Another Gibson UB-4

These Gibson ukes are right up there with the best vintage instruments. Made in the 1920's not too many of these come around often.
This uke has travelled around the world I've found, tracing back its ownership over the past 20 years!

The number i can make out is 655-2..

This uke arrived with a homemade looking resonator, once removed i immediately noticed the sticker from Andy Eastwood. Dated from 1992, with a vellum fitted in 1996.
A quick email from Andy confirmed this. He also told me he bought it from Sean Moyes.
Two highly regarded players as former owners, a nod to the quality of this instrument.
I bought the uke from NYC from a friend of my Banjolele buddy, John Bianchi.
Its always interesting to trace back where these old ukes have been. Who knows where it was for the other 70 years of its life?

For such a fantastic instrument the quality of the replacement resonator could not be compromised. Made by Shackleton instruments in Norfolk from Black American Walnut.

 The Uke was stripped down, all the metal parts were rechromed. The neck and pot were refinished with several layers of Tru-oil.

Once every part of the instrument had been restored it was time to reassemble.

Always a joy to put expensive ukes back together, this Gibson was no exception

Superb job on the resonator by Shackleton instruments, although i added around 10 coats of Tru-oil to complete it

Stunning finish to a Stunning Instrument

The resonator is a perfect match and looks incredible.

This ukes plays with a rich clear, loud tone. Exactly what you would expect. I will leave the pictures to do the talking.

100000 Visits to The Ukulele Restoration Barn

At such a monumental number i thought it was time i started adding some new restoration jobs to the blog.

Ive taken some time away from ukuleles over the past year or so, but recently due to a change in my job i found myself with some time on my hands. Those old ukes gathering dust were soon stripped down in bits in my workspace.

Currently i have around 8 instruments in various stages of restoration, and i will aim to show these during the process.

I also have a couple of cracking banjoleles hanging around that i didnt get around to showing on here.

I've developed my own techniques to achieve this clear sheen finish without using spray cans.

Slowly adding the same layered finish to the necks.

On this UB-2 even the skin ring has been replated. The new owner wont even notice until the vellum needs to be changed!

I hope to keep your interest up with lots more restoration jobs to come. If you are looking for a high end restored instrument please get in touch as i do sell my collection from time to time.