Hey all --
I recently picked up a mystery uke at an estate sale, and have been scratching my head over it, trying to figure out who might've made it.
It's an alto/concert size (15.25" scale length) and the body seems to be made of some tropical hardwood that superficially resembles walnut. The soundboard is spruce and the fretboard is rosewood. The headstock is certainly uncommon, resembling the scroll-shaped Fender headstock. The tuning machines are 4-on-a-plate and solid bronze/brass; no markings. The neck looks to be lauan ("Philippine mahogany") with a layer of the same hardwood for the body, on the top. The body is celluloid-bound and there's purfling around the soundhole.
There are two tortoiseshell veneers -- one a pickguard that's laid directly on the spruce, and the other seems to be strictly aesthetic, on the lower bout.
Painted on the soundboard is "Margie", and on the headstock -- "M.M." On the back is painted "From Nas with Love / Philippines '66".
Does anyone have any idea who might have made this? And who is "Margie"?! Any leads would be appreciated!
I recently picked up a mystery uke at an estate sale, and have been scratching my head over it, trying to figure out who might've made it.
It's an alto/concert size (15.25" scale length) and the body seems to be made of some tropical hardwood that superficially resembles walnut. The soundboard is spruce and the fretboard is rosewood. The headstock is certainly uncommon, resembling the scroll-shaped Fender headstock. The tuning machines are 4-on-a-plate and solid bronze/brass; no markings. The neck looks to be lauan ("Philippine mahogany") with a layer of the same hardwood for the body, on the top. The body is celluloid-bound and there's purfling around the soundhole.
There are two tortoiseshell veneers -- one a pickguard that's laid directly on the spruce, and the other seems to be strictly aesthetic, on the lower bout.
Painted on the soundboard is "Margie", and on the headstock -- "M.M." On the back is painted "From Nas with Love / Philippines '66".
Does anyone have any idea who might have made this? And who is "Margie"?! Any leads would be appreciated!