1928 Gibson Uke3

Katzuke · Jun 22, 2019

I just acquired an extremely rare 1928 Gibson Uke3. It is in pristine original condition with its original hardshell case.
I finally got to tune, and play, it today.
Absolutely amazing sound and action.
Right now there are Aquila nylons on it, but I might change them out for fluorocarbon strings.
I will play it awhile before deciding.

Katzuke · Jun 22, 2019

Any expert suggestions on how to lightly clean it? It is 91 years old! Just has a little surface grime.
This is a solid mahogany ukulele with a satin gloss finish.

One Man And His Uke · Jun 22, 2019

My, what a beauty. Well done :drool:

Jerryc41 · Jun 22, 2019

Good catch. Congratulations!

Nickie · Jun 22, 2019

Congratulations!
What a find.
Any good quality guitar cleaner and polisher should be okay.

Neal · Jun 24, 2019

Very nice ukes, undervalued in my opinion, though I still see some trying for 2k and up. Just a damp microfiber followed by a dry. You can also use any other wood instrument cleaner as well.

These are are still actually selling for under 1k, a bargain, should be in the Martin 3 arena. That case IS a looker, small pic, but looks to be a period hardshell.

Katzuke · Jun 24, 2019

Agreed, they are undervalued. A pristine one like mine was appraised on Antiques Roadshow in 2014 for $2,000.00.
I have seen them valued from $2,000.00 to $3,500.00.
And yes, it is a period hardshell case in very good condition.
The ukulele itself looks brand new in every way. Pretty impressive for 1928!
I will post some better photos soon.

Katzuke · Jun 24, 2019

More photos.

Strumdaddy · Jun 24, 2019

Congradulations - thats some score.
Your 1928 Gibson is from the very first years of their uke production (well after Martin's success)
I think they made great ukes right from the start - I have a tenor from the same period and it really sings.
Here's a link - the catalogue of 1928 is listed there - you'll see my tenor there too.
Please play your wonderful uke regularly - it will love it.

https://acousticmusic.org/research/history/catalogs/

Katzuke · Jun 24, 2019

Took a close up photo of the case marking.
Says:
G&S Co.
Mastercraft
Chicago
Trade Mark

Neal · Jun 25, 2019

There are those of us that really enjoy those old hard cases, could you post a few of that?

Katzuke · Jun 25, 2019

1928 Gibson hardshell case made by G&S Co., Chicago.

Strumdaddy · Jun 25, 2019

1928 Gibson tenor case - originally a bluey-green interior. Had no lid on storage compartment so I created one...
Very protective and totally functional, still, after all these years.

Ukulele Eddie · Jun 25, 2019

Wow, what a score. Congrats!

Neal · Jun 25, 2019

Ah. Cases. Good lookin’.

1928 Gibson Uke3

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