Ukecaster
Well-known member
Well, I've had this for over a week now, so time for a NUD post. I already have a late 40's Martin Style 0, but have always loved the looks of vintage Style 2 sopranos, so I couldn't pass this one up when I saw it recently for a great price. I figured I'd check it out, and keep the better of the two, selling the other. This has the Made in USA stamp inside, so it is apparently early 60's vintage.
This Style 2, despite a few back cracks that were repaired (although not particularly well done), does indeed sound better to me than the Style 0, a wonderful sweet woody sound, and equally as loud as the Style 0. It is a bit less plinky/trebly than the 0, but both are awesome little cannons; the Style 2 is just a bit richer and fuller. My Kiwaya/Famous sops are very nice, but just can't compare overall for volume, bark and complex tone, but they have their place too, and I like them alot. The Style 2 action is 2.25mm at 12th, the Style 0 is 2mm. I think higher 2.25mm is optimal for my playing style, reducing nail clicking when I strum.
Anyway, that's it, and I now realize that I want to keep both, so much for my original plan. Pics of the Style 2, and both ukes below, and video soundclip here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jB8Fe8yvX2Y
This Style 2, despite a few back cracks that were repaired (although not particularly well done), does indeed sound better to me than the Style 0, a wonderful sweet woody sound, and equally as loud as the Style 0. It is a bit less plinky/trebly than the 0, but both are awesome little cannons; the Style 2 is just a bit richer and fuller. My Kiwaya/Famous sops are very nice, but just can't compare overall for volume, bark and complex tone, but they have their place too, and I like them alot. The Style 2 action is 2.25mm at 12th, the Style 0 is 2mm. I think higher 2.25mm is optimal for my playing style, reducing nail clicking when I strum.
Anyway, that's it, and I now realize that I want to keep both, so much for my original plan. Pics of the Style 2, and both ukes below, and video soundclip here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jB8Fe8yvX2Y