1920s Slingerland MayBell Resonator Banjo-Ukulele Conversion

Overview: As I recall, I worked on this one some time ago and quickly traded it to a customer before I got it up on the blog. I'd converted it from an 8-string banjo-mandolin into a 4-string banjo-ukulele and it's been very happy ever since. He traded it back into me recently.

It's a Regal-made instrument, likely from the late '20s, and has Slingerland MayBell branding on the dowel. It also has pretty pearl inlay in the headstock, a simple hoop-tonering rim, mahogany neck and mahogany veneer on the rim, and new Remo Renaissance head, new bridge, and fresh set of vintage-style tuners. Note that it also has a cool, engraved Waverly "cloud" tailpiece cover and a "pie plate" resonator back as well.

There's no reason this couldn't be restrung and setup as a 4-string banjo-mandolin, but banjo-ukes with big rims like this are tremendous fun, so I didn't see a need to change it up.

Repairs included: Previously, it got a new head, new bridge, new tuners, minor headstock mod, a level/dress of the frets, and setup work. It's playing spot-on and ready to serve.

• Weight: 5 lbs 9 oz
• Scale length: 13 7/8"
• Nut width: 1 3/16"
• Neck shape: medium D
• Board radius: flat
• Depth at first fret: 0.88"
• Depth at seventh fret: 0.97"
• Head diameter: 10 3/4"
• Depth overall at rim: 3"
• Rim wood: ply maple w/mahogany veneer
• Tonering: simple hoop
• Bridge: maple/ebony Grover 2-fot
• Fretboard: ebonized maple
• Neck wood: mahogany
• Action height at 12th fret: 1/16” overall(fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: D'Addario fluorocarbon
• Truss rod: none
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: narrower/low

Condition notes: It's been modded, of course, but is quite clean for its age and looks great. There are minor scuffs/scratches here and there throughout.

It comes with: It has an old, hard case.

Consignor tag: JW