1930s U-King-Style Resonator Banjo Ukulele

This banjo uke is of the style I generically call "U-King" as the tailpiece is stamped U-King on them. No one is sure who made them, I believe, but a number of us think they may be Richter builds from Chicago. In any case, this one dates to the early '30s (more or less) and has a great, Formby-like, resonator banjolele-style sound to it. It's loud and snappy and bright with the head cranked tight.

New recruit to the shop Jose did most of the work on this and it turned-out playing spot-on and it's ready to go.

Repairs included: fret level/dress, side dots, new bridge, new nut, cleaning, tuner adjustments, setup, etc.

Weight: 2 lbs 15 oz

Scale length: 13"

Nut width: 1 3/16"

Neck shape: slim-medium C/oval

Board radius: flat

Head diameter: 7"

Resonator diameter: 9"

Depth overall at rim: 3"

Rim wood: metal

Tonering: integral

Bridge: maple/ebony

Fretboard: top of neck

Neck wood: not sure

Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast, spot-on)
String gauges: fluorocarbon

Truss rod: N/A

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: low/small

Condition notes: while it's got wear to the finish throughout, it does look nice. The copper color of the resonator and rim is pretty striking with the orangey-brown-toned neck. It's original throughout save for bridge and tuners and a little spruce spacer someone made that fits between the flange and the back of the heel to snug-up the connection.

It comes with: an old mandolin chip case.

Consignor tag: F4F