BANJO UKE

PRODUCT

This Banjo-ukulele had a makers mark that showed it was initially built in 1920. This project involved restoration, conservation and the addition of new components to preserve the instrument and restore it to playable condition.

When bought, the banjo-uke had a rough discoloured varnish finish that was clearly aging badly. This was stripped to reveal the original wood which was refinished with danish oil and beeswax for a softer more natural feel. The worn white synthetic banjo skin was replaced with a natural goatskin. The headstock was subtly reshaped to remove a badly chipped edge and the badly rusted, un-usable tuning heads were replaced with a set of era appropriate waverly vintage tuners. The worn patina of the body was polished but not re-plated to maintain the sense of age and heritage. Finally the instrument was re-strung with traditional ukulele gut-strings.