Avalon Banjo Ukulele, c. 1925, made in New York City, natural varnish finish, maple rim and neck.
An interesting, if simple, mid-'20s openback banjo ukulele. "Avalon" was a brand name of Henry Stadlmair of New York, best known for distributing Weissenborn Hawaiian guitars on the East Coast in the 1920s. Stadlmair also offered an extensive line of "Miami" ukuleles, taropatches, and tiples: "Used and Endorsed by UKE Hughes!".
The Avalon name seems to have been reserved for banjo-family instruments, and is probably traceable to the huge contemporary hit song "Avalon", mostly remembered now for Al Jolson's heartfelt rendition. All the Avalon instruments we have seen appear to be the work of New York's William Lange operation, famous for the Paramount and Orpheum banjo lines.
This is a fairly unassuming banjo-uke, well-made if certainly made to a price! The neck is slim and banjo-like, with no fret markers and plain black composite-button friction tuners. The Avalon name is inlaid in the headstock in individual plastic letters. A neat 1920s artifact and a very playable banjo-uke with a warmer and mellower tone than many.
Overall length is 21 1/2 in. (54.6 cm.), 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm.) diameter head, and 2 in. (5.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 13 in. (330 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/8 in. (35 mm.). Excellent Condition.
