1920s Unmarked Baritone Banjo-Ukulele Conversion

I'm not at all sure of the maker of this instrument but its headstock design, neck construction, and "marquetry" inlay veneer on the side of the rim reminds me very much of early 1930s Weymann products intended for student or mid-level sale. Don't quote me on that, though, as I'm really not sure.

At any rate, it's a well-made, well-worn, cute old tenor banjo that we've converted/modded for use as a "baritone banjo ukulele." These shorter-scale tenor banjos (sub-21" scale) work nicely for this stringing and, as steel string openbacks, often sound a little lackluster for "standard use." Strung with nylon or fluorocarbon for use as baritone ukes, however, they can often shine (like this one does).

My guy Jose did much of the work on this one but I helped him along the way here and there and it plays spot-on and is ready for service. I used a set of D'Addario EJ99TLG (low G tenor uke) strings as they work perfectly for an all-plain set of baritone uke strings on an instrument of this scale. One could also string this up with the DGBE strings of a classical guitar set or also the heavier 4 strings from an Aquila Nylgut "minstrel banjo" set. Regular baritone ukulele strings can work but will feel a little stiff on this scale length.

Repairs included: a fret level/dress, side dots, replacement (geared 4:1) tuners, cleaning, new nut, and setup-side work.

Weight: 4 lbs 5 oz

Scale length: 20 1/2"

Nut width: 1 1/8"

Neck shape: medium-deeper U/C

Board radius: flat

Head diameter: 11"

Depth overall at rim: 2 3/4"

Rim wood: ply maple

Tonering: archtop hoop-style

Bridge: maple/ebony

Fretboard: ebonized maple or similar

Neck wood: maple

Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast, spot-on)
String gauges: D'Addario EJ99TLG tenor set (works well for DGBE baritone on this scale)

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: low/small

Condition notes: it shows wear and tear to the finish throughout with some hairline cracks to the veneer on the side of the rim and a little grime in the interior of the rim. There are scuffs/scratches here and there throughout, of course. The tuners are replacement modern 4:1 geared uke pegs and the nut is newer bone. It has an older Remo synthetic head installed and it's likely that the tailpiece (a '30s mandolin-style one) is not original. The tailpiece was crunched-up in a funky way but we've bent it back into shape more or less and it will hold both tied (uke-style) nylon/gut strings and/or loop-end steel strings.

It comes with: no case, sorry.

Consignor tag: PK