1940s Martin 1C Concert Ukulele

This is a customer's uke that was in for an overhaul. The action was a little over 3/32" at the 12th fret and he wanted to get it down to spec (that's 1/16" at the 12th fret for me). To get that result without lowering the saddle or modifying the bridge, I reset the neck just a hair. After associated work, this guy turned-out great and it has a very satisfying sound.

I often find Martin concerts somewhat bright and shiny and chipper on the tonal spectrum, but this one is somewhere between that usual palette and the soprano-sized Martins with their relaxed, sweet tone. It's one of the better-sounding Martin concert ukes I've played because of that.

Work included: a neck reset, fret level/dress, and setup. I compensated the top of the saddle a little to improve intonation. Action is spot-on at 1/16" at the 12th fret and it's strung with D'Addario fluorocarbon strings.

Scale length: 14 7/8"

Nut width: 1 3/8"

String spacing at nut: 1 1/4"

String spacing at bridge: 1 5/8"

Body length: 10 7/8"

Lower bout width: 7 3/4"

Waist width: 4 5/8"

Upper bout width: 5 3/4"

Side depth at endpin: 2 11/16"

Top wood: solid mahogany

Back/sides wood: solid mahogany

Neck wood: mahogany

Bracing type: ladder

Fretboard: Brazilian rosewood, ebony nut

Bridge: mahogany, ebony saddle

Neck feel: slim-to-medium C shape, flat board

Condition notes: several repaired back cracks and one repaired top crack (old work), minor wear and tear to the finish, and replacement (nice Gotoh UPTs) tuners. Otherwise it's original and in good order.

The Gotoh UPT pegs are tons better than the original Grover Champion friction pegs would've been. These are 4:1 and geared and actually lighter-weight than what was originally on it (I'm not a big fan of Champions at all).

Isn't that tortoise binding killer?