1950s Uke

ritzer012 · Jan 22, 2012

Hi All,

On a recent trip to NC, I picked up a uke from Kent at the Ukulele Academy. He got it on a trade. It's solid wood, believed to be koa. The headstock says PIRLES. The label inside reads, "New Style Pirles Ukulele Pirles Musical Instrument Co. LTD No. 120."

Don't think the company is still in existence. Kent replaced the tuners and repaired a crack on the soundboard.

Can anyone shed any light on this?

Thanks.

ksiegel · Jan 22, 2012

If it helps any,a search for "PIRLES UKULELE" showed up more often with the Suzuki name than anything other, and the dates were 1950s -60s.

Tiki King's link stated that it was believed to be a brand of student instrument.

Good luck!

-Kurt

ukebuilder · Jan 22, 2012

Looks more like mahogany than koa to me. Nice looking tho.

ritzer012 · Jan 22, 2012

Thanks guys. More than anything I was just curious. Sounds great and sure is a nice looking uke.

Teek · Jan 22, 2012

I thought mahogany too, especially when looking inside the sound hole. Looks like a keeper!

mm stan · Jan 22, 2012

Congratulations, Hope you didn't over pay thinking it was Koa.....and hope it sounds awesome and it looks like a you will be having some fun for a long time..Happy Strummings..

ritzer012 · Jan 23, 2012

It was still a good deal even if it is Mahogany!

1950s Uke

ritzer012

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ksiegel

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ukebuilder

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ritzer012

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Teek

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mm stan

Mystery Man

ritzer012

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