Slingerland Ukulele

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Nowadays, Slingerland are most famous for their drums. However, they started out back in 1912 selling ukuleles. The Slingerland Maybell (also referred to as the May Bell or Maybelle) is a classic banjolele.

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5 Comments

  1. John January 13th, 2011 8:33 pm

    This particular model, #20, is the first banjolele I bought. It’s a cheapie – only cost $8 back in the early 30’s, but its a great little instrument and I still have it. One reason for it’s recognizably great sound is that Slingerland put a brass tone ring in all their models, not just this one. It makes a big difference when you play a Slingerland alongside a more expensive instrument. To my ear, and fingers, these play better than the new banjoleles costing several hundred dollars, which are simply not as bright or light sounding.

    Slingerland also made these for S.S. Stewart under the name “Collegian.” You can also find these stamped or labeled for other companies, Victory is one incarnation, and with no labeling on occasion.

  2. John Bianchi March 30th, 2012 8:57 pm

    Forgot to rate my Slingerlands!

  3. Wendy July 21st, 2013 1:23 pm

    Does anyone know of the Slingerland logo with a star on each side instead of the usual oval around their name? I have a Banjo-uke and can’t find any info on it.

  4. Laura Toops January 10th, 2014 5:33 pm

    Probably the Slingerland Maybelle. I have one — not sure of the vintage.

  5. Andrew September 23rd, 2014 10:02 pm

    I have a Soprano Ukulele with Slingerland printed prominantly on the headstock. I’ve not seen another nor have I come across another on-line. This is NOT a banjo-uke, it is a standard Soprano ukulele. I assume it was a factory sample but I’m curious about when it may have been made or how many were ever sold.

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