My Thoughts on Martin's Konter Replica

[glennerd]

Its cool and interesting...if there was a cheaper mexican made version and the price of an mexican s1 plus 200 bucks I would buy one. How they came up with 2 grand beyond me. I got a beautiful martin ceo 7 oo adirondac top guitar for that.

Yeah, if it was near an S1 price point, I'd be tempted. I usually like fairly plain ukuleles, but this one appeals to me for the historical reference. The S1 is already around the top of my price range though so I'll have to admire it from afar.

[Ukecaster]

I assume that some lucky soul(s) at Martin get to take the original Konter uke out of its glass case and play it occasionally. I wonder how it sounds, and how often they do that?

[MJB]

Congrats on a very cool uke!

[VegasGeorge]

Glad to hear that it's a good instrument as well as an oddity. I've looked at it several times when thinking about buying another Uke. I just can't get past the cringe factor, that is, the idea of people scratching their names on one of my fine instruments. Just thinking about it gives me chills. I know its a replica of a famous Uke. But, knowing me, if I had been on that expedition, I would have returned with an unblemished instrument. Barring accidental damage, of course.

[CommonCurt]

Glad to hear that it's a good instrument as well as an oddity. I've looked at it several times when thinking about buying another Uke. I just can't get past the cringe factor, that is, the idea of people scratching their names on one of my fine instruments. Just thinking about it gives me chills. I know its a replica of a famous Uke. But, knowing me, if I had been on that expedition, I would have returned with an unblemished instrument. Barring accidental damage, of course.

Same here.
I really wish Martin would start making American made Style-O's out of mahogany again.

[Jerryc41]

Yes, that is a beauty. Did you notice the smell? Mine smells wonderful!

[VegasGeorge]

Well, "never say never!" This thread got me thinking about the Konter again. Then, this morning the buyer showed up, and hauled my Harley away. It was time, I just turned 75 and the family thought I should stop riding. Then I saw the Konter offered on Reverb at a $300 discount. So, I went for it. A consolation for the loss of my bike. It gets shipped tomorrow, so I should have it by the end of the week. I think I'll keep it re-entrant. Most of my other Ukes are Low G. But, it wouldn't seem right to alter the string setup on the replica. I think I'll use it mostly for singing and playing tunes from the 1920s. The Byrd Expedition was in 1926, so I'm sure that's how Konter (Ukulele Dick) used it. Fascinating history there. I'm going to read up on it. Also ordered the book, "A Stowaway Ukulele Revealed: Richard Konter & The Byrd Polar Expeditions."

I guess I'll just have to get used to owning a 'defaced' Ukulele.

[Kenn2018]

Defaced, but not defiled.

[VegasGeorge]

OK, the Konter arrived this evening. I've been playing it for the last hour or so. I must say, I am enchanted with it! Yes, it is something of an ugly duckling, what with all those signatures scrawled all over it. But, it's light as a feather, and plays like a dream. Once, I understood what a fine instrument it is, my edginess about its appearance started to diminish. It's one of those special Ukes that just seem to speed up my old fingers. The neck and fretboard are marvelous. The neck is 1 7/16 inch at the 1st fret. That's 1/16 inch wider than the Mainland Soprano I have with me. My fat fingers really notice the 'extra' room. The tone is bright, as a Soprano should be, but with a nice flavor to it. It has lots of volume. This one is a keeper!

[kkimura]

OK, the Konter arrived this evening. I've been playing it for the last hour or so. I must say, I am enchanted with it! Yes, it is something of an ugly duckling, what with all those signatures scrawled all over it. But, it's light as a feather, and plays like a dream. Once, I understood what a fine instrument it is, my edginess about its appearance started to diminish. It's one of those special Ukes that just seem to speed up my old fingers. The neck and fretboard are marvelous. The neck is 1 7/16 inch at the 1st fret. That's 1/16 inch wider than the Mainland Soprano I have with me. My fat fingers really notice the 'extra' room. The tone is bright, as a Soprano should be, but with a nice flavor to it. It has lots of volume. This one is a keeper!

Congratulations! Sorry that you had to let the Harley go. Here's hoping the new "hog" ukulele fills the gap.