sunhotmoon
Member
I'm a newbie here and need some help.
I've just dug out of my 94 year old mother's closet a Martin 0 Series soprano uke she purchased new in 1940. She and the uke have lived in the Arizona desert since 1990. Prior to moving to Arizona, the uke lived for 50 years in a beach house and other beach areas in Southern California. Talk about climate change!
It has never been in a case. The finish is in terrible condition, chipping and peeling on the front, including the decal area. The finish is largely gone on the face of the rosewood neck. The finish on the back is in decent shape, though. The tuning pegs are completely corroded and inoperable.
However, the wood itself (I think it's mahogany) does not appear to be cracked anywhere. The glue seems to be in good shape on all the joints.
She gave me the uke for Christmas. I intend to keep it and play it (I already play a classical guitar). I have several questions:
1. I live on the north coast of California where it's cold, foggy and rainy much of the year. I'm concerned about abruptly moving the uke from the desert back to a cold humid environment. Any suggestions for how to gently do this?
2. Should I attempt to refinish to wood or have it refinished? Will it destroy any of it's vintage value? (I don't intend to sell it.) What should I do to protect the varnish that is flaking off, taking the Martin decal with it?
3. Are replacement tuning pegs available and should I buy Martin ones? I'd like to keep the bone tuning knobs if possible.
4. I know several guitarists who in turn know good guitar and stringed instrument repair guys. Should I try to find a Martin or vintage uke specialist to do the work?
It's an ugly baby, but its new mother loves it! Thanks for your help.
René ("sunhotmoon")
I've just dug out of my 94 year old mother's closet a Martin 0 Series soprano uke she purchased new in 1940. She and the uke have lived in the Arizona desert since 1990. Prior to moving to Arizona, the uke lived for 50 years in a beach house and other beach areas in Southern California. Talk about climate change!
It has never been in a case. The finish is in terrible condition, chipping and peeling on the front, including the decal area. The finish is largely gone on the face of the rosewood neck. The finish on the back is in decent shape, though. The tuning pegs are completely corroded and inoperable.
However, the wood itself (I think it's mahogany) does not appear to be cracked anywhere. The glue seems to be in good shape on all the joints.
She gave me the uke for Christmas. I intend to keep it and play it (I already play a classical guitar). I have several questions:
1. I live on the north coast of California where it's cold, foggy and rainy much of the year. I'm concerned about abruptly moving the uke from the desert back to a cold humid environment. Any suggestions for how to gently do this?
2. Should I attempt to refinish to wood or have it refinished? Will it destroy any of it's vintage value? (I don't intend to sell it.) What should I do to protect the varnish that is flaking off, taking the Martin decal with it?
3. Are replacement tuning pegs available and should I buy Martin ones? I'd like to keep the bone tuning knobs if possible.
4. I know several guitarists who in turn know good guitar and stringed instrument repair guys. Should I try to find a Martin or vintage uke specialist to do the work?
It's an ugly baby, but its new mother loves it! Thanks for your help.
René ("sunhotmoon")