c.1920 Weymann No. 15 Soprano Ukulele

 Weymann was a high-quality builder of banjos and mandolins (and to a lesser extent, guitars), during the c.1890s to 1930s. Their tenor banjos are very well known, their earlier 5-string banjos pretty sought-after, and their mandolute line is also well respected.

The serial dates this Weymann style 15 at 1920. Their ukes are very rare and very few examples exist so this is a pretty cool find. When I first posted about this instrument I had assumed it was Martin-built, but after talking with folks and doing more research it became apparent it was definitely a Weymann product. To be honest, I was a little uncomfortable with how stiff the build felt (though it has a gorgeous sound) as Martins tend to feel springier.

Weymann products in general (wood-bodied ones rather than banjos) always tend to feel stiff to the touch and sturdier.

The styling is essentially the same as a Martin style 2 uke.

My work on this uke included cleaning, fret dress, slight hairline crack repair, a light bridge shave, installation of a new bone saddle (the original rosewood one was broken anyhow), and setup. It plays like a dream, has that pretty, bell-like, chimey old tone, and feels great. The top & bottom white celluloid binding looks snazzy as well.

MOP dots in a rosewood board.

Tuners are good quality Champion pegs.

Finish has weather checking but is gloriously pretty and glossy.

New bone saddle gives more punch, clarity and a more sweetly balanced tone.

The mahogany is good-grade stuff.

There's the Weymann label affixed to the back of the headstock.

End block area.