Sunday 25 November 2012

Ludwig Wendell Hall Professional

This is the Uke I've been saving for! Bought from the USA in poor condition, I have restored it back to playable condition. It still has the odd ding, and a pretty worn fretboard. But still an excellent uke to play. Made by Ludwig in Chicago between 1926-30. These were, and still are THE Banjo uke to play. The "Wendell Hall" model, slightly plainer than the standard Ludwig
but basically the same uke. Made from American Walnut, with Bronze Nickled hoop and resonator. 16 tension hooks, which screw down into the resonator. As for the restoration, I started by dismantling the whole instrument, the metal work was cleaned and polished, and re-chromed where needed. The ebony headstock was damaged, so that had to be removed. A new decal was fitted. The wood was re-finished with Tru-oil. A new calf skin vellum was fitted and the whole instrument re assembled. It plays with the distinctive Ludwig sound, and now completes my Banjo Uke collection.

Tuesday 6 November 2012

Melody Junior, made by GH & S

Here is a nice basic entry model. made by George Houghton & Sons, probably around 1930. Fitted with the box resonator and 6 tension hooks. it is similar in design to the Dallas-B. other ukes in the range included the Melody Minor & Melody Major. Playing wise, its a decent little uke. bit of a woolly sound to it. all in, its a very decent starter uke. Has the usual odd bit of tarnish on the bezel, but set up to last for a good while yet! if i look this good when i'm 70 i'll be happy
its now fitted with a new calf skin vellum and Aquila strings.