Martin Ukulele
RatingsMartin ukuleles are some of the most sought after ukuleles around. There are many avid collectors of Martin ukuleles around and people who refuse to play anything but Martins.
Martin started producing ukuleles in 1916 and were the largest producer of ukes
There are a number of different styles (from style 0 to style 5 - but there's no 4). Generally speaking, the higher the number, the higher the price.
More knowledgeable sellers will indicate which style the Martin is. However, less well informed sellers, such as on eBay or in junk shops, will often not know what style the uke is. In this case, it's worth being able to identify which type of ukulele it is and how much it might be worth so you can tell if you're getting a bargain.
There are many details that can influence how valuable a Martin ukulele is. You'll find these discussed in great detail - down to the shape of the nuts used on the tuners - on the Martin Ukulele Forum. For our purposes, each page gives you a guide to the easiest way to distinguish the styles from each other.
On Video
This video, by ukulelezaza, has three different styles of Martin ukulele. From the beginning: Style 0, 1960s Style 1, 1920s Style 2, 1940s Style 3
On eBay
 Martin S1 Ukulele NEW  US $306.00
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 MARTIN UKULELE VINTAGE STORE SIGN CF MARTIN CO Guitars Ukuleles US $49.99
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 C F Martin Ukulele w case US $152.50
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Dating Martin Ukuleles
Again, there you can go into minute, recondite information in this area, but their are two easy to spot features that will help you work out or confirm the Martin's age:
Peghead: The earliest Martin ukuleles (before '33) have a stamp on the back of the peghead. After this, they had a decal on the front (there was a slight overlap in these).
Soundhole: Inside the soundhole you'll see a stamp. If you can see the words "Made in USA" the ukulele was produced after 1966.
Martin Made Ukuleles
As well as making their own ukuleles, Martin also made ukes for other manufacturers such as Oliver Ditson. These ukuleles are identical to the standard Martin ukuleles apart from the maker stamps and decals.
eBay Ruses
Because Martins are so sought after, some sellers on eBay resort to shady tactics to get their ukes in front of buyers. One way you'll see regularly is people advertising the uke "w/ Martin strings" in the title. You see ukuleles refered to as 'Martin style' - even when they clearly aren't (Kiwaya are an exception to this). Another is people speculating that the ukulele is a Martin - it rarely is. Martin's are almost always stamped. Personally, I wouldn't buy anything from a seller that uses such desperate tactics.
4 Comments
Greetings My Friend and Thank You,
I became so excited that I wet my pants…Well, not really, but still, it was that good and very much appreciated by me. Can’t wait to share it.
Virtually, as good as it gets, literally.
Thanx So Much, Joe, Cotton Eyed Joe
I own a Martin soprano from the early 60′s and a baritone Martin I purchased for $1,200 which I felt was a good buy. I also own a Collins koa tenor which I love to play.
Anybody know where I can find a case for a Martin O style soprano Uke? I just aquired one which I date somewhere between late 1940′s and early 1960′s Also if anyoen has any tips on cleaning the finish or what is the best way to care for a vintage uke. Thanks!!
I have a Martin style 3,diamond shaped inlays the works, original case. was told by the gentelman that gave it to me it was a copy of Ukele Ikes’. I acquired it from an older gentelman in the early 60′s. He said it had been in his closet for years. Prbably has only been played a matter of hours.excellent condition. Is anyone interested?
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