Vintage Levin Model 500 (1945), VG

Vintage Levin 500 (1945), Soprano Ukulele
Herman Carlson Levin (1864-1948)

Hand-made in Sweden. Condition: Very Good.

A vintage pearly tone with a full-bodied, crisp sound, easy play and an ongoing sense of history grace this uke. Supported by all-solid tone woods, Levin’s superior design and classic artisanal expertise come to the fore. Levin, who trained in woodcraft in Gothenburg, moved to NYC where he worked up from his guitar polisher position to partner in a new instrument company.

Levin returned to Sweden in 1900 to found the Levin company, which became the largest Scandinavian instrument producer for a number of years. Eventually Levin produced the Goya brand of guitars sold in America, which it kept producing for a time after the company was bought by Martin in 1973. The Levin brand also has been recognized by many as the “European Gibson,” and the sunburst finish here echoes that thought.

This WWII Era ukulele is complete in original parts – except for a missing end pin. And there is one addition, a previous owner secured a very small wood screw into the back of the ukulele below the heel to fasten a strap/cord (see images). The other end was attached to a tuner, as I found and removed a remnant of the cord that was still knotted there. The screw remains, it’s a practical addition.

The instrument exhibits a normal patina of finish checking as may be expected with 81 year-old vintage nitrocellulose finishes. Otherwise, the build is entirely sturdy and sound. There are numerous small marks as found on most instruments that see regular use across such a span of years. Some handsome pick wear is evident near the sound hole. The wear is not deep and has brought the vertical grain of the wood into relief without wearing out the finish.

The brass frets and saddle are freshly polished. The fingerboard and bridge are newly cleaned and oiled. Tuners are operational, recently greased (slide grease) and they move smoothly. Action is at 3mm (0.118”, less than 1/8”) at the 12th fret. Intonation is on target.

It’s a marvelous, vintage European-made instrument ready to pour out the next song.

Specifications*
• Solid Spruce top
• Solid Flamed Birch back and sides
• Walnut fingerboard with pearloid dot inlay
• Mahogany neck
• Rosewood classical bridge
• Brass guitar-style tuners, brass frets & brass saddle
• Sunburst-nitrocellulose finish
• Serial Number 165278
• New Gearlux Soft Case included

* The majority of info on this model comes from a Swedish website devoted to all things Levin.