1920s Ludwig Wendell Hall Professional Banjo Ukulele, Vintage Banjolele w/ ohsc

Up for sale, a 1920's Ludwig Wendell Hall Professional Banjo Ukulele in 100% original condition and in perfect working order. Considered the Cadillac of vintage banjo ukes, the Wendell Hall's popularity is indelibly linked to the model's most famous player, George Harrison, who used them to great effect in his post-Beatles years. This particular uke has a great sweetness to the tone, with the kind of projection and throaty "cluck" unique to the banjo uke design. Truly a professional grade instrument (in stark contrast to most banjo ukes made during the craze of the late '20s), this instrument has been setup and freshly restrung here at our shop, Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar.

The two-piece walnut neck features a chunky V profile at the nut that becomes rounder and deeper in the higher registers of the 16 fret neck, filling out to a deep U by fret 7. The ebony fretboard features pearl dot inlay and the original slender bar fretwire, which is in remarkable shape, showing only light, uniform wear on frets 1-4, and virtually no wear further up the neck. The nut measures 1 1/4" in width, and the scale length is a comfortable 14". The original Planet pat. pending 4:1 geared tuning pegs are intact with their original ivoroid buttons, and these tuners are considered the pinnacle of vintage banjo tuner design, with a very smooth and reliable feel. The gold script "Wendell Hall Professional" text is intact on the face of the headstock, with some moderate delaminating of the original finish, common on this model, and also seen on the neck profile of this particular example.

The original bridge and tailpiece are both present, and a stock armrest is integrated into the tension hoop. The head has 16 points of adjustment for tightening and tuning purposes, and the 7 1/2" head is of significant age and likely original. The resonator is also bound and features intricate marquetry around the circumference as well. Cosmetically, there are various small nicks and scratches on the resonator and some surface patina on the tension hoop, but overall this ukulele is in remarkable shape for its age.

The original hardshell case is included. This case features all working latches, the original handle, and a green plush interior with original gold Ludwig badge intact.