Comments on: Quick Guide to Martin Ukulele Styles

By: Dale

Dale — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:44:39 +0000

Erica, Frank Ford, at Gryphon Stringed Instruments in Palo Alto, CA is a highly respected luthier. His shop sometimes sells used Martin ukuleles, and he is tops at repair work.

By: Richard

Richard — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:49:45 +0000

Just thought I would say that Worth CM’s sound best to me on vintage martins and Worth BM’s on newer mahogany soprano’s (add warmth) .

By: Richard

Richard — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:47:39 +0000

I have owned Koalohas, Sceptres and Pineapple Sundays and bought a Mahogany 1948 Style 0 and it is the sound I dreamed of. It has such a percussive resonant mellow sound that takes me back to all the old Black and White movies I used to watch as a kid. It melts chocolate at a mile!. I have now just bought a Style 1 as well. I think I prefer the mahogany tone based on my adoration of the vintage Martin. I think the older the wood , the richer the sound too. I have friends who have copy Martins made by designer luthiers and they just don’t come close on tone. Admittedly they look nicer but surely tone is where its at. Just an honest view from a costly process of buying and selling.

By: Woodshed

Woodshed — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 23:26:32 +0000

Erica: I got this response to your comment via email:

go online toMartin and there will be a site that tells you how old and how rare the Martin Uke is.Usually by the decorative lines around the sound hole etc.

A good set of strings mayhelp.one string at a time .make sure you are doing the right string when you replace them.There are numerous sites under Ukelele on Google.If you dony have a computer ,go to the library.They will help you find the right site.Usually Ukelele will bring up all yopu need to know.Unless the Uke is damaged it should sound half decent when strung properly
I had a Martin I bought in 1951 and it cost $20.It had onee circle aroundthe sound hole.My son bought it off me for his daughter for $500.It was in perfect codition and sounded great,better than the one I bought cheaply to replace it.Check but be sure of who you deal with.If not satisfied,go somewhere else.Nowadays there are Ukelele groups and orchestras in many cities.Check in yours.Theyshould help.

lots of luck

By: Erica

Erica — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:29:43 +0000

My nephew was gifted a Martin uke which belonged to his great-grandfather. They’ve had it restrung, but according to his mom, it sounds terrible. Maybe it was re-strung with the wrong strings? Anyhoo, I haven’t seen it nor do I know what style it is other than that, in the soundhole, it reads “C.F. Martin & Co. Nazareth PA. Made in USA” – it’s greater than 50 years old.

Do you know anyone in the bay area (San Francisco area or even out of state) that you would recommend on repair?

Thanks!

By: Fi from NZ

Fi from NZ — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 20:27:31 +0000

I have a Martin SO uke which I love because it’s louder than any of the other ukes I own. The only thing I don’t like is not having fret markers….oh well.

By: jerome Smith

jerome Smith — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 14:13:49 +0000

viewing various Ukulele websites ans there are many,

I ahve seen a few on strings,replacing them and where to buy them.

just google “ukulele and I am sure you will find what you are interested in

By: June

June — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 01:51:28 +0000

I have a so Martin ukulele, Whats it worth and any info is welcom Thanks

By: Ben Werneke

Ben Werneke — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 23:42:34 +0000

I am pretty sure I have a Martin Style 0 but it is missing a string. I am pretty sure the original strings are still on it, but one is missing. I simply need to know how to change a string.

By: Jerome Smith

Jerome Smith — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 01:53:35 +0000

I have a Martin type o.Bought it around 1952.Inside it says MAZARETARAN.
great shape for the years but there is a small
crack just starting on one side about11/4 long.
I have long ago stopped playing it and would like to sell it ,
anyone interested contact me at my e-mail address
hatborojerry@aol.com