Two c.1920s Sears Catalog Banjo Ukes


Here's a pair of (originally) identical low-cost Sears catalog banjo ukes, probably the $1.25 or $1.75 special (can't remember which). One I've equipped with a spare set of period-correct wood pegs, the other has new Grover 2Bs and a replacement tailpiece, made from a leftover banjo tailpiece.


The one on the left has had a rough-and-tumble life, while the one on the right is more or less in really good, original shape. Old "rough and tumble" has a painting on the back of its head of a (creepy?) lady and I've had to move the tension hoop screw holes around due to the installation of giant wood screws (previously) through the original hole locations.


Both are very lightweight and quite resonant, the painted lady uke with more of a bite to the tone and the plain one with more of a dry, mellower tone.


Here's the painting. Also note the split rim due to the use of giant wood screws before restoration. This is not much of an issue for structural integrity, though I may glue it up at some point and install a small mending plate.
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Comments

Anonymous said…
These remind me of the Neptune banjo uke you posted about in July. I guess the style of the rims.
Tamster
August 18, 2009 at 12:34 PM
Josh said…
Was one of these what I just bought from you on eBay?
August 21, 2009 at 5:04 PM
Josh said…
It is! It is! Quite an adorable little thing, too. And even rather playable Thanks!
August 26, 2009 at 11:41 PM
Antebellum Instruments said…
Josh: I thought that was you! How do you like it? They're charming little devils -- that one that I sold you is great for recording as it doesn't have a lot of peculiar overtones.
August 28, 2009 at 1:21 PM
Josh said…
Charming indeed. Hadn't thought about recording, but you're right; it has a pretty uncomplicated tone. One trick (I guess common to all open-back resonators) is to figure out how not to totally dampen the tone with my belly.
August 28, 2009 at 2:17 PM
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