Martin, Ditson, Super Tenor Ukulele
January 25, 2008
The head-doctors said it wasn’t possible, but I’ve fallen in love. Here she is: 20s/30s Martin 3K. Bids start at $1,600.
If you want a bit of Martin magic but can’t afford that, you might like to check out this battered and bruised Martin ukulele. Full credit to the seller for the extensive and very clear pictures of the damage. The number of bidders that item has had just goes to show that being completely upfront about damage is the best way to go. Compare it with the pictures for this style 3 Martin. The seller says the cracks on the back have been fixed, but the blurry picture half way down the page raises some questions. Unsurprisingly, no bids so far.
If you’re after a Martin, it’s often worth looking carefully at any Oliver Ditson ukuleles that come up. Martin made a large number of ukes for Oliver Ditson. You can check out the picutures on this page (including a Ditson Style 0 next to a space age meat grinder).
If you’re looking to practice your uke repairing abilities, this whole pile of clapped out koa ukuleles should give you plenty to go at.
Potential bargain of the week: Slingerland MayBell banjo ukulele. It’s in a pretty messy condition, but there are currently no bids and a $25 opening bid. Because of the typo in the title of the listing (uklele) it might be that people are going to miss it. Has to be worth watching.
On a more modern note, this Custom Pahu Kani Super Tenor Ukulele makes me giggle every time I see it.
Christmas Gifts for Ukulele Players: Patterned Ukes
December 16, 2007
When you’re giving someone a gift, you do want it to be that little bit more special. Ukuleles with an added design give that extra ‘wow factor’. You could commission yourself a painted uke. Or, if you’re a bit more strapped for cash and time, buy off-the-shelf.
Flukes seem to be almost universally popular. Even more so when there’s a half naked dolly-bird holding one aloft.
Inspiration for Fluke designs ranges from Hollywood to Dollywood (with their cowboy fluke). Flukes sell for between $200 and $300. You’ll pay a bit of a premium for the design and also if you want a rosewood fretboard (rather than the standard plastic).
Black Bear Christmas Bell
At the other end of the price spectrum is the beauty.
Duane Heilman of
The auction eBay auction for this one has finished now but it didn’t sell so it may return. If you’ve got a loved one worth $2,000 to you, keep your eyes peeled.
Pahu Kani
Another heftily priced ukulele. I have no idea how these sound but ooooh pretty, pretty, pretty. And, at the end of the day, isn’t it what’s on the outside that really counts?
