Harold O.
Well-known member
There was an article in the LA paper about our Canogahana Players uke group on Monday.
http://www.dailynews.com/ci_18542965?IADID=Search-www.dailynews.com-www.dailynews.com
With that, a woman came by Guitar Merchant with a long-held desire to play the ukulele her father left her many years ago. He worked as an engineer in the South Pacific. At some point, he bought and learned to play a ukulele.
The uke she brought by is a Tabu ukulele, made in Hawaii at a time when a lot of "made in Hawaii" ukes were not actually made there. Early 1920s.
This uke has the original case. Interesting to see a lot of recent talk about bullet proof, drop proof, rock solid cases. This old case is mostly fiber board and has held up well for 90 years.
The uke itself was stored with the strings under tension, so the top has bowed in slightly. The back has split about half way along, but is not loose or vibrating. What I especially like is that you can see and feel small indentations on the fret board where the man spent most of his playing time.
A terrific instrument. Phil restrung it for her, but suggested she practice and play with something else, bringing out the Tabu for special occasions. Had it been played continuously over the years, this would not be an issue.
So we learned a couple of things. First, a little publicity can bring interesting things to your door. Next, wonderful old ukuleles are still out there. Third, keep your ukes in playing condition by playing them from time to time.
http://www.dailynews.com/ci_18542965?IADID=Search-www.dailynews.com-www.dailynews.com
With that, a woman came by Guitar Merchant with a long-held desire to play the ukulele her father left her many years ago. He worked as an engineer in the South Pacific. At some point, he bought and learned to play a ukulele.
The uke she brought by is a Tabu ukulele, made in Hawaii at a time when a lot of "made in Hawaii" ukes were not actually made there. Early 1920s.
This uke has the original case. Interesting to see a lot of recent talk about bullet proof, drop proof, rock solid cases. This old case is mostly fiber board and has held up well for 90 years.
The uke itself was stored with the strings under tension, so the top has bowed in slightly. The back has split about half way along, but is not loose or vibrating. What I especially like is that you can see and feel small indentations on the fret board where the man spent most of his playing time.
A terrific instrument. Phil restrung it for her, but suggested she practice and play with something else, bringing out the Tabu for special occasions. Had it been played continuously over the years, this would not be an issue.
So we learned a couple of things. First, a little publicity can bring interesting things to your door. Next, wonderful old ukuleles are still out there. Third, keep your ukes in playing condition by playing them from time to time.