OhioBelle
Well-known member
So once again the whimsical Fate has dropped a treasure in my path. This time it was a Martin Centennial Style 1 Soprano on 4th of July Sale at Reverb. How to resist such a gift? It's not to be done.
Now that I've had this lovely a couple of days, I thought I'd post a few pics of it with my 1K for those who'd like to compare it to an actual old Martin.
Folks have mentioned how lightly built the old Martins are. Now that I have two in my hands, I can see and feel where some of that difference is. There is, quite simply, more wood in the new one. The headstock is a tad longer. All of the edges are sharp and crisp. In contrast, every edge of the 1K is rounded. It's all smooth and refined, which must contribute at least something to the weight difference.
Regarding tone, both ukes project and sustain very well. But just like the edges, the tone of the 1K is smooth and refined as well. More of an elegant lady next to the exuberant teenager of the new uke.
New mahogany is definitely not aged koa, but has a bright, brash sound all its own. And it will only get better with time. I like it!
and of course... this guy likes it!
Now that I've had this lovely a couple of days, I thought I'd post a few pics of it with my 1K for those who'd like to compare it to an actual old Martin.
Folks have mentioned how lightly built the old Martins are. Now that I have two in my hands, I can see and feel where some of that difference is. There is, quite simply, more wood in the new one. The headstock is a tad longer. All of the edges are sharp and crisp. In contrast, every edge of the 1K is rounded. It's all smooth and refined, which must contribute at least something to the weight difference.
Regarding tone, both ukes project and sustain very well. But just like the edges, the tone of the 1K is smooth and refined as well. More of an elegant lady next to the exuberant teenager of the new uke.
New mahogany is definitely not aged koa, but has a bright, brash sound all its own. And it will only get better with time. I like it!
and of course... this guy likes it!