Saturday 7 June 2014

Ron Beddoes "Gibson ub-2 style"

Ron Beddoes, a small scale maker began making banjo ukes in the early 1970's.
I believe this to be one of his early models. Based on the classic Gibson ub-2.

14 tension hooks on a very solid, well made pot. The uke is so very well made, a sign of Ron's excellent workmanship, due to him being a retired engineer. It does remind me of my "Ken Timms" instruments. Also excellently engineered.

The tailpiece is not a standard design, looks almost to have been hand crafted.
And the bezel has notches in the top for the hooks to sit. Similar to the Dallas ukes.

Pleasantly chunky 3 piece neck, very thick fretboard. This model has a zero-fret fitted. The tuners are decent quality friction tuners, the same ones usually found on later Dallas-D&E's.

The veneer on the resonator and around the pot is in very good order with a clear grain showing.

Finally the case looks to be original too. Very retro 70's look to it! Red padded velvet lined inside, although its not a snug fit for the uke.
The uke is for sale, and is listed below on Andy Eastwoods's excellent site.

http://www.andyeastwood.com/Ron-Beddoes-ukulele-banjo-sb.htm
Gibson ub-2 Style

Superb Original condition

Chunky Retro hard case

Unusual design tailpiece

Slight wear on tailpiece, only mark on the whole instrument

"New Concert" by Ron Beddoes