Author Topic: Who knows about banjo ukuleles? (Read 14844 times)

Forty Rod · « **on:** April 04, 2009, 07:33:55 PM »

This one belonged to my dad and someone named Byron (Unkown person), and me. All of those names are on the inside of the drum head. May not be our period, but I doubt it was made after 1930 or so, possibly much earlier. I know he had it when he met Mom in 1933 or '34.

No maker's marks that I can find. Dad's name, Byron's name, and my name are handwritten on it, nothing else. The head has been decorated in black and red paint or ink, but is otherwise sound as far as I can tell. All four strings are in good shape, again as far as I can tell. The case is tattered but intact.

This instrument had not been played in fifty or more years that I know of and hasn't been out of the case a dozen times in those years.

I'd like to know more about it and if it's worth anything other than whatever sentimental value it has. Dad never had much money, so I doubt he paid over a buck or two for it. He might have taken it in trade or picked it up in a pawn shop for a dime. I just don't know.

Any help will be appreciated.

Leo Tanner · « **Reply #1 on:** April 04, 2009, 08:27:11 PM »

What is the top made of? Is it a drum head, skin or wood?
A picture would help if you can do that.

Forty Rod · « **Reply #2 on:** April 05, 2009, 01:42:52 PM »

Appears to be skin, but I don't know for sure.

I'll have to see about pictures.

Advertising · « **Reply #3 on:** **Today** at 05:49:01 PM »

Leo Tanner · « **Reply #3 on:** April 05, 2009, 02:07:25 PM »

Strings gut er nylon? Of course I'm sure they've been changed if there are still in good shape.

Sounds like ya really have somethin there, gonna make a call to a friend even though we don't have pictures or a maker's mark.

Justician · « **Reply #4 on:** April 05, 2009, 06:24:10 PM »

My wife and I play banjo ukuleles. They are a lot of fun.

Here is a site that has a great deal of information.

http://www.banjoukes.com/index.html

You might also want to check out George Formby. He was a big star in England during the 30s and 40s. He made several movies and had his own orchestra. He started the banjo uke craze during that time. Here is a YouTube link of him performing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdHtOTaN5ic&feature=related

Justician

Forty Rod · « **Reply #5 on:** April 05, 2009, 07:01:00 PM »

Quote from: Leo Tanner on April 05, 2009, 02:07:25 PM

Strings gut er nylon? Of course I'm sure they've been changed if there are still in good shape.

Sounds like ya really have somethin there, gonna make a call to a friend even though we don't have pictures or a maker's mark.

Looking at them I'd say gut. Don't know if nylon was even available when these were put on right after WWII.

Arcey · « **Reply #6 on:** April 05, 2009, 07:12:30 PM »

Had an electric ukulele way back. Every time I’d mess with it Arthur Godfrey’d call ‘n say ‘cut it out’. Threw it away.

Forty Rod · « **Reply #7 on:** April 05, 2009, 07:22:18 PM »

Looks most like a Slingerland May Bell, 8" head, blond open back body, blonde one piece neck and peg head, dark wood (painted?) wood pegs, nickel-plated metal work, Grover Non-Tip bridge, decal trim around body near bottom, four round pearl inlays on fret board between brass cross-piece thingies #5/6, 7/8, 10/11, and 12/13.

Case is black artificial leather with three nickel-plated flip catches and purple fabric lining. There is a lidded "pick box".

Still trying for pictures.

Thanks.

Leo Tanner · « **Reply #8 on:** April 05, 2009, 07:57:24 PM »

They's called frets.

Arcey just made me spit on the screen.

Delmonico · « **Reply #9 on:** April 06, 2009, 05:24:58 PM »

Quote from: Arcey on April 05, 2009, 07:12:30 PM

Had an electric ukulele way back. Every time I’d mess with it Arthur Godfrey’d call ‘n say ‘cut it out’. Threw it away.

And no Tiny Arcey will do "Tip to through the kudzu."

Texas Lawdog · « **Reply #10 on:** April 06, 2009, 07:05:41 PM »

I'd pay to see that!

Arcey · « **Reply #11 on:** April 07, 2009, 08:17:20 AM »

Ain’t quite sure whut Del meant ta say……….

Kin tell ya ‘Tiptoe’ is awright. If ya got good money, Black Magic Woman is much better.

Texas Lawdog · « **Reply #12 on:** April 07, 2009, 08:31:22 AM »

I'd rather hear Carlos Santana play the guitar than TT play the Uke.

Leo Tanner · « **Reply #13 on:** April 07, 2009, 01:11:05 PM »

That guy was in need of some adjustments s'far as I'm concerned. Did some radio innerviews in the 90's fer some unknown reason. He was still just as weird as ever.

Leo Tanner · « **Reply #14 on:** April 09, 2009, 03:06:25 PM »

Well 40, with the information provided, that instrament could be worth anywhere between $25 an $2500. That's what I was told as usless as it sounds. Depends if it's a knock off or the real deal. The gal I talked to is real interested in seeing it, but I told her this was an internet communication from several miles away. She figures there must be someone in LA that would know, but make absolutly sure it's someone you trust. Apperenly the old instrament trade is full of sharks and a lot folks have been burned. Wish I could have helped more.

Lucky Irish Tom · « **Reply #15 on:** April 11, 2009, 07:05:42 PM »

It definitely is Leo. I had a Martin many years ago and needed cash, a fella offered me $500. Before I could hook up with him to sell it a friend who worked part time in a music store, I didn't know it or I would have called him first. Anyway he hooked me up with someone he said would give me a fair price and still turn it around for a profit. That feller gave me $1200 for it and said once he cleaned it up and professional fixed a small blemish in the body he would be able to sell it for around $1500. So likee Leo said Forty be very careful.

Curley Cole · « **Reply #16 on:** April 15, 2009, 02:54:07 PM »

In our folk music days me and Old Top were fledging members of a group known as "the undecided conflict", mostly cuz we couldn't decide on a name. Top had difficulty playing the record player....I attempted to play guitar and washboard and washtub bass, (until some one stole my glove) I also had gotten a cool 6 string banjo, Old Top just reminded me that when I sold it, I sold it to a girl from Alhambra, and the following weekend, I spent all the money on her....my way of keeping the economy going.

Top in those days did an outstanding version of the Christy Minstriels "Tip Toe Thru The Tulips" (Don't even ask about my pantomine of Pipeline...)

4Trod, I would love to see that thing....

Also my ex and I had a dobro made in 1932 and it had a pearl head piece and was dated at 1932, and the lady that gave it to us had played it in a little country radio show most of those years. When we split up she got to keep the Cripple Creek dulicmer and the dobro, she thought she was gonna get a fortune for it. took it to a dealer, and turns out she only got about $50...(I think she got ripped, but since she was my ex..that was just perfect..still wish I had the dulcimer tho..

curley

Forty Rod · « **Reply #17 on:** April 15, 2009, 04:02:10 PM »

Come on down and I'll show it to you.

Curley Cole · « **Reply #18 on:** April 15, 2009, 04:17:13 PM »

Quote from: Forty Rod on April 15, 2009, 04:02:10 PM

Come on down and I'll show it to you.

I gotta bring yer box o money back, so maybe some time end of this week or next begining..

curley

Trinity · « **Reply #19 on:** April 20, 2009, 07:17:04 PM »

You oughta ask this gal on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/user/jaaaaaaa

She plays one on occasion, and rather well, I think.

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Author Topic: Who knows about banjo ukuleles? (Read 14844 times)

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