It is probably to soon to be impartial, but can you compare your vintage ukes?
Do you have a favorite amongst the Martin O, Gibson Uke 1, a Gretsch and Favilla?
BTW Nice collection!
Hard to have favorites, but there are differences, and I like the differences.
E.G. :
The Gibson Uke 1: This sounds unique of all the vintage ukes I have. It has a sound that has been described as a classic "plunky plunky" uke sound that I just love. I guess it's a classic mainland traditional uke sound that you might have found in the 20s and 30s. You can hear it in my recording of
Five Foot Two; it's used as the rhythm section at the key change to D.
http://soundcloud.com/pdxuke/5ft2
The 30s Gretsch: A very bright, open sound--much punchier than the others. A great player. I have sound examples of that as well.
The 48 Martin O: A classic sound. Warm, yummy. Surprisingly, not my current favorite. While a great uke, beautifully made, it does have slight intonation issues that others have mentioned, especially that C string, and I think it's the strings. I need to get Worth clears on it; I'm all but certain that's the problem.
The Painted Harmony, c.50s.: Also has a plunky, classic uke sound. Fun to play, good intonation. Glad I have it!
The Favilla: Still trying to date this one. Action is fantastic. Ballanced. Warm and rich. Mellow. Still discovering what it can do.
All have Aquila strings, which I am going to slowly change over to Worths (and I need opinions--browns or clears?)