' but it still had some 'curb appeal'. And a good polish and cleaning would do wonders for it.
It looked and sounded something like this one I found on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odWoTQMGztc
If you saw this uke in a music store, how much would you pay for it? With the understanding that you are familiar with the brand or the current market in vintage banjo ukes.
Thanks for your input, I want to go back next week with a reasonable offer and know that I am not over-paying for an instrument. Or if it is over my budget I will just leave if for someone else.
Thanks.
I found a 1920's model in a place near me.
I didn't get a photo though.
My immediate feeling: Holy moly this thing is smooth. The neck was smaller than I am used to and the action seemed to be very manageable.
It was rough though; a players instrument. Obvious strumming marks and patina on the face. Discoloration and dents and marks on the resonator back. Signs of age on the head stock and tuners.
Everything but the strings looks original.
No noticeable 'bling' but it still had some 'curb appeal'. And a good polish and cleaning would do wonders for it.
It looked and sounded something like this one I found on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odWoTQMGztc
If you saw this uke in a music store, how much would you pay for it? With the understanding that you are familiar with the brand or the current market in vintage banjo ukes.
Thanks for your input, I want to go back next week with a reasonable offer and know that I am not over-paying for an instrument. Or if it is over my budget I will just leave if for someone else.
Thanks.