C. F. Martin Style 2-K Soprano Ukulele , c. 1928

C. F. Martin  Style 2-K Soprano Ukulele ,  c. 1928
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Item # 11642
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C. F. Martin Style 2-K Model Soprano Ukulele, c. 1928, made in Nazareth, PA, dark mahogany finish, Koa wood body, mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, original black hard shell case.

This is a very fine-sounding Martin Style 2K ukulele from the later 1920's, with lovely colorful koa wood on the top and back. This uke has the Grover Simplex "barrel" friction pegs with grained ivoroid buttons introduced in the later '20s, so dates to around that time. It features a triple celluloid bound koa top, single bound back, six-ply soundhole ring and ebony nut and saddle. The rosewood fingerboard is fitted with small bar frets and small dot inlay.

These early Martins are built to the company's highest 1920s standard; at the time and even now 100 years on they are considered easily amongst the best ukuleles ever manufactured. The 2K listed at over $20.00 in the 1920's, which was not a lot for a Martin instrument but quite expensive compared to most ukes, even the fancy Hawaiian styles. This model sold in much smaller quantities than the less expensive style 0's and 1's, and is a far rarer find today. This one has some older repairs but remains all original, simply a very fine, unaltered example of Martin's midline koa ukulele with the original deluxe hardshell case.
 
Overall length is 20 3/4 in. (52.7 cm.), 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 5/16 in. (5.9 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 13 5/8 in. (346 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/8 in. (35 mm.).

This little Martin shows some play wear and older repair work but remains all original and in excellent playing condition. There is wear through the finish on the top/front edge just below the fingerboard and more discreetly along the top/back edge; the back has some similar wear in the upper waist area. Overall there are some small dings, scratches dents and scuff marks, the deepest dings on the lower side but no overfinishing. The back of the neck has some finish worn through on the lower positions.

There is one prominent grain crack on the top lower treble bout, solidly sealed long ago but quite visible with no touch up added. A couple of tiny ancillary cracks can be seen in the same area. The back center has a long sealed grain split that is much less conspicuous. Even considering the wear this is a superlative playing and sounding koa wood uke from Martin's best era. The high-grade green felt lined hardshell case is a lovely bonus, also somewhat worn but quite solid. Overall Very Good + Condition.