Stromberg Voisinet- The Rose

This model is very ornate with fantastic decal pattern on the resonator. Also the pearloid covered fretboard and headstock. Great for preserving the wood on the fretboard!

The uke is complete with decal around the pot, 3 part neck with binding, a very decorative flange covering the resonator. 16 hooks provides an excellent tone to this very well made instrument.

I wont go into detail on the history of this great model. John Bianchi talks about the SV ukes on his blog here..http://theukaholic.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/rose.html

In a sorry state

The uke was promptly stripped down and the parts sent away for re-plating.

The wood was re-finished which brought out the colour in the old decals

Well made instruments are always a joy to put back together and this was no exception. Set up with a calf skin vellum and Gali strings.

The Rose Decal

Dick Barrie Bands- 4th Edition

After a break away from ukuleles for a while i found myself buying this "Dick Barrie Bands" Banjolele. As with the other Barrie branded ukes this one is also a George Houghton & Sons model.
Its basically a GH&S Melody Junior. Made in the Uk in the 1950's.

When it came to me it was unplayable. A very badly shaped heel led the uke to look more like a bow and arrow. The action was almost an inch high and the bezel was way up above the pot.

The neck had been attached too high to the pot, i had to drill another hole in the pot and move the neck down around 5mm so it would be level with the skin once the instrument was put back together.

2 large wood screws pulled the neck tight to the pot. Notice the extra hole, thats how far out the neck was!

After i fixed the neck angle all the parts were re-finished to add a bit of shine

Mirror finish on the resonator

A new calf skin vellum was fitted, and the instrument was complete with new tuning pegs.
This is a decent beginners instrument, set up to correctly and ready to play.

This photo shows the action and neck angle.

New Tuners

A re-badged GH&S Melody Minor.