C. F. Martin Style 1 Model Soprano Ukulele (1950s), made in Nazareth, PA, natural mahogany finish, mahogany body and neck, rosweood fingerboard, black hard shell case.
This is a super example of Martin's standard 1950s ukulele, a Style 1 appearing not much used and without much play wear at all. The Style 1 has tortoise celluloid and white line binding on the top, making it just a bit fancier looking than the otherwise similar put plain Style 0. As with most Martin ukes of this period it has the longer headstock fitted with Waverly #2014 short-shaft, hex-grommet tuners with white plastic buttons.
This Style 1 was built between the early 1950s and 1960, when "Made In USA" was added to the internal stamp. From the early 1950s into early '60s this model listed between $25 and $45, actually quite a bit of money for a ukulele at the time. Martins were some of the few pro-grade ukes available at the time, and considered the world's best pretty much across the board. This is a very well preserved instrument from that period, an excellent player with the expected great Martin sound.
Overall length is 21 in. (53.3 cm.), 6 3/8 in. (16.2 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 13 3/4 in. (349 mm.). Width of nut is 1 7/16 in. (36 mm.).
Considering it is well over half a century old this is a VERY clean uke. It shows some light general wear with small scuffs and dings but really looks not much played since Ike was in the White House. There are no visible crack repairs; and the original bridge does not look to have ever been reglued. The uke plays very well and sounds great, with a powerful and rich tone typical of older Martins. As an unusual bonus, it resides in a much older high-grade vintage case, the kind fancy Martins came in during the 1920s. Excellent Condition.
