1950s Gretsch Mahogany Soprano Ukulele

Update 2021: I originally worked on this uke for its owner back in 2018, but since then it's returned back here for consignment. I've updated this post fully.

Gretsch ukes are always popular when I've had them in the shop. They have that sweet, warm, cocoa-like sound to them that the Martin Style 0s get, but they're a little less refined and more straight to the point. This particular one actually sounds a lot like a '30s Favilla mahogany soprano -- a good thing -- and in that same family of tone.

I worked on this one in the past -- giving it a level/dress of the frets, side dots and replacement face dots, and a bridge reglue. This time around I did a bit extra and so now it's playing spot-on and fast and it sounds (and functions) even better.

This guy's solid mahogany throughout and even the fretboard is mahogany. It has no cracks but it does have a couple of sharp ding/scratches on the back. Otherwise the finish is in good order and clean throughout.

Repairs included: (previously) a fret level/dress, side dots and replacement face dots, and a bridge reglue. Currently, I've replaced the original wooden saddle with a fret saddle for better intonation and have added Tune-A-Lele 4:1 geared tuners at the headstock to replace the terrible friction pegs that were on it. String mounting has been added-to -- you can either use the ball-up slots as-normal or you can string through the top with the addition of four small holes drilled under the bridge in the slots. This is how I've set it up -- it gives better tone and puts less stress on the bridge itself.

Top wood: solid mahogany

Back & sides wood: solid mahogany

Bracing type: ladder

Bridge: mahogany

Fretboard: mahogany

Neck wood: mahogany

Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast)
String gauges: D'Addario fluorocarbon

Neck shape: medium C

Board radius: flat

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: medium-low

Scale length: 13 1/2"

Nut width: 1 3/8"

Body width: 6 1/4"

Body depth: 2 1/4"

Weight: 0 lbs 11 oz

Condition notes: it's in good order and clean throughout save two back scratch/nick/gouges. The tuners and fret saddle are unoriginal -- as are the face dots and side dots at the neck.

It comes with: an original chip case.