Best Ditson Style 3 Copy?

[StumptownUke]

I am looking for a Ditson Style 3 copy and was curious to know who is currently making something like this? Thanks!

 

[Dohle]

Since you specified Ditson and not, e.g., Martin, do you mean you're looking for a modern copy with that body shape that's typical to Ditson ukes, i.e., a wider waste, a bit like a dreadnought shape?

 

[DuckyI]

Dave Talsma has made Ditson shaped Martin copies in the past, like This one. That’s a 5k but I’m sure he could do a style 3 too.

 

[EDW]

You can see a Tim Laughlin Ditson Style 2 copy over at

Flea Market Music market place page offers an on-line auction type listing for buying and selling ukuleles and many other popular types of ukuleles such as, Martin, Ovation and Kamaka.

His copies are very highly regarded. I imagine he could also do a great style 3

 

[StumptownUke]

Since you specified Ditson and not, e.g., Martin, do you mean you're looking for a modern copy with that body shape that's typical to Ditson ukes, i.e., a wider waste, a bit like a dreadnought shape?

Hey Dohle, you are correct. Ive searched for quality vintage versions but the few that seem to exist in good shape are very expensive, so I thought a modern copy might be the route to take.

 

[StumptownUke]

Dave Talsma has made Ditson shaped Martin copies in the past, like This one. That’s a 5k but I’m sure he could do a style 3 too.

Thanks for that, I will definitely reach out to Mr. Talsma!

 

[StumptownUke]

You can see a Tim Laughlin Ditson Style 2 copy over at

Flea Market Music market place page offers an on-line auction type listing for buying and selling ukuleles and many other popular types of ukuleles such as, Martin, Ovation and Kamaka.

His copies are very highly regarded. I imagine he could also do a great style 3

Thanks for sharing. I might have to reach out as his website just says he sells through Elderly.com

 

[EDW]

Thanks for sharing. I might have to reach out as his website just says he sells through Elderly.com

Yeah, might be worth a shot. I have always heard raves about his instruments

 

[richntacoma]

Thanks for that, I will definitely reach out to Mr. Talsma!

Great to work with, and my Ditson is the easiest playing instrument I have ever had my hands on.

 

[don_b]

Never even heard of Ditson,, cool.

 

[Dohle]

Hey Dohle, you are correct. Ive searched for quality vintage versions but the few that seem to exist in good shape are very expensive, so I thought a modern copy might be the route to take.

Thought as much. The suggestions by some of the others are probably the way to go. I have a hard time thinking about any builder or brand who makes ukes in that dreadnought shape other than Kanile'a which I assume is not what you're looking for. One that does spring to mind, however, is Kevin Mulcock / KM ukuleles. I remember Baz reviewing a dreadnought shaped koa soprano he made and it looked wonderful. No idea if he'll make a style 3 though (and honestly, I don't know if he's building at all currently).

 

[Neil_O]

Never even heard of Ditson,, cool.

They were Martins sold under the department store name: Ditson Dept Store Ukes

 

[don_b]

They were Martins sold under the department store name: Ditson Dept Store Ukes

I checked out the 1922 catalogue. It says the number 36 uke was $25.00. Google is telling me that’s about $440 today’s rate. Wild.

 

[StumptownUke]

I checked out the 1922 catalogue. It says the number 36 uke was $25.00. Google is telling me that’s about $440 today’s rate. Wild.

Imagine what a Moore Bettah auction would have gone for back then!

 

[pmorey]

You might also try Brad Donaldson, pretty sure this would be right in his wheelhouse.

 

[EDW]

You might also try Brad Donaldson, pretty sure this would be right in his wheelhouse.

Brad has done some style 3 instruments. He is a great guy to work with!