c.1920 La Melodia Koa Ukulele
Here's some eye candy for uke lovers! This is a fantastic c.1920 (might be a hair earlier) ukulele, probably built in the mainland in Chicago, but after the Hawaiian style. It has rope binding top, bottom, and soundhole, an elegant headstock with (at least half) original friction tuners, and (you guessed it) flame koa top, back, and sides. For a koa nut like myself, this is a-yum-yum!
I sold this uke recently to a lucky customer I believe in California, who is probably cuddling it every day (at least I hope!). This one has excellent playing characteristics: low action, nice wide fretboard with inlaid wood position dots, and I set it up with nylguts for authentic tone. Speaking of tone, have a listen! Click here for Mp3!
Someone ahead of me had at the minimum revarnished the entire uke which gives its (otherwise originality) a nice luster. My job involved a neck reset, slight separation repair, and setup. This is a very well-made uke and it really feels sturdy and comfortable in the hands.
And wow! Look at that fretboard!
A previous owner, probably "back in the day," carved GCEA to remember the tuning... sheesh.
Label.
Would you look at that wood? Flame... on a flame table. Yep!
Beauty shot.
Fun functional tuners. Two rosewood, two ebony.
Heel join.
Original bridge.
More glow. Hope you enjoyed!
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