jwicker - Posted - 02/04/2013:  13:57:03

Brand new Hangout member here.

My family has an old banjolele that my grandmother had when she was a child.

She is 90 now.

[URL=http://s257.photobucket.com/albums/hh204/jonwicker/Banjolele/?action=view&current=IMG_3395_zps13b7f611.jpg][/URL]

[URL=http://s257.photobucket.com/albums/hh204/jonwicker/Banjolele/?action=view&current=IMG_3396_zps98270ef9.jpg][/URL]

[URL=http://s257.photobucket.com/albums/hh204/jonwicker/Banjolele/?action=view&current=IMG_3397_zps63ae86de.jpg][/URL]

[URL=http://s257.photobucket.com/albums/hh204/jonwicker/Banjolele/?action=view&current=IMG_3398_zps28fa2f50.jpg][/URL]

[URL=http://s257.photobucket.com/albums/hh204/jonwicker/Banjolele/?action=view&current=IMG_3399_zpsf859699c.jpg][/URL]

[URL=http://s257.photobucket.com/albums/hh204/jonwicker/Banjolele/?action=view&current=IMG_3400_zpse48b77ae.jpg][/URL]

[URL=http://s257.photobucket.com/albums/hh204/jonwicker/Banjolele/?action=view&current=IMG_3394_zps98c9cd02.jpg][/URL]

bargrasspicker - Posted - 02/04/2013:  14:56:17

are there any markings on there? the headstock looks like a mauna koa uke that i have but the pot and resonator do not. I dont think these things have much value unfortunatly, but they are so much fun to play they should.

SWCooper - Posted - 02/04/2013:  15:53:19

Ukulele is seeing a huge resurgence at the moment. I don't *think* that one is very valuable, but I'm no expert. You'll find experts on the Ukulele Underground forum.

I'd be thrilled to have my grandmother's uke, though, so there's that.

BANJOJUDY - Posted - 02/04/2013:  16:01:22

I cannot see the pictures you posted.  Can you re-post or provide links that work?

Thanks...Judy

NYCJazz - Posted - 02/04/2013:  16:53:24

s257.beta.photobucket.com/user...917293422

These no-name banjo ukes were very very popular in the mid to late 20's. Enjoying your music outside of the home back then was difficult. Portable radios and record players were still the size of a small suitcase. A banjo uke was an easy way to accompany you and your friends as you sung the latest song! They were easy to learn, and much sturdier than a regular uke. The skin head made a great surface for artwork and autographs, so you often see frat members signatures and all sorts of drawings.

You should be able to get that into playing condtion easily. Start a thread on the "Building and Setup and Repair" category and you'll have more advice than you could believe!

Any banjo uke is special. A family connection makes it even better!

Have fun!

Edited by - NYCJazz on 02/04/2013 17:14:30

bigdream53 - Posted - 02/05/2013:  06:05:17

quote:

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Originally posted by jwicker

 

Brand new Hangout member here.

My family has an old banjolele that my grandmother had when she was a child.

She is 90 now.

 

[URL=http://s257.photobucket.com/albums/hh204/jonwicker/Banjolele/?action=view¤t=IMG_3395_zps13b7f611.jpg][/URL]

[URL=http://s257.photobucket.com/albums/hh204/jonwicker/Banjolele/?action=view¤t=IMG_3396_zps98270ef9.jpg][/URL]

[URL=http://s257.photobucket.com/albums/hh204/jonwicker/Banjolele/?action=view¤t=IMG_3397_zps63ae86de.jpg][/URL]

[URL=http://s257.photobucket.com/albums/hh204/jonwicker/Banjolele/?action=view¤t=IMG_3398_zps28fa2f50.jpg][/URL]

[URL=http://s257.photobucket.com/albums/hh204/jonwicker/Banjolele/?action=view¤t=IMG_3399_zpsf859699c.jpg][/URL]

[URL=http://s257.photobucket.com/albums/hh204/jonwicker/Banjolele/?action=view¤t=IMG_3400_zpse48b77ae.jpg][/URL]

[URL=http://s257.photobucket.com/albums/hh204/jonwicker/Banjolele/?action=view¤t=IMG_3394_zps98c9cd02.jpg][/URL]

 

Any/all information is appreciated !

 

Thanks

jwicker

 

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  I've been collecting banjo ukes for over 35 years.  Post some pictures with the resonator removed showing inside the pot and there's a good chance I'll be able to tell you who manufactured it!  The lighting on your pics makes it difficult to make out details.  Try using natural sunlight and make sure you stay in focus.  Avoid glare!  Thanks!

jwicker - Posted - 02/05/2013:  07:39:20

Thanks so much for the welcoming advice and words.
The mandolin is hanging on the wall at my parents' house.
Next time I am over I will see if I can get the back off for more photos.

We have looked at StewMac and online for a bridge, but can't seem to find one that looks like it would work.

We certainly want to get it in a playable condition.... eventually.

thanks
jw