1999 National Style N Resonator Soprano Ukulele

Wasn't I surprised when this popped out of its case? I see modern National ukes from time to time but it's fairly rare for a "silver" one to show-up around here. This one is date-stamped to '99 and is a fairly-typical "Style N" uke save for a little extra engraving at all the body's edges which give it some flair. It's also a soprano-scale instrument which is not as common as the concert-size instruments I see more often (and which suits me just fine as I'm a soprano uke guy).

When this was dropped-off, I noted that the sound was not as good as it could be and looked at it curiously. During setup and adjustments, it became clear that the pickup that had been installed was to blame as it put a lot of mass on the back of the cone. It also didn't sound great plugged-in. I removed it and then tidied-up the slightly-ragged jack hole that had been made for it in the side. It's a workmanly solder-patch that is not obvious at a glance -- especially as it's in the "down" position when you're playing it. There are a few internal photos included from when I first opened it up and spied this pickup. Note that it is removed now.

After that work all this needed was a quick setup and some cone positioning work. That done, it's now playing spot-on, loud, in tune, and happily -- and it's all buttoned-up and ready to go. The action is low and fast and geared towards a strummer or lighter fingerpicking attack. I could easily adjust it a little higher for a heavy-handed fingerpicker, however, if desired.

Repairs included: pickup removal, cleaning, tidying-up cone positioning/seating/intonation, restring, setup.

Body: brass (nickel-silver-plated)

Cone type: single cone (National-made, very lightweight)

Bridge: maple biscuit and saddle

Fretboard: ebony

Neck wood: mahogany

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

Neck shape: very slim D

Board radius: flat

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: small

Scale length: 13 3/4"

Nut width: 1 3/8"

Body width: 7"

Body depth: 2 1/4"

Weight: 2 lbs 6 oz

Condition notes: there's a patched (solder) jack-hole on the treble side in the normal position. There's also minor tarnish and light handling-scratching here and there to the finish on the body and hardware and just a bit of minor wear to the neck -- with one ding at the headstock's rear (small) being the only obvious bit. Strap buttons were added at some point, too. The original friction pegs are extant and work fine but could be replaced with geared pegs (Gotoh UPTs) before shipping if desired.

It comes with: its original hard case.