Gibson UB-3 or UB-2 Deluxe?

Here is the Flat resonator style Gibson UB-3. This uke is the same design as the UB-2. But with inlaid fretboard & peghead, and sunburst paint finish. Pre-1930 model as it has "the Gibson" rather than just "Gibson" 8 inch rim with 14 nickle plated tension hooks. Fitted with Grover friction tuners. These ukes are a real joy to play. Very easy to hold, fantastic clear, crisp tone & perfect volume. This particular uke had been owned from new and was bought it Michigan close to the Gibson factory in Kalamazoo. It came to me in poor shape, badly corroded metal parts, and worn & pitted finish. The metalwork has been re-chromed,i even re-chromed the flesh ring! All the wood was cleaned and polished. i fitted a new nut made from Corian, and then rebuilt the instrument. I believe this Gibson range of ukes are right up there with the very best Banjoleles available. Only matched by the Ludwigs.

George Formby Dallas-D

Here is the Dallas-D. Endorsed by George Formby during the 1930's to 50's. They made 5 models from A to E. I think this one is probably the best. Made from birds eye Maple with Ebony inlays and an Ebony Fretboard and Peghead. Complete with George Formby badge. Serial no D/2088. These were made by John E Dallas & sons in London. this one was made during the 1930's. Formby played this model in a few of his films too! I dismantled the uke, and sonic cleaned all the metal work. its in very good condition with the original plating still in great condition. The finish was gently polished up to retain the sheen, and the fretboard has been dressed and polished too. Fitted with a new vellum & Galli strings which provide a clear tone and that classic British Banjolele sound. A really great uke, to be compared with best of banjo ukes, and highly desirable to as part of the GF range.

Ken Timms Banjolele

Here is my Ken Timms hand made Banjo-uke. Ken is a well renowned wooden ukulele maker, and his ukes are highly sought after. I am fortunate to own both, and also lucky enough to know Ken. He made only 5 or so Banjo ukes, and now only makes wooden ukes. My own wooden uke is covered here on this blog. The banjo uke is extremely well made and plays as good as anything i have ever played. i would suggest it is similar in sound to a Gibson UB-3. It is not too heavy, and the volume is just right. not at all tinny. The back resonator is very well made also, and is highly decorative. The finish is superb too, set up perfectly. it is a joy to play. Fitted with 14 tension hooks, and a three piece neck its lighter than Dallas-D even though its about the same size. Possibly my number 1 uke! Shown is the bottom photo along side the Ken Timms wooden uke

Dick Barrie Band - Third edition!

Here is another model from the "Dick Barrie bands" brand. I have a bit of a soft spot for this brand, as the Dick Barrie was the very first uke I ever restored! It wasn't like this one however. This one looks to be UK in origin. I would expect from around the 1950's It looks very much like the late model Dallas-E ukes, which were in fact made by George Houghton & sons in Birmingham. And as the previous Dick Barrie uke I did was a re-branded GHS, points more towards the fact the they probably made this one! This particular uke has a 9 inch head and an 11 inch mounted resonator, that has some nice white binding on it. (again very similar to the late model Dallas-E) 12 tension hooks give a good solid tone, it has quite a loud clear volume too. It has that UK uke sound. loud, but slightly woolly! The uke is finished with a clear lacquer covering. Its all still intact, apart from a bit of flaking on the pot. The resonator is still in excellent condition. With a nice veneer on the back. The neck is quite short with only 13 frets. Its in good order, looking virtually untouched. No fret wear at all. The uke looks heavy, i'd say it is about the same as the Dallas D & E. but it is comfortable. Comes complete with very good, solid hard fitted case. it even has the key!!

La Venicia Banjo uke

Here is a very nice looking Banjo uke. Branded as La Venicia, and made by JR Stewart in Chicago. They made other branded ukes such as the La Domino Its a very well made instrument. good quality metal work, nice sturdy tailpiece. It looks like it was based on the Gibson UB-2 design. it is very similar in looks. What is unusual and rare on this uke is the painted vellum. I believe this La Venicia range were the only ones from the JRS factory which had painted vellums. It has no affect on the tone or playability either. and considering the age, it is in remarkably good condition. The only thing I changed on the uke was to fit some new tuning pegs. the original ones were in bad shape, with rusty screws and they didn't hold the tension. The neck is straight, and apart from a bit of paint flaking here and there, the uke is in very good order.

Gibson UB-1

The Gibson UB-1. the smallest of the Gibson range with a 6 inch head. Dont be fooled into thinking this is a toy, or a novelty instrument. It is, i think one of the very best Banjo ukes around. With a fantastic sound i describe as "old radio" and plenty of volume too. I received in a tired state, although it still played and sounded fantastic. A testament to the quality of the Gibson range. I had all the metal re-plated, refinished the wood, and oiled the fretboard. Even the tuners were stripped, re-chromed and re fitted. Once the new calf skin, bridge and GHS clear strings were fitted it once again began to sing! This little belter is to be added to my own collection

S.S Stewart Banjo Ukulele

Here we have a USA made SS Stewart. Probably made around 1930's its an open backed uke, very similar in size and design as the Gibson UB-2. I imported this uke from the USA, i restored the wood finish, and polished it up. its a joy to play, very easy to hold and has a bright tone. I'd consider it a very underrated uke, they do pop up on Ebay.com, but are quite rare in the UK. Complete with 12 tension hooks and good quality metal parts.