research for a movie.

[JWW]

Hi there...brand new to this forum and looking for a little advice.

I'm doing Props on a feature film being shot in Vancouver, BC. Before you ask, I'm bound by an NDA and can't reveal details about it except to say that it is for one of the major studios.

I need to buy 2-3 matching ukuleles that have a very old, or primitive style, as our film is set in the late 19th Century.

Respectfully, I don't want to get into the weeds too much about details. We will be able to do a lot with ageing and paint treatments, but if anyone can suggest a brand or type of mandolin that might be a good starting place in terms of the overall style, I'd be appreciative.

Probably the more basic and unadorned the better.

Oh, another thing worth mentioning is not to be too concerned how it will sound. That will likely be added in during post-production. It's all about the look.

Thanks in advance!

[UkingViking]

Interesting subject.

There are probably people here with more knowledge than me. But for what it is worth:

Some of the oldest brands still in production are Kamaka and Martin. Still, there ukulele production doesnt quite date back to the 19th century, only 1916. Still, a plain looking Martin ukulele could probably fool most. Make sure to get a soprano size with friction tuners. The geared tuners visible on the sides of the head stock would stick out... Also historically.

I read that Nunes made ukuleles back from 1879. https://www.ukulele.org/?Inductees:1...8:Manuel_Nunes
Perhaps a nuned style replica would be an idea. Ohana makes one, see link below. The Ohana logo itself doesnt date back that long, but you can modify your props.

https://ohana-music.com/collections/vintage-line

[JWW]

Wow! Thank you so much for your quick and succinct reply. That is exactly the kind of information I was looking for.

Of course, if anyone else wants to add to that I'm all ears.

Again, much appreciated!

Interesting subject.

There are probably people here with more knowledge than me. But for what it is worth:

Some of the oldest brands still in production are Kamaka and Martin. Still, there ukulele production doesnt quite date back to the 19th century, only 1916. Still, a plain looking Martin ukulele could probably fool most. Make sure to get a soprano size with friction tuners. The geared tuners visible on the sides of the head stock would stick out... Also historically.

I read that Nunes made ukuleles back from 1879. https://www.ukulele.org/?Inductees:1...8:Manuel_Nunes
Perhaps a nuned style replica would be an idea. Ohana makes one, see link below. The Ohana logo itself doesnt date back that long, but you can modify your props.

https://ohana-music.com/collections/vintage-line

[anthonyg]

Since you suggested a primitive look, you should look up Tahitian ukuleles. Tahitian ukuleles are still made today in a very handmade style and often using tribal totems in their styling.
May be suitable, maybe not.

[meriogos]

It's cool when you care about the details of the shot. I always like to celebrate the good work of the film studio team