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. |
Simon Brown...he da man!
ReplyDeletethanks Buddy!
DeleteBeside the obvious...
ReplyDeleteIncorporated in 1921 as Stromberg-Voisinet, this company's history goes back to 1890, when it was established as the Groeschel Mandolin Company. It was one of several musical instrument manufacturers in Chicago during the early part of the twentieth century producing instrument under its own name and OEM instruments for others to brand, Henry "Kay" Kuhrmeyer brought the company in 1928, hired three former Lyon & Healy luthiers and in 1931 The Kay Musical Instrument Company was formed...
What else did you want to know?
PS Lovely banjolele and quite subtle for Stromberg Voisinet who did like on slap on the pearloid
thanks Lardy
ReplyDeleteStunning Simon... Well done mate...
ReplyDeleteSteve...
PS: I'm having a flat resonator (think UB2) made for my Stromberg ATM by Eddie Uttley. Having played James Taylor's Stromberg, with his UB2 resonator, it gives the uke a whole new character and tone while not taking any of the clarity from the instrument.
DeleteThats a stunning example you have there Simon and I know that you receive these ukes usually showing their age, so well done again mate...
Steve...
cheers Steve.
ReplyDelete