~1920 Martin Style 2 Mahogany

Martin Style 2 Ukulele c 1920 | $1150 | (v2420) Hawaiian music in the continental US 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. This particular example dates from that time period and is a semi-fancy Style 2. Since Martin ukes through most of the early decades bore no serial numbers, it can be tricky to date them.

The Style 2 body is made from a nice grade of ribbon mahogany, bound on top in w/b/w trim and white on the back. The neck is mahogany and features a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with small bar frets, typical on all Martin ukes of the period. The board has position dots at 5, 7 and 9 and some uke researchers note that the 9th position dot is indicative of the earliest run of Martin-made ukes. The nut appears maple, and the bridge is Brazilian rosewood. The tuners are the original violin type. The C.F. Martin & Co. Nazareth, PA stamp appears on the back of the head stock and inside the body.

The body is 21" in length. The lower bout measures 6 3/8". The neck is 1 1/2" at the nut and string spacing is 2 3/16" at the saddle.

The uke is in pristine, original condition and retains a remarkable state of preservation, including its original Harptone 'Bullshead' hard case.

The uke plays easily with quite a powerful tone and ring. A wonderful piece of Martin history!