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Antique Vintage c.1924 Gibson UB Ukulele Banjo All Original w/ 9" Head,Trapdoor
Estimated price for orientation: 739 $
Category: Banjos
Class:
Description Era: 1920s Model: UB Brand: Gibson Banjo Type: Ukuele Banjo Exact Year: 1924 / 1925 Country/Region of Manufacture: United States Number of Strings: 4 UPC: Does not apply
Please see photos. Really clean & unique instrument in very good all original condition. Gibson only made the UB Model in late 1924 & '25 and at that time used a mandoiln neck ('Snakehead'). Thus we have a 9" Pot with 14" scale making for a very powerful sounding Ukulele Banjo...more like a Concert uke were it traditional wood construction.
Additionally, with the 14" scale Mandolin neck many vintage shops ,Gruhn included, often set these up as a 4 string Mandolin Banjo. Intriguing,eh? You're getting a pretty versatile and historic Gibson instrument here. And to top it off, you have this remarkable ink drawing on the Head.The drawing, signed 'Chas.P. Knowe' is a beautifully detailed rendering of what I'm quite sure is a period Cadillac La Salle (artist has written 'LS' on hubcaps). It was quite common for players ,especially collegians & Glee Club folks, to decorate their instruments during the roaring 20s. In my opinion / best guess, this is the original head and the artwork goes back to the 1920s. As I've said,It is consistent with common practices for the era and the instrument itself is overall so well preserved I suspect it was kept in a closet or 'under the bed' for many decades.
In terms of overall condition, it rates at least a 'Very Good.' Neck is straight, Frets are good, very nice player and LOUD ! Features all original hardware in nice condition with just some light surface pitting. There are a couple spots of plating loss around the plated rim. THE GIBSON logo is gold paint and it 'greening out' some after all this time. There are some small nicks around headstock edges but quite minor. Tuners are original & work well. Comes in the original brown SSC shown, good condition. As always, sold satisfaction guaranteed.
Description
| Era: | 1920s | Model: | UB |
| Brand: | Gibson | Banjo Type: | Ukuele Banjo |
| Exact Year: | 1924 / 1925 | Country/Region of Manufacture: | United States |
| Number of Strings: | 4 | UPC: | Does not apply |
Additionally, with the 14" scale Mandolin neck many vintage shops ,Gruhn included, often set these up as a 4 string Mandolin Banjo. Intriguing,eh? You're getting a pretty versatile and historic Gibson instrument here. And to top it off, you have this remarkable ink drawing on the Head.The drawing, signed 'Chas.P. Knowe' is a beautifully detailed rendering of what I'm quite sure is a period Cadillac La Salle (artist has written 'LS' on hubcaps). It was quite common for players ,especially collegians & Glee Club folks, to decorate their instruments during the roaring 20s. In my opinion / best guess, this is the original head and the artwork goes back to the 1920s. As I've said,It is consistent with common practices for the era and the instrument itself is overall so well preserved I suspect it was kept in a closet or 'under the bed' for many decades.
In terms of overall condition, it rates at least a 'Very Good.' Neck is straight, Frets are good, very nice player and LOUD ! Features all original hardware in nice condition with just some light surface pitting. There are a couple spots of plating loss around the plated rim. THE GIBSON logo is gold paint and it 'greening out' some after all this time. There are some small nicks around headstock edges but quite minor. Tuners are original & work well. Comes in the original brown SSC shown, good condition. As always, sold satisfaction guaranteed.