Strumdaddy
Well-known member
When I first got interested in ukes I lusted after modern classics - Moore Bettah was on the top of the list. I do own a lovely Ko’olau, but my attention went more and more to vintage instrumemts.
On one of my occasional (read daily) “I’ll just see what’s out there – even though I have lots of ukes” trips to the usual internet uke sale places, I opened the For Sale page at Flea Market and scrolled down. With an audible gasp I stopped at the listing for a uke that had become my Grail- a sunburst Gibson tenor, and it was right there in front of me, available!! But at the worst time. My employment had been patchy for a while (long story).
I kept returning to drool, but noticed it slipping down the page towards oblivion. I decided to send the seller an email expressing my interest anyway, and flagging myself as a potential buyer should I win the lottery.
He proved to be a wonderful guy who was very open and understanding. He ended up setting a very generous price for me. A little while later I sold a uke in another fortuitous exchange and was in a position to buy the Gibby.
I’ve had it for a few weeks now. All untried uke purchases by mail could disappoint, but a 90 year old first attempt by a guitar and mandolin maker that was a bit ee-haaa and jazzy??? Could be a rough unplayable dog with a thumpy sound…
Well no! This thing is amazing.
When I first picked it up I was very pleased that it was such a light build – it looked heavier in the photos (ha!). And with that thin spruce top the first strum and pluck was light and harp-like. Sure the neck profile took a little getting used to – perfectly pleasant thinness, but a little pointy where it meets the fret-board; but that sound! My, I couldn’t get over it. It’s a mix of percussive earthiness with angelic overtones. It kind of…. sings.
I sat on a bench in a park overlooking a river and plucked instrumental versions of old songs till the sun went down. Then grabbed it again first thing the next morning when I woke.
I tried a few different string sets on it, but ended up back at Living Waters – they have a delicacy that suits this instrument; it doesn’t need to be driven hard to make a beautiful sound. It has great volume too.
And did I mention the looks. It’s like a Leon Redbone signature uke.
I plan to PLAY this uke; it’s not a museum piece. I work with older people and believe that authenticity is important – hence the vintage vibe.
I also plan to gig with it and will be using an Irig pick-up; I couldn’t bear to drill a big hole in the end.
Many, many thanks to Chris who sold – nay, bequeathed the Gibby to me. You are a true gentleman.
I’ll try to get up a video, but in the mean-time I’m a very happy strummer who doesn’t look at ukes for sale with the same hunger anymore.
Enough typing, I’m off to play a bit before bed.
p.s. "sunburst" of course
On one of my occasional (read daily) “I’ll just see what’s out there – even though I have lots of ukes” trips to the usual internet uke sale places, I opened the For Sale page at Flea Market and scrolled down. With an audible gasp I stopped at the listing for a uke that had become my Grail- a sunburst Gibson tenor, and it was right there in front of me, available!! But at the worst time. My employment had been patchy for a while (long story).
I kept returning to drool, but noticed it slipping down the page towards oblivion. I decided to send the seller an email expressing my interest anyway, and flagging myself as a potential buyer should I win the lottery.
He proved to be a wonderful guy who was very open and understanding. He ended up setting a very generous price for me. A little while later I sold a uke in another fortuitous exchange and was in a position to buy the Gibby.
I’ve had it for a few weeks now. All untried uke purchases by mail could disappoint, but a 90 year old first attempt by a guitar and mandolin maker that was a bit ee-haaa and jazzy??? Could be a rough unplayable dog with a thumpy sound…
Well no! This thing is amazing.
When I first picked it up I was very pleased that it was such a light build – it looked heavier in the photos (ha!). And with that thin spruce top the first strum and pluck was light and harp-like. Sure the neck profile took a little getting used to – perfectly pleasant thinness, but a little pointy where it meets the fret-board; but that sound! My, I couldn’t get over it. It’s a mix of percussive earthiness with angelic overtones. It kind of…. sings.
I sat on a bench in a park overlooking a river and plucked instrumental versions of old songs till the sun went down. Then grabbed it again first thing the next morning when I woke.
I tried a few different string sets on it, but ended up back at Living Waters – they have a delicacy that suits this instrument; it doesn’t need to be driven hard to make a beautiful sound. It has great volume too.
And did I mention the looks. It’s like a Leon Redbone signature uke.
I plan to PLAY this uke; it’s not a museum piece. I work with older people and believe that authenticity is important – hence the vintage vibe.
I also plan to gig with it and will be using an Irig pick-up; I couldn’t bear to drill a big hole in the end.
Many, many thanks to Chris who sold – nay, bequeathed the Gibby to me. You are a true gentleman.
I’ll try to get up a video, but in the mean-time I’m a very happy strummer who doesn’t look at ukes for sale with the same hunger anymore.
Enough typing, I’m off to play a bit before bed.
p.s. "sunburst" of course
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