~1923 Martin K2 Koa

Martin Style 2K Ukulele c 1923 | $1695 | (v2421) Hawaiian music began its popularity in the early part of the twentieth century due to touring Hawaiian musicians and the emergence of published Hawaiian music and the manufacture of the instruments on which to play it. By the late teens, Martin was offering ukuleles and they became so popular that Martin enlarged its factory to accomodate the success. Into the early 1920s Martin ukes were outselling guitars. In 1920, Martin began to offer its uke line in native Hawaiian koa. This particular example dates from that time period and is a Style 2K. Since Martin ukes through most of the early decades bore no serial numbers, it can be trickey to date them.

The Style 2K features koa back and sides, mahogany neck, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with bar frets and markers at 5, 7 and 10, three-ply binding around the top, and white celluloid aaround the back. The sound hole features five inlaid purfling rings. The nut and saddle are ebony. The tuning pegs are the early violin peg type. Inside, the back is stamped: C.F. Martin & Co. Nazareth, PA, with the same stamp on the back of the head stock, which also includes Made in USA indicating this uke was exported.

The body measures 6 1/2" across at the lower bout. Body length is 20 3/4".

The uke is in solid, excellent condition with no evident repairs. Two of the violin pegs appear to be replacements. The uke retains its original Geib hard case also in excellent condition.

The uke plays easily and produces the bouncy tone expected from a finely crafted Martin instrument.

Retains its original hard case.