Favilla Prices Out-a-control!

Tsani · Jul 23, 2011

I love Favilla ukuleles. I have a baritone and a Marca Aquila soprano (Marca Aquila changed its name to Favilla). The reputation of the Favilla has been "as good as a Martin at a fraction of the price". That saying seems to be obsolete now as Favillas are being bought for prices that rival Martins. I see Martins in the $500-600 range, although some go higher. I am now seeing Favillas selling in the 500s for a good soprano - or especially a teardrop. I love Favillas, but I wish the rest of the world would love them a little less! My "dream uke" is a Favilla Teardrop soprano.:drool: I am beginning to doubt that I will ever own one. They are just too expensive. Poverty stinks!

Huna · Jul 23, 2011

and I wonder how come someone can't make ukes like this nowadays? wtf? hopefully martin will step up to the plate.

Baskervils · Jul 23, 2011

I think that these things go in and out of fashion. I was baffled that the beat-to-hell Favilla baritone went for $270 on eBay recently. It looked massive amount of trouble. Cracked? Missing fret markers? Major red flags. I wouldn't have touched it.

didgeridoo2 · Jul 23, 2011

Huna said:
and I wonder how come someone can't make ukes like this nowadays? wtf? hopefully martin will step up to the plate.

Kiwaya makes ukes like that.

haolejohn · Jul 23, 2011

Tsani said:
I love Favilla ukuleles. I have a baritone and a Marca Aquila soprano (Marca Aquila changed its name to Favilla). The reputation of the Favilla has been "as good as a Martin at a fraction of the price". That saying seems to be obsolete now as Favillas are being bought for prices that rival Martins. I see Martins in the $500-600 range, although some go higher. I am now seeing Favillas selling in the 500s for a good soprano - or especially a teardrop. I love Favillas, but I wish the rest of the world would love them a little less! My "dream uke" is a Favilla Teardrop soprano.:drool: I am beginning to doubt that I will ever own one. They are just too expensive. Poverty stinks!

Good to see you posting again Tsani

southcoastukes · Jul 24, 2011

Baskervils said:
I think that these things go in and out of fashion.

I think you're right. If you're looking for a Baritone, though, look for a Gianinni. 60's vintage (more or less). All Mahogany, to me they were at least the equal of Favillas (which are, indeed, excellent instruments).

I don't keep track of these things as much as I used to, but not that long ago, they were going for very high prices. The last one I saw, however, sold for a good bit less. Maybe "out of fashion" at the moment?

If so, cash in!

southcoastukes · Jul 24, 2011

Just saw a Favilla Soprano on FMM - $165

mm stan · Jul 24, 2011

Isn't the Favilla shop in NY still open....????

Jake Wildwood · Jul 24, 2011

The market will follow whatever fad comes up next.

Some instruments are worth the $$ and some are worth more $$ because of the name or because a certain player used one. Case in point: old "Stella" brand Oscar Schmidt-made guitars (New Jersey) from the '20s cost a fortune for what they are (often all-birch, cheapo models) vs. the very similarly-made, similar-sounding instruments made in Chicago by Regal and Harmony. This is almost entirely due to the fact that these were often played by early blues men because they were cheap and sturdy. But when I'm seeing them go for prices close to all-mahogany Martins from the time -- you just have to ask yourself WHY?

Baskervils · Jul 24, 2011

Jake Wildwood said:
The market will follow whatever fad comes up next.

Some instruments are worth the $$ and some are worth more $$ because of the name or because a certain player used one. Case in point: old "Stella" brand Oscar Schmidt-made guitars (New Jersey) from the '20s cost a fortune for what they are (often all-birch, cheapo models) vs. the very similarly-made, similar-sounding instruments made in Chicago by Regal and Harmony. This is almost entirely due to the fact that these were often played by early blues men because they were cheap and sturdy. But when I'm seeing them go for prices close to all-mahogany Martins from the time -- you just have to ask yourself WHY?

I'm a pro audio guy and it's just as faddy. Early 70s Neve 1073 mic pres and eqs go for ungodly amounts of money. Great new Rupert Neve designs are available to the average mo for a steal! Plus, with new stuff you (hopefully) don't get bent necks and dirty electronics.

That said, I think there can be a certain romantic magic and great tone to old gear, but let's face it, playing well is the most important thing. If I could make a deal with the devil, I'd rather be able to play a Makala well vs. a own the fanciest Martin and play it badly. If satan is reading this, please don't PM me! actual picture of satan:

Favilla Prices Out-a-control!

Tsani

Well-known member

Huna

Well-known member

Baskervils

Well-known member

didgeridoo2

Well-known member

haolejohn

Well-known member

southcoastukes

Well-known member

southcoastukes

Well-known member

mm stan

Mystery Man

Jake Wildwood

Well-known member

Baskervils

Well-known member

Similar threads